IX. David O. McKay The opening session of the Conference convened Friday morning, April 6, 1951 at 10 o'clock, with President David O. McKay, President of the Council of the Twelve, presiding and conducting the services. President David O. McKay: This is the opening session of the One Hundred Twenty-first Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are convened in the tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. As you all know, through general announcement already given, last Wednesday, April 4, at 7:27 p.m., there came to a close, on his eighty-first birthday, the earthly career of our beloved leader, President George Albert Smith. A few moments after his heartbeat stopped one of his daughters--I am not clear this morning whether it was Emily or Edith--said, with aching heart, "This is the only way father could attend conference." Though his chair is vacant this morning let us hope that the influence of his Christ-like character will pervade every heart and his high ideals be an inspiration to us all. Truly he was a noble soul, happiest when he was making others happy. In his daily life he strove sincerely to apply the teachings of Jesus to "love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength . . . and thy neighbor as thyself." President Smith's passing leaves the Quorum of the First Presidency disorganized, and the presiding authority of the Church now rests with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At a meeting this morning at nine o'clock this Council requested that the counselors to President Smith conduct the exercises of this General Conference. President Clark, will you please come forward and take your place? (Elder J. Reuben Clark, Jr., then took a seat by President McKay on the upper stand.) All of the General Authorities of the Church are in attendance. Elder Joseph Anderson is the clerk of the conference. These services, and all general sessions of the conference, will be broadcast in the Assembly Hall and in Barratt Hall over the loud speaking system and by television. This service and all general sessions of the conference will be broadcast over station KSL, Salt Lake City, and by arrangement through KSL over the following stations: In Utah: KSUB at Cedar City, KSVC at Richfield, KJAM at Vernal, KBUH, Brigham City, and KVNU at Logan. In Idaho: KGEM at Boise, KID at Idaho Falls, KEYY at Pocatello, KBIO at Burley, KVMV at Twin Falls, and KRXK at Rexburg. We are grateful to the stations named for their cooperation in broadcasting these proceedings and we thank them for their services which will continue throughout the conference. In the interest of time, however, we shall not repeat this announcement at every session. All general sessions will also be televised over the KSL television station channel 5. The choir singing for this morning's session will be by the Brigham Young University combined choruses with Elders Newell Weight and Crawford Gates conducting and with Elder Frank W. Asper at the organ. We will begin the morning services by the Brigham Young University combined choruses singing: "Thanks Be To God," conducted by Elder Newell Weight. The opening prayer will be offered by President Jared J. Trejo of the Southern Arizona Stake. Funeral Services for President George Albert Smith April 7, 1951 PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles and Second Counselor to President George Albert Smith In the announcements made of groups who have sent messages of condolence and sympathy, we mentioned ministers of other churches. May I announce to you today that the president of the Reorganized Church, President Israel A. Smith, kinsman of President George Albert, is here in person paying his respects to the family and is sitting among the mourners. The family very graciously asked if I would speak on this occasion. Out of consideration to you and in face of the fact that much has been said in tribute to our departed brother, which need not and should not be repeated, I will content myself to a few words of summary, and trust that this will be acceptable to my dear friends who are members of this illustrious family. PURPOSE OF SERVICES The purpose of these services is to pay tribute to our departed brother, and, secondly to bring solace, and peace to the sorrowing hearts of the bereaved. We have listened to tributes, as great I think, as could be paid to any great leader. May I now say a word about the second purpose of a funeral service: To bring solace and comfort to sorrowing hearts. This is done by three principal means. First, in contemplation of the fact that he, whose departure strains the heart strings, has lived a useful, noble life. What consolation that will bring to any bereaved father, mother, or child. Second, comfort in the consciousness that loved ones were true and loyal as his children and kinsfolk, and that particularly during illness they did everything humanly possible to administer to his needs, to alleviate his pain, and to give him comfort. And third, comfort in the assurance of the immortality of the human soul; the assurance that their father is just away. In the highest degree you children and kinsfolk should find peace and consolation from these three contributing factors. COMFORT IN BEREAVEMENT Secondly, and I speak advisedly here, for I have seen these children, son and daughters in action, the tender attention, thoughtful, efficient care rendered by you daughters and by Albert and other members of the family, your having left nothing undone, nothing unapplied, which might contribute to your father's restoration or to his comfort, should now in this hour of bereavement bring consolation to your aching hearts. And not only in this hour, but throughout the coming years. And thirdly, as sure, as certain as Christ's spirit visited other spirits in the eternal realm while his body lay in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, so lives the immortal spirit of your father our friend, our beloved leader, President George Albert Smith. We said in the opening that we believed he is aware of our presence here today. Why shouldn't he be? Christ was conscious of the nearness of His Father when he stood at the grave of Lazarus and said, "I know thou hearest me always." Last Tuesday night Brother George Albert Smith lifted his hand to Sister McKay and me and said, "Goodnight." That was his last word to us. Twenty-four hours later he awoke in a glorious morning in the presence of those loved ones who had gone before, and realized the truth of Christ's saying on earth, "In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." God bless his memory and bring comfort to your souls today and always, you choice children and members of an illustrious family, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. General Priesthood Meeting, April 7, 1951 President David O. McKay Though Brother Clark felt a little irked when his assigned duty to direct was slightly modified, he has set a good example to us all. He did as he was told. There are in attendance tonight, as reported, a total of 15,050 members of the Priesthood--10,250 in seats, aisles, and doorways of the Tabernacle: 300 in the Baptistry; 2,200 in the Assembly Hall; 1,000 in the Barratt Hall, and an estimated 1,300 on the grounds. Six months ago, we were blessed with the presence of our beloved President, George Albert Smith. Tonight we are deprived of his earthly companionship. How uncertain life is. The silent, inaudible foot of time is marching on bringing each of us nearer and nearer to the end of our earthly careers. Before his passing there were a few items scheduled for presentation at this priesthood meeting, and I shall just mention them briefly before making a few concluding remarks. MISSIONARY RECOMMENDATIONS One relates to the interviewing of prospective missionaries by bishops. Will you please be more careful about recommending men about whose health may be a question. Missionary work is strenuous when it is done properly, and we do not like missionaries to go out and not do it properly. If there is any question about their health, please sit down and have a talk with them and tell them that their services here in the home missions will be just as acceptable to the Lord as their labors out in a foreign mission. The Lord would like them to live and serve. Do not put them under an environment that will probably aggravate some physical weakness. It is surprising how eagerly the young women and some married women seek calls to go on missions. We commend them for it, but the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ rests upon the priesthood of the Church. It is quite possible now, in view of the present emergency, that we shall have to return to the standard age for young women, which is twenty-three. The last few months we have been calling young women twenty-one years of age when they have special qualifications. Bishops and presidents of stakes will please bear in mind that from now on they should not recommend young women under the age of twenty-three. That is merely returning to the standard already approved by the brethren. Now, that does not mean that the young girls who have already received calls or whom you have already interviewed who are only twenty-one may not have their recommendations completed. In this connection, we advise that mothers who have dependent children, that means children who are in their teens or under or unmarried, should not be called on missions even though the grandparents are willing to take care of the children. No nobler work in this world can be performed by any mother than to rear and love the children with whom God has blessed her. That is her duty, and that is far greater than going out into the world to proclaim the gospel, because somebody else can do that who does not bear the responsibility of rearing and loving the children who call her mother. TEMPLE WORKERS Last evening we held a long meeting with temple presidents and out of that meeting comes this recommendation, and there are strong reasons back of it, brethren! Will the bishops please take more care in recommending members to do temple work, to perform temple ordinances. Now the great majority of those who are going through the temple are worthy, and it is a glorious work. But if one or two unworthy get into the company and make some objectionable remark or leave an objectionable sign somewhere it tends to retard the spirit and to discourage some young man or young woman who came anticipating a glorious spiritual feast. SUNDAY SCHOOLS Next, it has already been recommended that Sunday Schools be not dismissed on quarterly conference day. If the conference is held in the ward house, of necessity, Sunday School will have to be adjourned, but that is the only exception. The reason for that will be readily seen if I read you the following letter without giving the name. "Last Sunday I was in X town visiting my son. Feeling that I should like to visit a Sunday School in X town on Easter, I drove there. Calling at the home of a friend I was informed that stake conference was being held and that Sunday School had been canceled. I informed the lady of the house that Sunday Schools are conducted on conference Sundays. She then called one of the Sunday School teachers and was given definite assurance that no Sunday School service would be conducted in that ward. Three women in the vicinity dressed their little girls in their Easter outfits and sent them to the Community Church." INSPIRATION OF PRIESTHOOD MEETING Now, just a few concluding remarks: One of our business men, non-member, who attended the funeral this afternoon, looked over the audience and said, "Look at that audience. It cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world." I wish it were possible for him to see this audience tonight. Ten thousand men who hold the priesthood of God. What an inspiration! What an opportunity is ours to succeed in life! Bishop Wirthlin referred to some who are discouraged. We have heard from Bishop Richards also, and others, young men now being called into the field and into the armed forces, so many young women without close companionship of young men of their age, some entered in their school and missions are discouraged. But let me just give two suggestions that will lead to success in any boy's life or any woman's life, will lead to the success of any person in the world and particularly those who hold the priesthood. ATTENDANCE TO DUTY The first is, attend to the immediate duty in hand. No person living in this Church can say he or she has not an immediate duty. It may be attendance at a priesthood meeting; the Aaronic Priesthood or Melchizedek. It may be fasting on the first Sunday and giving fast offerings for the poor. Do not say those are insignificant duties; it may be the duty of attending worship on the Sabbath day, either in Sunday School, Priesthood meeting or Sacrament meeting or Mutual at night; it may be visiting a sick neighbor; or it is the payment of tithing. Whatever the immediate duty, perform it. That is the first step. Outside of the Church you have a problem before you in your business or in social or political circles. Before you take that step ahead, ask yourself whether you can justify taking it if you were called into the presence of your Father in Heaven. If you can, take it. One of our American writers, some do not call him a poet, expressed this thought very impressively: Who does his task from day to day, And meets whatever comes his way Believing God has willed it so Has found true greatness here below. Who guards his post no matter where Believing God must need him there, Although but lowly toil it be Has risen to nobility. For great and low there's but one test, 'Tis that each one will do his best. Who works with all the strength he can Shall never die in debt to man. LOVE FOR FELLOWMEN The second great guide to success has been illustrated during the last week particularly, or last few days, more impressibly right in our midst than perhaps we have ever seen it before and it may be a long time before we see it again. It is the power of the greatest thing in all the world--love for fellow men. The poet Browning who has Paracelsus say to his friend Festus, "There was a time when I was happy; the secret of life was in that happiness." "When, when was that?" asked Festus. "All I hope that answer will decide." Paracelsus: "When, but the time I vowed myself to man?" Festus: "Great God, thy judgments are unscrutable." And then Paracelsus concluded: "The answer to the passionate longings of the human heart for fullness is this: Live in all things outside yourself by love and you will have joy. That is the life of God; it ought to be our life. In him it is accomplished and perfect; but in all created things it is a lesson learned slowly and through difficulty." I will conclude that thought by reading to you that wonderful statement of Paul on love. ". . . charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever." (Moroni 7:47) Love suffereth long and is kind. Love envieth not, love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never fails." God help us to exemplify in our lives that love which was so well exemplified, ideally exemplified, in the life of our beloved leader, President George Albert Smith, who sought to approach the love of Christ, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. General Conference - April 8, 1951 PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Brethren and sisters, I deeply sense my inadequacy in trying to express in words the message I have in my heart this morning. I earnestly pray therefore for your sympathetic mental attitude and particularly for your spiritual support. TESTIMONY OF REDEEMER "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: "And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: "Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." (Job 19:25-27.) Thus was spoken the heartfelt assurance of Job, expressed in humiliation when everything else was taken from him and even his body utterly wasted in affliction. If a few more million men in the world could feel that testimony--the testimony of the reality of our Redeemer--selfishness would be less manifest, war among nations would be eradicated, and peace would reign among mankind. Do you believe that, my fellow workers? "What think ye of Christ?" was the question Jesus put to a group of Pharisees when they, with scribes and Sadducees, sought to entrap, to confound the Great Teacher by asking him entangling questions. He silenced the Sadducees in their attempt to ensnare him with regard to paying tribute to Caesar. He satisfied the scribes regarding the first and great commandment. Now he put to silence the Pharisees regarding their anticipated Christ. To this congregation, to the Church, and to the world, I repeat this question as being the most vital, the most far-reaching query in this unsettled, distracted world. CONTRIBUTIONS OF GREAT MEN Great minds in all ages who have contributed to the betterment of mankind have been inspired by noble ideals. History is replete with men who, as Wordsworth expresses it, "By the vision splendid, were on their way attended." There is John Milton, for example, inspired with a desire as a boy of twelve to write a poem that would live for centuries. As a result, the world has Paradise Lost, and later in life, though blind, the poet as he approached the closing moments of his life, exclaimed: "Still guides the heavenly vision." Sir Walter Scott, as you know, wrote almost day and night to pay off a debt for which he was not really responsible. George Washington, guided by the desire to build a noble character and to be of service to his country, cried: "I hope I may always have firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles--the character of an honest man." Abraham Lincoln's lofty soul, expressing himself thus: "with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nations wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." (Second Inaugural Address.) These and others who live to their best are the men "who realize in daily life their luminous hours and transmute their ideals into conduct and character. These are," continues the writer, "the soul architects, who build their thoughts and deeds into a plan: who travel forward, not aimlessly, but toward a destination; who sail not any-whither but toward a port, who steer not by the clouds, but by fixed stars. High in the scale of manhood these who ceaselessly aspire towards life's Great Exemplar." HIGHEST OF ALL IDEALS But let me explain again, the highest of all ideals are the teachings and particularly the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and that man is most truly great who is most Christlike. What you sincerely in your heart think of Christ will determine what you are, will largely determine what your acts will be. No person can study this divine personality, can accept his teachings without becoming conscious of an uplifting and refining influence within himself. In fact, every individual may experience the operation of the most potent force that can affect humanity. Electricity lightens labor in the home, imprisons alike on a disc the warbling tones of the mockingbird and the convincing appeal of the orator. By the turn of a switch, it turns night into day. The possibilities of the force resulting from the breaking up of the atom seem to be limitless either for the destruction or the blessing of life. Other and greater forces are already glimpsed. THE MAN OF GALILEE None, however, is so vital, so contributive to the peace and happiness of the human family as the surrendering of our selfish animal-like natures to the life and teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. George R. Wendling in The Man of Galilee confirms this thought as follows: "Believe it! The most wonderful work in all the world is not to take iron, steel, and brass and make a locomotive nor is it to take gold and diamonds and cog-wheels and make a watch; nor is it to take canvas and colors and brush and paint an Angelus; nor yet is it to take pen and parchment and write an Iliad or Hamlet, but an infinitely greater work than all is to take an ignoble, cruel, impure, and dishonest being and transform him into an upright, gentle, noble, and pure man. Here we touch the creative power of the Galilean--and bow before the mystery. "Here we find the crowning glory of all the evidences, attested by millions of intelligent men and women, the fact, mysterious but not illusory, that His very presence is found, is realized, is verified, and that He is as helpful, as vital, and as inspiring now as when the matchless Beatitudes fell upon the ears of a listening multitude two thousand years ago." PETER AND PAUL TRANSFORMED Peter, the chief Apostle, is a striking example of this transforming power. He was a humble, reputedly a rough, uncultured fisherman to whom Jesus of Nazareth became an inspiration. The vision that bade him say, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God," became the guiding light of his life. Conditions occasionally made him falter, but he regained the lightened pathway. Bigots scoffed at him; religious zealots, political charlatans arrested, imprisoned, and shackled him as a dangerous enemy to society, but the heavenly vision lightened the darkened dungeon, burst open prison doors, struck off the fetters that bound his wrists, as well as his wavering soul, and gave him courage and strength to face his accusers with the sublime testimony: He "whom ye crucified, Jesus Christ, is the only name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (See Acts 4:10, 12.) Only a comparatively well-to-do man, making a fairly good living by fishing of whom the world would never have heard had he not been inspired by a testimony of the divine mission of the Man of Galilee--just a humble fisherman, who, by the light of that inspiration to him and to other members of the Twelve, and disciples, "many of the world's loveliest things have been created, many of the world's finest minds inspired." Another good example is Paul, a contemporary of Peter, whose early life and teachings were entirely different from those of the fisherman, but who, when the vision of the Risen Lord pierced his prejudiced mind, was inspired throughout the remainder of his days by one guiding thought expressed on the occasion of his great vision: "Lord, what wouldst thou have me do?" Paul, as Peter, had his hours of discouragement. Pride sometimes perturbed him, and conformity to church authority was occasionally difficult. He, too, was mobbed, beaten, and imprisoned, put in stocks in a dungeon, but the heavenly vision of the Risen Lord ever guided his footsteps. EXAMPLE OF JOSEPH SMITH May I remind you also of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who declared: ". . . I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation." (P. of G. P., Writings of Joseph Smith, 2:25.) Through railings, scoffings, mobbings, arrests, imprisonments, persecutions that led to martyrdom, Joseph Smith as Peter and Paul before him, ever strove to the utmost of his ability to follow the light that had made him a "partaker of the divine nature." INFLUENCE OF SAVIOR'S MISSION I quote these three outstanding leaders in the realm of religion to show how the assurance of the divine mission of our Lord and Savior not only transformed their personal lives to a greater or less degree, but also influenced for good the entire world. Since man's first advent on earth, God has been urging him to rise above the selfish, groveling life of the purely animal existence into the higher, more spiritual realm. After several thousand years of struggling, mankind even now but dimly recognizes the fact that the greatest of the world's leaders are those who most nearly approach the teachings of the Man of Galilee. This is psychologically sound, because the thoughts a man harbors determine the realm in which he serves. "Be not deceived," writes Paul to the Galations, "God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8.) GREAT WORLD DRAMA At the moment there is being enacted a great world drama, the final act of which we can only dimly surmise. In Korea, one of the bloodiest wars of modern times is raging. But here is a singular thing. Engaged in it are soldiers from South Korea, United States, Great Britain, France, Turkey, Greece, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, South Africa, and one or two other nations--all enlisted under the United Nations' banner. Political relationships leading up to their fighting as an international army need not concern us this morning, but there is one significant fact most worthy of attention: Battling for the same cause are Buddhists, followers of Confucius, Moslems, and Christians. Opposed to these are Communists, openly avowed to be anti-Christ. Two hundred twenty-nine thousand casualties are already reported in this conflict! It would almost seem to be the beginning of the great battle of Armageddon. More destructive to the spreading of Christian principles in the minds, particularly of the youth, than battleships, submarines, or even bombs, is the sowing of false ideals by the enemy. Particularly, during the last five years Communist Russia has gained for the time being conquests over the satellites under her domination, including China, and is now threatening Japan by sowing seeds of mistrust in the body politic. Misrepresentation, false, propaganda, innuendoes soon sprout into poisonous weeds, and before long the people find themselves victims of a pollution that has robbed them of their individual liberty and enslaved them to a group of political gangsters. Let us draw a lesson from this. THOUGHTS DETERMINE DESTINY So it is with evil thoughts that may be permitted insidiously to enter and to find lodgment in the human mind. Thoughts harbored determine destiny. "My spirit," says the Christ, "will not dwell in unclean tabernacles." The corruption that is in the world through lust, as mentioned in one of Peter's epistles, has its source in thoughts and schemes harbored in the individual mind. A man who takes advantage of his neighbor in a business deal when the opportunity offers has prepared himself for the occasion by dishonest thinking. Young couples do not lose their chastity, named by the Book of Mormon as "precious above all things" without their having previously in thought justified the act. The husband who coolly turns from a loyal wife and family and seeks illicit relationships elsewhere, perhaps with a disloyal wife of a neighbor, has previously poisoned his soul with immoral ideas. Disgruntled members of society, faultfinders in wards and stakes, do not become such merely because of some offense, real or imagined. What they say and do have been preceded by selfish desires or unattained ambition. CORRUPTION FROM WITHIN I mentioned Communism in its war against individual liberty and free enterprise as surreptitiously sowing poisonous seeds within the body politic. It is also from within, morally speaking, that our cities become corrupt, not from outward, open assaults on virtue, but from insidious, corrupt actions of trusted individuals. Our government, as you know, has recently uncovered a gambling ring that covers a twenty billion dollar business in vice. Many large cities in the United States are connected with it and contaminated by it. Too many of these city officials license darkened rooms wherein men and women, and not infrequently teenage boys and girls, may guzzle beer and whiskey and indulge in other vices sought by persons of low ideals. For the permission and perpetuation of such dens of iniquity in our cities, the public is not entirely free from blame. However, those who are elected to office --commissioners, peace officers, trusted servants of the people--are most directly responsible. Generally speaking, these men are honest in their intentions and actions to enforce the laws and if possible to eradicate, at least to reduce to a minimum, the evils upon which the underworld thrives. One or two, or a half a dozen unprincipled men, however, can frustrate the most earnest efforts of the upright officials. For example, officers informed that minors are permitted to enter a certain "joint" will find when they get to the place that the proprietor has been "tipped off" and seemingly everything is within the law. If and when appreciation for such "tips-off," and other favors, is expressed in secretive payments of money, those participating in the graft may meet in a room, a club, or in a private residence, ostensibly to play a social game of poker and under this guise divide their ill-gotten gains. Thus do our cities, as individuals, become corrupt from within. Such exploitation of the poor unfortunates whose thoughts and desires lead them only to gratify their appetites, indulge their passions to exist by deceit, cunning, and crime, are among the corruptions that Peter says "are in the world through lust." Let us always remember that, "There is no vice so great but we can kill and conquer it if we but will." CHRIST OUR IDEAL Christ came to redeem the world from sin. He came with love in his heart for every individual, with redemption and possibility for regeneration for all. By choosing him as our ideal, we create within ourselves a desire to be like him, to have fellowship with him. We perceive life as it should be and as it may be. The chief apostle Peter, the indefatigable Paul, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and other true followers of the Risen Lord recognized in him the Savior of the individual, for did he not say, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man?"--not the sacrificing of the individual for the perpetuation of the socialistic or communistic state. Members of the Church of Christ are under obligation to make the sinless Son of Man their ideal--the one perfect being who ever walked the earth. Sublimest Example of Nobility God-like in nature Perfect in his love Our Redeemer Our Savior The immaculate Son of our Eternal Father The Light, the Life, the Way I know he lives and his power is potent: that he is the Son of God, and that he has restored in this dispensation the complete plan of salvation. God bless us all that we may hold him as our ideal and pray for power to be like him, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 9, 1951 Solemn Assembly President David O. McKay President David O. McKay: Before proceeding further with the exercises of this session, I am prompted to say a word in answer to a question which undoubtedly is in every one of your minds. Particularly to those not members of the Church, and to members of the Church as well, may I call attention to the policy of the Church with regard to choosing of counselors. A PRESIDENT NAMES HIS COUNSELORS When a President is chosen and sustained (that includes the president of the Aaronic Priesthood who is the Bishop of a Ward, also Presidents of quorums or superintendents or presidents of auxiliaries) it is the practice of the Church to let the president name his counselors. Anticipating that the Council of the Twelve would grant to me that same privilege, I thoughtfully and prayerfully considered what two men would be most helpful and most contributive to the advancement of the Church. The impression came, I am sure, directly from Him whose Church this is, and who presides over it, that the two counselors whom you have this day approved should be the other members of the quorum of the First Presidency. Both are members of the Council of the Twelve, though counselors might have been chosen from High Priests outside that presiding body. I chose these two members from the Council of the Twelve--two men with whom I have labored closely for many years, whose worth, whose ability I know. I have been associated with Elder Richards directly in Church affairs and in presiding positions for over thirty years. I have been associated with President Clark in two quorums of the First Presidency for over sixteen years. With these and other facts in mind, the question arose as to the order they should occupy in this new quorum. Each man I love. Each man is capable in his particular lines, and particularly with respect to the welfare and advancement of the Kingdom of God. SENIORITY IN THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE I realized that there would be a question in the minds of some as to which one of the two should be chosen as first counselor. That question resolved itself in my mind first as to the order of precedence, seniority in the Council of the Twelve Apostles. That should make no difference according to the practice of the Church, because members of the Council had heretofore been chosen irrespective of the position a member occupied in the Council of the Twelve. And, as I have already said, high Priests have been chosen even as first counselors who were not members of the Council. I felt that one guiding principle in this choice would be to follow the seniority in the Council. These two men were sitting in their places in that presiding body in the Church, and I felt impressed that it would be advisable to continue that same seniority in the new quorum of the First Presidency. I repeat, not as an established policy, but because it seemed advisable in view of my close relationship to these two choice leaders. TWO COUNSELORS COORDINATE Now I mention this because we do not want any member in this Church, nor any man or woman listening in to harbor the thought for a moment that there has been any rift between the two counselors who sustained President Smith in the Quorum of the First Presidency, and President Grant for the years that we were together with that inspired leader. Neither should you feel that there is any demotion. President Clark is a wonderful servant. You have had demonstrated here this morning his ability in carrying out details, and he is just that efficient in everything pertaining to the work. You should understand further, that in the counselorship of the Quorum of the First Presidency these two men are coordinate in authority, in love, and confidence, in freedom to make suggestions, and recommendations, and in their responsibility not only to the Quorum but also to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the people generally. They are two great men. I love them both, and say God bless them, and give you the assurance that there will be harmony and love and confidence in the Quorum of the First Presidency as you have sustained them today. April 9, 1951 Solemn Assembly President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My beloved fellow workers, brethren and sisters: I wish it were within my power of expression to let you know just what my true feelings are on this momentous occasion. I would wish that you might look into my heart and see there for yourselves just what those feelings are. RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERSHIP It is just one week ago today that the realization came to me that this responsibility of leadership would probably fall upon my shoulders. I received word that President George Albert Smith had taken a turn for the worse, and that the doctor thought the end was not far off. I hastened to his bedside, and with his weeping daughters, son, and other kinfolk, I entered his sickroom. For the first time, he failed to recognize me. Then I had to accept the realization that the Lord had chosen not to answer our pleadings as we would have had them answered, and that he was going to take him home to himself. Thankfully, he rallied again later in the day. Several days preceding that visit, as President Clark and I were considering problems of import pertaining to the Church, he, ever solicitous of the welfare of the Church and of my feelings, would say, "The responsibility will be yours to make this decision," but each time I would refuse to face what to him seemed a reality. NEED FOR SUPPORT When that reality came, as I tell you, I was deeply moved. And I am today, and pray that I may, even though inadequately, be able to tell you how weighty this responsibility seems. The Lord has said that the three presiding high priests chosen by the body appointed and ordained to this office of presidency, are to be "upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the Church." No one can preside over this Church without first being in tune with the head of the Church, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is our head. This is his Church. Without his divine guidance and constant inspiration, we cannot succeed. With his guidance, with his inspiration, we cannot fail. Next to that as a sustaining potent power, comes the confidence, faith, prayers, and united support of the Church. I pledge to you that I shall do my best so to live as to merit the companionship of the Holy Spirit, and pray here in your presence that my counselors and I may indeed be "partakers of the divine spirit." SPIRIT OF UNITY Next to that, unitedly we plead with you for a continuation of your love and confidence as you have expressed it today. From you members of the Twelve, we ask for that love and sympathy expressed in our sacred Council. From the Assistants to the Twelve the Patriarch, the First Council of the Seventy, the Presiding Bishopric, we ask that the spirit of unity expressed so fervently by our Lord and Savior when he was saying good-by to the Twelve, may be manifest by us all. You remember he said, as he left them: "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; "That they all may be one: as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:11, 20-21.) Brethren and sisters, brethren of the General Authorities, God keep us as one, overlooking weaknesses we may see, keeping an eye single to the glory of God and the advancement of his work. HELP OF MEMBERSHIP And now to the members of the Church: We all need your help, your faith and prayers, not your adverse criticisms, but your help. You can do that in prayer if you cannot reach us in person. The potency of those prayers throughout the Church came to me yesterday when I received a letter from a neighbor in my old home town. He was milking his cows when the word came over his radio which he has in his barn that President Smith had passed. He sensed what that would mean to his former fellow-townsman, and he left his barn and went to the house and told his wife. Immediately they called their little children, and there in that humble home, suspending their activities, they knelt down as a family and offered prayer. The significance of that scene I leave for you to understand. Multiply that by a hundred thousand, two hundred thousand, half a million homes, and see the power in the unity and prayers, and the sustaining influence in the body of the Church. Today you have by your vote placed upon us the greatest responsibility, as well as the greatest honor, that lies within your power to bestow as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Your doing so increases the duty of the First Presidency to render service to the people. EXAMPLE OF SERVICE When the Savior was about to leave his Apostles, he gave them a great example of service. You remember he girded himself with a towel and washed his disciples' feet. Peter, feeling it was a menial work for a servant, said, ". . . dost thou wash my feet? . . . Thou shalt never wash my feet." The Savior answered "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." "Nay then," said the chief Apostle, "Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit. "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." (See John 13:6, 8-10, 7.) And then he washed his feet, and those of the others also. Returning the basin to the side of the door, ungirding himself, and putting on his robe, he returned to his position with the Twelve, and said: "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." (Ibid., 13:13-14.) What an example of service to those great servants, followers of the Christ! He that is greatest among you, let him be least. So we sense the obligation to be of greater service to the membership of the Church, to devote our lives to the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth. BLESSING AND TESTIMONY God bless you, brothers and sisters. May the spirit of this occasion remain in our hearts. May it be felt throughout the uttermost parts of the earth, wherever there is a branch in all the world, that that spirit might be a unifying power in increasing the testimony of the divinity of this work, that it may grow in its influence for good in the establishment of peace throughout the world. I bear you my testimony that the head of this Church is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know the reality of his existence, of his willingness to guide and direct all who serve him. I know he restored, with his Father, to the Prophet Joseph Smith the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness. I know that these brethren whom you have sustained today are men of God. I love them. Don't you think anything else. God's will has been done. May we have increased power to be true to the responsibilities that the Lord and you have placed upon us, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 5, 1951 General Conference PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My brethren and sisters, in behalf of the General Authorities and in humility I bid you welcome, you who are here assembled in such large numbers, filling this historic Tabernacle to capacity, and also the tens of thousands who are listening in by radio and television. I pray for your help and assistance, and especially for the inspiration of the Lord, that we may sense his presence, and that everyone who is called upon to take any part in this conference may be guided by his inspiring influence. It is with mingled feelings of joy and satisfaction, encouragement, anxiety, and apprehension, that I stand before you this morning. GROWTH AND PROGRESS OF CHURCH I rejoice in the continued growth and progress of the Church. It is a great source of satisfaction to the General Authorities, and I am sure it will be to you, to know that from all parts of the world where the gospel is being preached, reports show substantial advancement in nearly every line of endeavor. The stakes and wards are growing in number, as also are the organized branches in the missions--in the Americas, Europe, and in the islands of the Pacific. There are more houses of worship in the Church today than ever before in its history, and at the present time there are 420 buildings under construction. Temple ordinances performed since January 1,1951 to August 31,1951 exceed those for the corresponding period last year in all temples excepting one, and there is a slight decrease there, but the decrease is explainable. That is in Hawaii. Notwithstanding this great building program and the other work being carried on in which ward members contribute fifty percent and missions and branches twenty and thirty percent of the cost of construction, tithes and offerings are steadily and consistently increasing. UPRIGHTNESS OF SERVICEMEN Because of the call to military duty the number of missionaries in the field is not so large as one year ago. The missionaries are returning and reporting for military duty by the scores every month. Reports of uprightness in the lives of these returned missionaries indicate that by example they will still continue to be good missionaries while serving their country. I think I shall take time to give you just an extract from one of these reports. A letter dated September 4, 1951 from a major says this: "This is quite a group we have, With the exception of two fellows it is made up entirely of returned missionaries. This morning we all ate together in the enlisted men's mess hall, and not a single one of them had coffee, even though boiling pitchers full were set at each table. I noticed a peculiar look on the mess sergeant's face as he scratched his head in bewilderment when thirty-two soldiers all took milk." It is only a little incident, but it speaks volumes for the loyalty of our missionaries who are entering the service in their determination to maintain the standards of the Church. God bless them! SUBVERSIVE TEACHINGS All these and other favorable incidents and reports give cause for satisfaction and gratitude, but as I said, there are other things which give rise to feelings of apprehension. For example, the prevalence of pernicious ideas and subversive teachings which pervert the minds of the unstable and uninformed, and in some cases divert the youth from Church standards. In this regard there is reason for concern, too. The quorums of the priesthood and the auxiliaries, and especially the parents, may not be doing all that they should to counteract these poisonous influences. Religious leaders, civic officers, and all lovers of law and order are today deeply concerned, and not without justification, about the recklessness and lawlessness of youth. Even young folk themselves are deprecating the disobedience of parental authority manifested by some of their companions. It is a dangerous sign, brethren, when home discipline breaks down, and the loving advice of a wise father and a loving mother is defied. We are told by an elderly American explorer that among the Iroquois Indians "the crime which is regarded as most horrible, and which is without example, is that a son should be rebellious toward his mother"--an ideal that might be well cherished today among men who esteem themselves high in the scale of civilization. MESSAGE TO YOUTH Our country's most precious possession is not our vast acres of range land supporting flocks and herds; not productive farms- not our forests; not our mines nor oil wells producing fabulous wealth--our country's greatest resource is our children, our young men and women whose characters will largely determine our nation's future. If it were possible for me this morning to speak directly to the young men and women of the Church, I would say that you should always remember that true joy of life is found, not in physical indulgence and excesses, but in clean living and high thinking; in rendering to others, not inconvenience, injury, or pain, but encouragement, cheer, and helpfulness. This is simply saying to them that satisfaction in daily life is found in trying to keep the simple law, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Right actions toward others always bring joy; wrongful deeds result in pain, and not infrequently, remorse. OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS Conformity to the Lord's word or law will invariably contribute to man's happiness and salvation. Those who do not what the Lord commands, we are told, will be subjected to justice and judgment. In other words, there is eternally operative in the moral world a law of compensation and retribution--compensation commensurate with conformity to law; retribution in actual degree to the extent of disobedience. In this sense I use the word law as having a deeper significance than a rule or dictum prescribed by authority for human actions. It means, rather, ''a uniform order of sequence" as operative and unvarying as the law of the inclined plane, or the law of falling bodies. Confirmation of this may be found in the Lord's statement to Cain, the first disobedient son in history. "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door." ( Gen. 4: 7. ) It is also stated by the Prophet Joseph Smith, "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated. "And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D. & C. 130:20-21.) It is said, parents, boys, and girls, that "the soul in the formative period of youth, while it is yet unspotted from the world, may be likened to a block of pure, uncut Parian marble, in which lie boundless possibilities of beauty or of deformity. From the crude marble one will chisel a form of exquisite grace and symmetry; another, a misshapen monstrosity, each visualizing in the formless stone the conception of his brain. Thus we are molded by our ideals." NEED FOR RIGHT THINKING Thoughts are the seeds of acts, and precede them. Mere compliance with the word of the Lord, without a corresponding inward desire, will avail but little. Indeed, such outward actions and pretending phrases may disclose hypocrisy, a sin that Jesus most vehemently condemned. "O generation of vipers," he exclaimed, "how can ye, being evil, speak good things?" ( Matt. 12:34. ) The Savior's constant desire and effort were to implant in the mind right thoughts, pure motives, noble ideals, knowing full well that right words and actions would eventually follow. He taught what modern physiology and psychology confirm, that hate, jealousy, and other evil passions destroy a man's physical vigor and efficiency. "They pervert his mental perceptions and render him incapable of resisting the temptation to commit acts of violence. They undermine his moral health. By insidious stages they transform the man who cherishes them into a criminal." EXAMPLE FROM CHARLES DICKENS Charles Dickens makes impressive use of this fact in his immortal story, Oliver Twist, wherein Monks is introduced first as an innocent, beautiful child; but as "ending his life as a mass of solid bestiality, a mere chunk of fleshed iniquity. It was thinking upon vice and vulgarity, that transformed the angel's face into the countenance of a demon. That great writer says this: "It is almost impossible to believe that such a devilish nature as Bill Sikes, depicted in the same book, could be found in human form," but Dickens says: "I fear there are in the world some insensible and callous natures that do become, at last, utterly and irredeemably bad. But whether this be true or not, of one thing I am certain--that there are such men as Sikes, who, being closely followed through the same space of time, and through the same current of circumstances, would not give by one look or action for a moment the faintest indication of a better nature. Whether every gentler human feeling is dead within such bosoms, or the proper chord to strike has rusted and is hard to find, I do not know, but the fact is so, I am sure." I am trying to emphasize that each one is the architect of his own fate, and he is unfortunate, indeed, who will try to build himself without the inspiration of God, without realizing that he, grows from within. not from without. THE GREAT STONE FACE I have mentioned these negative things, but I call attention of the youth to the story of The Great Stone Face by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Ernest one day said to his mother, as they sat looking at an immense rock in which nature had chiseled a man's face with noble features, and an expression, to quote Hawthorne, "at once grand and sweet, as if it were the glow of a vast, warm heart that embraced all mankind in its affections and had room for more--" "Mother," said Ernest, if I were to see a man with such a face, I should love him dearly." She answered, "If a prophecy come true, we may see him some time or other with exactly a face like that." That face, as you know, was finally depicted in the countenance of Ernest himself. Having lived a life in which he had constantly kept before himself the vision splendid, there was chiseled in his own countenance the benign features of the great image. What a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are aroused gives the measure of that man's character. In these reactions are revealed the man's power to govern or his forced servility to yield. DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS RETRIBUTION No man can disobey the word of God and not suffer for so doing. No sin, however secret, can escape retribution. True, you may lie and not be detected: you may violate virtue without its being known by any who could scandalize you, yet you cannot escape the judgment that follows such transgression. The lie is lodged in the recesses of your mind, and impairment of your character will be reflected sometime, somehow in your countenance or bearing. Your moral turpitude, though only you, your accomplice, and God may ever know it, will some day canker your soul. "The more I know intimately the lives of other men, to say nothing of my own," said Huxley in a letter to Charles Kingsley, "the more obvious it is to me that the wicked does not flourish nor is the righteous punished. "The ledger of the Almighty is strictly kept, and every one of us has the balance of his operations paid over to him at the end of every minute of his existence. The absolute justice of the system of things is as clear to me as any scientific fact. The gravitation of sin to sorrow is as certain as that of the earth to the sun, and more so, for experimental proof of the fact is within the reach of us all, nay, is before us all our lives, if we had but the eyes to see it." Associate with that the saying in the Book of Mormon, "Sin is never happiness." ( See Alma 41:10.) Man is endowed with appetites and passions for the preservation of his life and the perpetuation of his kind. These, when held under proper subjection, contribute to his happiness and comfort; but when used for mere gratification, lead to misery and moral degradation. PROSTITUTION OF LOVE Associated with these natural instincts, young folk, is a sin that always seeks seclusion. It is the prostitution of love, the noblest attribute of the soul. God has instituted marriage and the family as the proper condition of expressing in our lives this divine virtue. But sometimes men and women with low ideals and weakened wills permit their passions, like unbridled steeds, to dash aside judgment and self-restraint, and to cause them to commit sin that may sear their conscience and leave in their hearts an everlasting regret. In this day when modesty is thrust into the background, and chastity is considered an outmoded virtue, I appeal to you to keep your souls unmarred and unsullied from this sin, the consequence of which will smite and haunt you intimately until your conscience is seared and your character sordid. A chaste, not a profligate life is the source of virile manhood, the crown of beautiful womanhood, the contributing source of harmony and happiness in family life, and the source of strength and perpetuity of the race. Remember, too, the significance of the Savior's saying that if any shall commit adultery even in his or her heart, he shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear. Resist evil, and the tempter will flee from you. If you keep your character above reproach, no matter what others may think, or what charges they make, you can hold your head erect, keep your heart light, and face the world undauntedly because you, yourself, and your God know that you have kept your soul untarnished. The only thing which places man above the beasts of the field is his possession of spiritual gifts. Man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make as his life's end and purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities. FACTORS IN INFLUENCING YOUTH I said we had a little apprehension that quorums and auxiliaries were not doing all possible to guide youth along these lines. In the Church we have two great divisions: first, organized stakes, composed of wards and other groups--quorums and auxiliaries; second, the missions, divided into branches in which are also, to a limited degree, quorums and auxiliaries. These groups should become greater factors in influencing youth. Consider for a moment what the quorums might do, if the presidency of each quorum, the leaders of each group, and the members would wield influence upon their fellows as the Lord intends they should. The quorum is an essential part of the Lord's plan for rendering mutual aid. No other organization in the world is so effectively organized into working groups as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints; for example, there are today approximately 137,000 men holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, men inspired with the same ideals and similar hopes, bound by a solemn duty to help one another to secure economic as well as spiritual aid and comfort There are also approximately 57,000 men under twenty-one years of age, associated together in the Aaronic Priesthood. There are 57,000 others holding the Aaronic Priesthood, or a total of 114,000 in the Aaronic Priesthood. What a mighty force for good these quorums would be if the spiritual welfare of each member and his obligation to the Church were considered the special duty of each presiding officer! That is a possibility of achievement. All others not enrolled in quorums should be enlisted in the auxiliaries, and the whereabouts and attitude toward the Church of each one known by at least some teacher or officer. THE HOME But even more potent in influencing child life is the home. Upon the parents the Lord has directly placed the responsibility of teaching their children. I wish this paragraph could be written and put on the wall of every home in the Church: ". . . inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the Living God, and of baptism and of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. (D. & C. 68:25.) The character of a child is formed largely during the first twelve years of his life. It is estimated that in that period a child spends approximately 3200 hours in school; 416 hours in Sunday School and Church: but 52,500 hours in the home, not counting twelve hours a day for sleep. In other words, he spends sixteen times as many waking hours in the home as in the school, and 126 times as many hours in the home as in the Church! Thus, "In the homes of America are born the children of America, and from them go out into American life American men and women. They go out with the stamp of these homes upon them, and only as these homes are what they should be, will children be what they should be." I shall not take time to quote all Luther Burbank said about the training of children as he trained plants, but he says the use of an influence over and over again is necessary, keeping everlastingly at it. This is what fixes traits in plants, the constant repetition of an influence until at last it is irrevocably fixed and will not change. "Parents, you cannot afford," he says, "to get discouraged. You are dealing with something far more precious than any plant, the precious soul of a child. Parents who do not know where their children are at night are recreant to the sacred obligation of parenthood, and untrue to the high ideals of the Church regarding home life. Do not say now in your minds that that is impossible. Just go back to your own homes and the care that you know your father and mother had regarding you. UNDERMINING FORCES I must not elaborate upon this further, but I wish to mention another condition that gives cause for concern and apprehension, and that is the insidious influences, as well as the blatant heralding of ideas that undermine century-tried principles of peace, of justice, and of advancement toward the day of universal brotherhood. We are grieved when we see or hear men and women, some of whom even profess membership in the Church, looking with favor upon the pernicious teachings of these groups, especially Communism. These credulous, misguided persons claim to be advocates of peace, and accuse those who oppose them as advocates of war. They should remember that all of us should ever keep in mind that there are some eternal principles more precious than peace dearer than life itself. Our revolutionary fathers sensed this, and their innermost feelings were expressed in the words of Patrick Henry: "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?" Free agency, for example, is a divine gift, more precious than peace, more to be desired even than life. Any nation, any organized group of individuals that would deprive man of this heritage should be denounced by all liberty-loving persons. Associated with this fundamental principle is the right of individual initiative, the right to worship how, where, or what one pleases, and the simple privilege to leave a country, if one choose, without having to skulk out as a culprit at the risk of being shot and killed. At heart Communism is atheistic, and Fascism is equally antagonistic to freedom and to other Christian principles--even denying the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the existence of God. NEED FOR INTEGRITY Today there is a great need in the world for men of integrity, men of honor, men whose words are as good as their bond, leaders of nations who will consider international agreements sacred. The philosopher Thoreau said, "It matters not half so much what kind of ballot you drop into the ballot box once a year, as what kind of man you drop out of bed into the streets every morning . " Man's greatest need is real conversion to the eternal truths of the gospel--to the truth that Jesus Christ came to give life and light to the human family. I feel that with all my soul, and so do you fellow workers who sit before me. Recently, a group of friends presented one of their number with a valuable, practical gift. In accepting it, the man said that wherever he might travel, the possession of that gift would be a constant reminder of his friends' affection and regard. Brethren and sisters, all life is a gift of God. Appreciation of that fact should inspire us with a desire to live daily exemplary lives, that others, seeing our good deeds might be led to, glorify our Father in heaven, of whose existence and inspiration I testify before you this morning, and of the divinity of whose Church I bear testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. October 6, 1951 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My esteemed fellow workers in the Priesthood: My heart is filled with gratitude tonight, as it has been throughout this conference, for the knowledge I am sure we all have that God is with this people. That expression of brotherhood, love, just given by Brother Stephen L. Richards is akin, indeed it is identical with the spirit that prompted the Apostle of old to say, "I know that I have passed from death unto life because I love the brethren." That is the sublime feeling which every member holding the Priesthood may experience if he will do his duty and live uprightly before the Lord. UNBECOMING GAMES I have in mind only one or two items to give at the conclusion of this impressive conference. One that I mention by way of caution is that in your carnivals that you hold in order to raise money for building purposes, you avoid those games which are unbecoming, or that will cast in any way reflection upon our young girls or men who hold the Priesthood. We know the difficulties that you have to raise fifty per cent of the cost of these edifices, and we commend you highly, and our sisters, for the effort you put forth But there are some games which are carried on in carnivals outside the Church which are unbecoming the recreation furnished by the Church officers. One I will name is a feature in which young Beehive Girls come out in public in bathing suits, sit on a spring board before young men who throw balls to hit a certain spot which will loosen the spring-board, and cause the young girl to drop into a tank of water. I have seen colored and white men do that for so much money, but let us not have our young girls do it, nor men who hold the leadership in the Priesthood. FELLOWSHIP IN THE PRIESTHOOD Now, there are three other items which I will name, just briefly I hope, and I will illustrate each by practical experiences. The first is the value of companionship in quorums, already mentioned by my counselors. One of the most pleasing experiences of this great conference was meeting a bishop who came to the stand and said, "I am here with some of my deacons, whom I should like to have the privilege of meeting you." A true leader accompanying his quorum boys to conference! Fellowship in the Priesthood! If we can get the bishops to fellowship the priests in every ward, and in some way, at opportunities favorable, meet those young men and young women of corresponding age in some social or groups or meetings, and win their admiration and confidence, we can avoid some unpleasant things which are occurring in our towns. For those priests and girls determine largely the moral atmosphere of your town. You bishops are the leaders. Your counselors can aid you in associating with the teachers and the deacons. This companionship applies also to Elders. There are many ways in which we can get these indifferent elders together without inviting them to do things which are difficult. Some of them do not like to pray. They hesitate about standing in public to preach, and some of them would rather go fishing or playing golf on Sunday than attend meeting. But, not one of those indifferent elders will refuse an invitation, for example, to come to a funeral of one of the townsfolk, or one of their members, or of one of their members' wives, and if you will come as a quorum and sit together as a quorum, there is one means of fellowship. Our High Priests are doing it more than Seventies or Elders. I have attended a number of funerals where I have seen reserved seats for High Priests, in paying respect to a departed brother. There is group fellowship. Again these indifferent men will come to your quorum socials. Make those socials of a high order, and thus you will come in personal contact with them. We must be mutually helpful. This world would not exist if it were not for the mutual aid we give one another from the time we are born until we are laid away. REVERENCE A second principle to which I wish to refer is reverence. I have spoken upon this several times, and intend to continue to speak upon it, because I look upon reverence as one of the highest qualities of the soul. An irreverent man is not a believing man. I think a man cannot testify of his knowledge of the existence of God and take God's name in vain. He can do it by words, but as the old king in "Hamlet," his words will fly up, but his thoughts remain below. I was deeply impressed with the lesson that President George Q. Morris taught his missionaries in the Sacred Grove. They have an entrance there now, a sort of fence and a gate leading into the sacred spot, where they hold the service. There as you enter the gate is a sign, "Quiet Please." I wish everybody in the Church could experience that quiet attitude of several hundred missionaries in that Sacred Grove, and as soon as the Amen of the benediction was given, these elders retired without consultation, without shaking hands, to the outside part of the grove. In our meeting houses today we have reverence just as soon as the hour comes for worship, but in Sunday Schools particularly, at the change of classes there is a hub-bub. That is not educative to our children. They have done away with the marching we used to have when I was in the Sunday School work in Weber. They now think it undignified for older persons to march. Well, Superintendents, you may do this, at least--when you separate for class work, let a class rise and pass out to the room, and then another class follow, without this careless, sometimes boisterous attitude of everybody's mingling and talking as he goes to his class. Reverence indicates high culture, and true faith in deity and in his righteousness. KINDNESS TO ANIMALS The third is kindness. The first line in what is now known as the "Psalm of Love" is this: "Love suffereth long and is kind." A true Latter-day Saint is kind to animals, is kind to every created thing, for God has created all. He is right, the author of the "Ancient Mariner" when he deplores the killing of the albatross, when he wrote these lines: "He prayeth best who loveth best all things both great and small, For the dear God who loveth us, he made and loveth all." I am mentioning this because I have seen, in my travels, such cruelty in the world, particularly in the Near East. I was touched with the treatment that those people gave, and probably now give the humble little donkey. Every caravan is led by that poor, humble creature, carrying a heavier load than his own weight, it seemed sometimes. Often the driver, the leader of those camels, if he became weary would climb on top of the load the donkey was carrying. As you drive along those highways, on the roads you would see the carcasses of the donkeys that walked and carried, struggled and staggered until they fell. They were unloaded and left for their bones to bleach on the side of the highway. Camels, if a bit obstreperous, would have steel prongs piercing the sides of their jaws. If they happened to pull back, the clamp would close and those prongs penetrate not only the skin but the flesh as well. However, we need not go to the Near East to see cruelty to animals. We see it around here if we but open our eyes. It is a good thing to teach our boys to be kind. A man who was working for me once on the farm came home about sundown, and said, "I have just killed a porcupine over there." "I said, "Why did you kill it?" "Oh," he said, "just for fun." And I said, "Did you kill it or is it over there suffering?" "Oh, I killed it." Well, I wondered, so I just took time to cross those two creeks and go over to the little hill. He had not killed it. The poor creature was just stunned, its head was beaten, and he was struggling. What fun can there be in treating dumb animals in that cruel way! KINDNESS TO WIVES But I mention this now, because I think we are cruel to our wives. I have here two letters, one anonymous, another signed by a woman. They are asking "What shall we do? Our husbands are cruel to us." Says one, "My husband has a terrible temper. He comes home and scolds the children. He is cruel to me. At first he seemed to be a good, loving husband, but when my first baby was born, then was born my troubles." Brother Bowen is aiding greatly in taking care of appeals for cancellations of sealings. I am grieved, brethren, I say "I" because the responsibility of canceling those sealings rests upon the one who holds that key. I am grieved indeed to note in those appeals the number of instances which indicate that some husbands treat their wives cruelly. I cannot imagine a man's being cruel to a woman. I cannot imagine her so conducting herself as to merit such treatment. Perhaps there are women in the world who exasperate their husbands but no man is justified in resorting to physical force or in exploding his feelings in profanity. There are men, undoubtedly, in the world who are thus beastly, but no man who holds the Priesthood of God should so debase himself. Some of us are now past the threescore and ten. We can look back over the short life, and it does seem short, and treasure those things which seem most precious. Tonight, one of those things, one of the most precious possessions is my memory of a home in which love was supreme, in which I cannot recall ever a cross word having passed between father and mother. We owe that blessing to our children. "Love suffereth long and is kind." The spirit of kindness is as enduring as love itself. Let us go home, and if we have been cruel, either by treating our wives with indifference, or by scolding, or loud talking, if we have been cruel to our children by neglect, or by striking them, let us see if we cannot repent and look introspectively and see whether or not we are not to blame for some of the conditions that arouse these passions. CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE Now, brethren, I wish to bear you a testimony which I think I have never before given in public. Since childhood it has been very easy for me to believe in the reality of the visions of the Prophet Joseph Smith. What I am going to say may seem very simple to you, but to me it is a heart petal. When a very young child in the home of my youth, I was fearful at night. I traced it back to a vivid dream in which two Indians came into the yard. I ran to the house for protection, and one of them shot an arrow and hit me in the back. Only a dream, but I felt that blow, and I was very much frightened, for in the dream they entered, one a tall one, and a smaller one, and sneered and frightened mother. I never got over it. Adding to that were the fears of mother, for when father was away with the herd or on some mission, mother would never retire without looking under the bed, so burglars or men who might enter the house and try to take advantage of mother and the young children were real to me. Whatever the conditions, I was very much frightened. One night I could not sleep, and I fancied I heard noises around the house. Mother was away in another room. Thomas E. by my side was sleeping soundly. I became terribly wrought in my feeling, and I decided to pray as my parents had taught me. I thought I could pray only by getting out of bed and kneeling, and that was a terrible test. But I did finally bring myself to get out of bed and kneel and pray to God to protect mother and the family. And a voice as clearly to me as mine is to you, said, "Don't be afraid. Nothing will hurt you." Where it came from, what it was, I am not saying. You may judge. To me it was a direct answer, and there came an assurance that I should never be hurt in bed at night. EASY TO BELIEVE I say it has been easy for me to understand and believe the reality of the visions of the Prophet Joseph. It was easy for me in youth to accept his vision, the appearance of God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ to the boy praying. I thought of nothing else. Of course that is real. It was easy for me to believe that Moroni came to him there in the room. Heavenly beings were real from my babyhood on, and as years came those impressions strengthened by reason and strengthened by the inspiration of God directly to my soul. I know that those visions were real, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and when we say this it means that I know that Jesus lives, that Christ is our Redeemer and that this is his Church. We are merely his representatives. When we accept that, then the reality of God the Father, Father of our spirits, is easy to accept. These things being real, brethren, we cannot do anything else but try our utmost to do what Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, asks us to do, for he has given us the Gospel that bears his name, and in the words of Peter, "There is none other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved." God bless you. With all my heart I bless you, and pray that peace and love and kindness will abide not only in your hearts, but in your homes, that your wives, our wives and our children may have memories sweet of a home in which God was pleased to dwell. May this be our lot, our experience, throughout the Church in all the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 7, 1951 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My brethren and sisters, the time draws near for the closing of this, the one hundred and twenty second semi-annual conference of the Church. APPRECIATION EXPRESSED Whenever we receive a favor or a gift, the least we can do is to express appreciation by saying "thank you." Very often those words seem very feeble in expressing the feeling we have of a favor bestowed. In your behalf I should like to say "thank you" to groups, perhaps some individuals, who have conferred favors upon us since last Friday morning. I hesitate about naming persons, because undoubtedly in so doing we may miss others who equally merit our appreciation. First, I wish again to express appreciation of the service rendered by our Singing Mothers. Just their presence, I repeat, was an inspiration. I wish to commend Sister Madsen upon her ability to train that choral group so ably in attack, expression, interpretation, and those mothers for having taken the time to practice in their various wards and at least once or twice as a group. The Lord bless them for the service they rendered in this conference! I wish to mention also in appreciation the men's chorus of the Tabernacle choir under the leadership of J. Spencer Cornwall, for the inspirational numbers they gave us last evening in that memorable priesthood meeting. And of course, we must not close the conference without expressing appreciation to the Tabernacle choir, its leader, assistant, to the organists, and to every member. That singing group has attained, through merit, outstanding recognition as one of the great choral organizations of the world. They merit the gratitude of all members of this Church. I do not know of another choir in the world that gives so much time and means, financially, in their service, as the members of this choral group. In your behalf, I thank them with all our hearts for their unselfish devotion and continual attention to this great duty. I wish to express appreciation to KSL and the specialists who have given us such efficient service, and to the other stations in this state and surrounding states, that have graciously given us of their time. On one or two occasions, as you know, we have run overtime, but this red signal has continued, undoubtedly at great financial cost. We thank these stations, one and all. I should like to say a word of appreciation to the ushers in the Tabernacle, to the caretakers on the Tabernacle block and on the Church Office grounds--ushers and laborers under the direction of Irvin T. Nelson, Brother Marble, and other able overseers. You do not see them at work, as some of us do, but you see the results of their labors in these beautiful grounds, and if you would happen to be at the Church Office some morning before seven o'clock, you would see one of these brethren already at work, and if you were to say to him, "Well, you are early," he would say, "Yes, I always come early because I want all this lawn to be well sprinkled before the brethren come to their offices." TRUE NOBILITY To them and to all faithful workers I should like to repeat in appreciation one of the two choicest poems that Edgar A. Guest has written: "Who does his task from day to day And meets whatever comes his way, Believing God has willed it so, Has found true greatness here below. "Who guards his post, no matter where Believing God must need him there, Although but lowly toil it be Has risen to nobility. "For great and low there's but one test: 'Tis that each man shall do his best. Who works with all the strength he can Shall never die in debt to man. --"True Nobility," Edgar A. Guest (Used by permission of the author. Copyright, Detroit Free Press.) The Lord bless these workers, one and all! I wish to express appreciation to the presidencies of priesthood quorums, and especially to the bishops who have come to this conference with groups of their lesser priesthood. I mentioned one case last evening. At the conclusion of that priesthood meeting, a bishop met us with two of his quorums of deacons. I commend that fellowship. On our way home today Sister McKay commented upon the number of young people in attendance at conference, and I said, "That is a good sign." If we can get some of the boys under the influence of the bishoprics, boys who perhaps have unfortunately come from broken homes, or more unfortunately, homes in which God does not dwell, we shall save souls here at home equally as precious as those whom we are seeking out in the world. Continue in that good work. We express appreciation also to the sisters and to all who are laboring in the auxiliaries--in the Relief Society, the Sunday School, the Young Men's and Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association, and in the Primary. Time will not permit to elaborate, but these general boards and stake boards and the officers and teachers on the firing line are rendering to you parents and to the Church generally a wonderful service. God will reward them. EXPERIENCE OF PAUL In conclusion, may I call attention to the experience that Paul had just as he neared Damascus with papers in his pocket to arrest all who believed in Jesus Christ. A light suddenly shone about him, and he heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And he said, "Who art thou, Lord?" The answer came, "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." Saul said, "What wilt thou have me do?" The voice answered, "Go into the city, and it will be told thee what thou must do." (See Acts 9:4-6.) There are two elements in that incident, commenting briefly upon which I will close my remarks. The first is that the Savior recognized his authority on earth. He could, in a few words, have told Saul what he should do, but there was a branch of the Church in Damascus, presided over by a humble man named Ananias, and Jesus recognized that authority. He knew Saul's nature. He knew that in the future it would be difficult for him to recognize the authority of the Church, as instances later proved. He said, "Go into the city, and there it will be told thee what thou must do," and Saul had to receive from the very man whom he was going to arrest instructions regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a lesson for us all in this Church. Let us, too, recognize the local authority. The bishop may be a humble man. Some of you may think you are superior to him, but he is given authority direct from our Father in heaven. Recognize it. Seek his advice, the advice of your stake presidents. If they cannot answer your difficulties or your problems, they will write to others, the General Authorities, and get the advice needed. Recognition of authority is an important principle. DIVINE INTEREST IN CHURCH The other element in that incident to Paul near Damascus is the great fact that Jesus, our Lord, is interested in his Church, and in the members. As he was interested then, so he is interested today. I like to feel that he is watching over us, that he is grieved when we do not comply with the ideals and the standards he has given us in the gospel. He was grieved with Saul, a chosen servant, who was going about blindly to destroy the Church. He is delighted when he finds the brethren whom he has appointed doing their duty and trying to live clean, upright lives, living in accordance with the standards of the gospel. I like to feel that his servants whom he has chosen in this dispensation are also interested and I hope that President George Albert Smith, who was with us not long ago, is pleased with what we have done during the last six months. I am sure he is pleased with the setting apart of the temple site in Los Angeles because I know that was an enterprise that was dear to his heart. I like to feel that President Heber J. Grant is near us, ready to help, especially pleased to see that the Church is growing. And President Joseph F. Smith, President Lorenzo Snow, President Wilford Woodruff--those men, I have met--President Woodruff, in our home, closely associated with President Smith, and as you know, with President Grant and President George Albert Smith. I like to think that President John Taylor is equally interested, also President Young, and especially the Prophet Joseph. The work over on the other side is real, and the curtain sometimes between us and them is very thin. I hope the Lord will help us to go forward as these, his former representatives, would like us to go forward, that we shall always realize, as has been said once or twice in this conference, that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, who is our head. Now let us go back to our homes with that testimony. IMPORTANCE OF THE HOME Among the many great messages that we have received I should just like to emphasize two: One, of course, is the home. Thirteen thousand men of the priesthood were here last night. Every one should go back to his home and look around and see wherein he can make it more ideally a Latter-day Saint home. One day a young son, just married, invited his father to visit him and his bride in their new home. The young son took the father from room to room and showed him the furnishings, the paintings on the walls and so forth, and the father said, "This is lovely. I congratulate you, but, son, I have looked in vain for anything that indicates that you have a place here for God." In writing about it later, the young man said, "I went through the rooms later, and I found that Father was right." Let us go back to our homes and see whether the spirit of our homes is such that if an angel called, he would be pleased to remain. PRIESTHOOD ACTIVITY The other great message is for the priesthood quorums to be more active, to reach out and get the indifferent, approaching them personally, and, as has already been said, "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy." (D. & C. 121:43.) The Prophet Joseph Smith could not have written that of his own wisdom. That is one of the great flashes of inspiration that prove his divinity. LOYALTY TO COUNTRY Finally, let us be true to our country and to our country's ideals. Nearly three thousand years ago an ancient prophet said that this is a land choice above all other lands, and it is, and the government of the United States as given to us by our fathers is the real government under which individuals may exercise free agency, individual initiative. Oh, let us oppose any subversive influence that would deprive us of our individual freedom or make this government a dictator instead of a servant to the people. Time is up. In conclusion I repeat the words of the Lord, "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. "He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand." (D. & C. 107:98 9.) God help us all, that we may live more nearly to the ideals of our Savior as revealed in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, I pray in the name of the Redeemer. Amen. April 4, 1952 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY It is truly a joy to meet with you, my brethren and sisters. Another six months have passed since the Church met in general conference. How the time flies! There is an old hymn, now unpublished, which could be sung appropriately: How swift the months have passed away, 'Tis conference again. And Zion's untold thousands come To swell the joyful strain. A seat occupied six months ago is vacant this morning--a voice valiant and vigorous then in defense of the restored gospel is silent today. We miss Dr. Joseph F. Merrill, member of the Council of the Twelve, and make loving reference to his noble character and distinguished service. And now, my dear fellow workers, it is with mingled feelings of gratitude, satisfaction, and apprehension that I greet members of the Church assembled in this opening session of the 122nd Annual Conference. GRATITUDE We are grateful for the blessings of the Lord to his Church in all the world, and for the assurance of his divine guidance and inspiration. With deep gratitude we acknowledge in your presence, his nearness and his goodness; and in that spirit of prayerful appreciation proclaim that our souls respond in harmony with the spirit of a glorious vision given to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no savior. "Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out. "His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand. "From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail." (D. & C. 76: 1-4.) ENCOURAGEMENT JUSTIFIED It is a source of real encouragement to contemplate the loyalty and energetic efforts of the priesthood of the Church including of course the General Authorities, stake and ward officers, presidencies of missions, missionaries, officers, and members of branches throughout the world. I believe I can say in truth that the standard of efficiency in missions and in organized stakes has never been so high. A hasty glance at what quorums and auxiliaries have achieved during the past year will confirm this. FIRST: QUORUMS OF THE PRIESTHOOD According to reports that have been received, the Melchizedek Priesthood of the Church (and that includes all worthy adult members) is showing an increase in the number who pay a full tithing, who observe the Sabbath day, who attend sacrament meetings, and who hold regular family prayers. l here has also been an increase in the average attendance at weekly priesthood meetings. In a five-year period (1947-51) the following increase is shown: 1947 1951 High Priests 46% 48% Seventies 39% 44% Elders 18% 20% In participation in all phases of the Church program, the following marked increase is shown in the same five-year period: 1947 1951 High Priests 67% 91% Seventies 54% 89% Elders 31% 70% SECOND: RELIEF SOCIETY A memorandum from Sister Belle S. Spafford, president of the Relief Society indicates that there has been an increase in membership in that organization of from 126,550 in 1950 to 132,451 in 1951, or an increase of 5,901. Teachers have made 2,055,803 visits-an increase of 145,141 over last year. Visits to sick and homebound--193,558, or an increase of 11,200 over last year. Choruses of the Relief Society Singing Mothers are increasing, thus furnishing the sisters with an opportunity for spiritual expression through choral singing. THIRD: SUNDAY SCHOOL The general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union has been emphasizing during the year 1951 the importance of proper spiritual teaching in our Sunday Schools. As a result there has been a notable increase in teacher training classes and enrolled teacher trainees over the previous year. Reports indicate an increase of 67% in the number of classes held, and an increase of 13% in number of trainees. Better order and more reverence in opening exercises and in class work has been a most commendable aim. Enlistment, or Sunday School missionary work, has been stressed. There has been an increase of 12% in the enrolment. The average attendance at Sunday Schools has increased 13%. It is estimated that about one-third of the entire membership of the Church now participate in Sunday School. FOURTH: Y.M.M.I.A. In the 183 stakes, 10 missions reporting, including 1,638 wards and branches, the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association reports a total membership of 104,383, with an average attendance of 53%. In participation in joint Y.M. and Y.W.M.I.A. stake recreational activities there has been an increase. Departments averaged an increase of 20% to 50%, the greatest increase coming in the M Men-Gleaner and Scout-Beehive Departments. The general board of Y.M.M.I.A. is endeavoring to have every boy in the ward attend M.l.A. regularly, with a result that the enrolment has grown from 81,253 four years ago to 104,383 this last year. FIFTH: Y.W.M.I.A. The Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association had an enrolment in 1951 of 110,095 as compared with 105,309 the previous year. In December 1949, there was an all-over Church average for the girls 12 to 19 years of age of 48% attendance at sacrament meetings. This is a very commendable feature. Also 61% attended Sunday School, and 59% M.l.A. In December 1951, the average had increased to 53% at sacrament meetings; 63% at Sunday School; and 64% at M.I.A. This substantial increase shows a great spiritual growth, for it means that our girls are attending more Church meetings and hence gaining a greater knowledge of the gospel. SIXTH: PRIMARY ASSOCIATION Last year marked the completion of the Primary Children's Hospital, the dedicatory service having been held on March 2 of this year. A most commendable project for 1951-52 stressed four phases of reverence for boys and girls. I will read those: 1. We will act as we should in our Heavenly Father's house. 2. We will greet our friends quietly. 3. We will not take the name of the Lord in vain. 4. We will respect those chosen by our Heavenly Father to lead us. Another very commendable feature is the "Kindness to Animals Club" being sponsored by The Children's Friend. I commend that to your attention, especially when we sense the reports that we have had recently regarding some sadist young boys who have been going around with "22's" shooting, just for mere sport, the starving deer. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY In 1951 there were 31,726 persons who undertook research through the books of the library, and approximately 13,000 individuals who used the records in the Archives Department. At the close of 1951 there were sixteen million cards in the Index Bureau files. The records of two hundred thousand separate family units were examined at the Index Bureau. A total of between twenty-five and thirty million pages of records were placed in the files of the microfilm library during the year 1951, and a total of 2,334,058 lineal feet of film were developed in the laboratory in Salt Lake City during 1951. These are just a few highlights giving cause for satisfaction. There is a general response, as the figures and reports indicate, on the part of the people of the Church everywhere. The responsibilities they carry, the undertakings that they adopt and employ to raise 50% of the cost of their houses of worship are most remarkable. I think I will give you an instance. Last February a meeting of all the presidents of the stakes of southern California was held. President Waite and his associates and the committee presented to those brethren a suggested plan whereby the stakes and wards of that region might raise a million dollars to assist in the construction of the Los Angeles Temple. Three weeks later, as the First Presidency sat at the table in their regular daily meeting, they read a telegram that came that morning from President Russon of the Los Angeles Stake, stating "We have already canvassed the wards in our stake, and they have subscribed 256% of their quota." And while we were reading that, the telephone rang and President Waite of the South Los Angeles Stake at the other end said, "I thought you would like to know that the Los Angeles Stake has gone over the top 256%. We were a week later starting our canvass in the South Los Angeles Stake, so we have reached only 10% of the people, but we have 90% of the quota subscribed from the 10%." Last evening the presidents from those stakes met with the First Presidency and reported $1,666,000.00 subscribed, and more subscriptions coming in. Now that is indicative of the spirit that animates the members of the Church in their efforts to further the interest of establishing the kingdom of God. Well, we commend you and bless you, and God will bless you. CAUSES OF APPREHENSION But now, brethren and sisters, we have cause for apprehension. I refer to the efforts to deprive man of his free agency--to steal from the individual his liberty. Next to life itself free agency is the greatest gift of God to man. The two most important documents affecting the destiny of America are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Both these immortal papers relate primarily to the freedom of the individual. Founded upon that principle of free enterprise fostered by these documents, the United States of America in less than two centuries has achieved a greatness that exceeds that of any other country in the world. The deep concern of every loyal citizen regarding this threatened loss of our freedom has been well expressed by a Mr. Fred G. Clark, Chairman of the American Economic Foundation, wherein he expresses the fear that the code of the people is replacing the code of God. Here are his own words. I shall tell you when I end the quotation: "The American giant towers over the world in its physical strength greater than that of all the rest of the nations put together. "But something is wrong with America. "At this high moment of history when the task of world leadership has been thrust upon us, we stand confused, reluctant, hesitant, and ineffectual. "We are no longer certain what we stand for, and this, I believe, is because we have forgotten the circumstances surrounding the birth of our nation.... "For decades it has been popular in America for the cynical intellectuals to sneer and scoff at what we call the traditions of Americanism. "The instruments of this sabotage were words and thoughts--plausible half-truths, sly appeals to that spark of larceny that lurks in every human heart, subtle suggestions of an atheistic nature, and the careful nurturing of a patronizing attitude toward everything America has held to be fine and sacred. "The people who planted these words and thoughts may have been either stupid or vicious, fools or foreign agents, smart-alecs, or smart organizers. "What they were does not now matter: the thing that does matter is to counteract what they have done. "Everybody in every position of leadership has to get into this act because the damage has affected every phase of our life. "The places in which this sabotage occurred were the schools, the churches, the communist-dominated labor halls, the lecture platforms, the motion pictures, the stage, the pages of our newspapers and magazines, and the radio. Every means of communication has been utilized against us.... "The man (or nation) who has a plan--a way of life--in which he believes, has mental security. "To destroy this security, one must destroy that man's faith in his plan. "Reliance on a code of life which, if held in common with one's fellow men, brings peace of mind, develops the abilities of the group.... "The degree to which the American code of life has been weakened can best be demonstrated by simply calling attention to the degree to which the foundation of that code has been weakened. "Many people become self-conscious when discussing this foundation: I am not one of those people. "That foundation (and of this there cannot be the slightest shadow of a doubt) is made up of the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. "Within this moral code, we have a complete way of life. "Acceptance of these precepts takes care of every phase of human life-- spiritual, political, social, and economic. . . "America was a nation of people who had faith in their political and economic systems because they had faith in God and had built those systems around the teachings of God. "Every collectivist from Karl Marx to Stalin has agreed that faith in God must be destroyed before socialism can take over. "Therefore, it was obvious that the problem of sabotaging America's faith in America was the problem of transferring the people's faith in God to faith in the State. "That thing called morality in politics, business, and private contracts, had to be broken down. "To an increasing extent the people have come to look upon morality as an old-fashioned superstition. "Religion has for many church members become a safe way of dying rather than a good way of living." I commend his entire speech, from which I have taken these extracts. Add to this threatening upset in national standards the increasing tendency to abandon ideals that constitute the foundation of the American home, and you will agree with me that there is cause for apprehension. Now what shall we do about it? That concerns us. When Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he sent a letter to Timothy, saying in substance: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:2-4.) It is as important today as when Paul wrote that farewell message to Timothy that officers and teachers in the Church "preach the word; be instant--that is, eager, earnest--in season and out of season." Today, in the midst of the world's perplexity, there should be no question in the mind of any true Latter-day Saint as to what we shall preach. The answer is as clear as the noonday sun in a cloudless sky. In the year 1830, there was given to the people of this land and of the world, a divine plan whereby individuals can find security and peace of mind and live in harmonious accord with their fellow beings. In all man's theories and experiments since history began, human intelligence has never devised a system which, when applied to the needs of humanity, can even approach this plan in effectiveness. In simple words, then, this is the Word which we should preach--the gospel plan of salvation. FAITH IN GOD The founders of this great republic had faith in the economic and political welfare of this country because they had faith in God. Today it is not uncommon to note an apologetic attitude on the part of men when they refer to the need of God governing in the affairs of men. Indeed, as has already been said, the success of communism depends largely upon the substitution of the belief in God by belief in the supremacy of the state. Preach in season and out of season belief in God the Eternal Father, in his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Bear witness that "God and the unseen world," to quote a leading thinker, "are not mere objects of surmise.... Religion standing on the known experience of the race makes one bold and glorious affirmation. She asserts that this power that makes for truth, for beauty, and for goodness is not less personal than we. This leap of faith is justified because God cannot be less than the greatest of his works.... When, therefore, we call God personal we have interpreted him by the loftiest symbol we have. He may be infinitely more. He cannot be less. When we call God a spirit, we use the clearest lens we have to look at the infinite." (Charles Dinsmore of Yale.) Second: Latter-day Saints proclaim that fundamental in this gospel plan is the sacredness of the individual, that God's work and glory is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Under this concept, it is a great imposition, if indeed not a crime, for any government, any labor union, or any other organization to deny a man the right to speak, to worship, and to work. Third: Preach that the plan involves the belief that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man. Man was not born for the benefit of the state. Preach that no government can exist in peace, and I quote from the Doctrine and Covenants, except such laws are framed and held inviolate, as will secure to each individual the "free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life." Fourth: Preach the sacredness of family ties--the perpetuation of the family as the cornerstone of society. Fifth: Proclaim the necessity of honesty and loyalty, doing an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Preach that honesty in government is essential to the perpetuation and stability of our government as it is necessary to the stability of character in the individual. "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.... If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." To summarize: Let us be instant in season, and out of season, declaring that a kind and loving Heavenly Father is as ready and eager today as ever to bless and to guide all his children who will sincerely seek him, and I bear you witness to that truth. Proclaim that his Beloved Son, the Redeemer and Savior of mankind, stands at the head of his Church that bears his name--that he guides and inspires those who are authorized to represent him here on earth--authorized by the priesthood when heavenly messengers bestowed upon the Prophet Joseph Smith and others associated with him divine authority. Preach that the responsibility of declaring this plan of life, this way of life, this plan of salvation rests upon the entire membership of the Church but most particularly upon those who have been ordained to the priesthood and who have been called as leaders and servants of the people. To them today, as Paul said to Timothy, we give the admonition: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." In Zion let God's name be praised Who has a feast prepared, The glorious gospel standard raised The ancient faith restored. Swift heralds, the glad news to bear O'er land and ocean fly; And to the wondering world disclose The message from on high. God give us power to fulfil this destiny of the Church, and to perform our duties, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 5, 1952, General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY As nearly as can be estimated or counted, there are in the Tabernacle tonight 9,486 members of the Priesthood, on the grounds, 3,848, in the Assembly Hall, 2,285, in the Barratt Hall 1,150, making a total in attendance at this Priesthood Meeting on this April night, of 16,769. To stand in your midst, to partake of what I feel is the spirit of unity, stirs one's soul with emotion, and 16,769 men have said tonight, "I will go where you want me to go, dear Lord, over mountain or plain or sea. I will say what you want me to say, dear Lord, I will be what you want me to be." Another line impressibly sung by this Chorus, is this "There may be somewhere in the paths of sin, some wanderer whom I should seek." -A few years ago there appeared in one of our magazines, the story of a little lad that wandered from his mother's lap in the Badlands of the Dakotas and was lost. As night came on the mother was distracted and the neighbors alarmed. The next morning, on the public square of the town near there, the sheriff met a group of farmers, teachers, office men, citizens of all ranks. He organized them for a systematic search. Before they started out he said "Little Ronald," (I have forgotten his name, it is years since I have thought of it) "is somewhere out in those Badlands. We must organize and search every bush, every crevasse, every water hole. We must not come back without that little boy. Pray God that we are not yet too late." They started out that Thursday morning, and at about three o'clock in the afternoon a mighty shout went up. They had found the boy. Brethren, a few years ago you received a letter, you bishops, stating that a committee had been appointed by the Council of the Twelve, to look after some of our girls who had wandered into the "Badlands" of the city. They did not intend to get caught in the meshes of sin, but they had wandered from home, and the protecting influence of home surroundings. You were asked if you would not kindly send the names and the addresses of those girls who came away from your town, to this committee, just so that members of this committee could see that they became associated with some ward, with some young people here of good reputation, and in some cases, in all cases if possible, could find suitable employment. Later, you were asked from this pulpit if you would not please give closer attention to that phase of salvation of our youth. Only a few, comparatively speaking, have responded to that call. Well, if they were lost, and faced physical death, you would not hesitate, the whole town would not hesitate to go out and rescue the lost girl or the lost boy. I want to tell you, from direct reports from our police officers who cooperate, in several instances some of these fine girls have suffered things worse than death. Now we ask you tonight, once again, please to send the names of those girls who legitimately, who unknowing what awaits them, some of them, leave their home and come to Salt Lake or Ogden or Provo, or some center, seeking employment, seeking to better themselves. Please cooperate with this committee, or enable this committee to cooperate with you, so that these choice young people may not be ensnared by vicious men who lie in wait, not only to deceive, but to ruin. Now, be careful, if the parents are sending them in, that you do not offend those parents, that is not necessary. This is merely a means of cooperating with parents in helping young people to start out from home to better their conditions. Brother Spencer W. Kimball and Brother Mark E. Petersen constitute that committee, and you may correspond with them at any time. Now this, of course, should be the last time that we should make an earnest appeal for your cooperation. There is another matter to which I wish to refer. It is not very savory, but it is a condition that is giving us great concern, and that is the increasing number of divorces among Latter-day Saints, whereas here in the United States it is just a common thing. But brethren, we know what marriage is what it should be, how sacred the marriage bond is; we know what it means to live a chaste life by men, as well as by women. Chastity is a standard of the Church; and it worries us deeply to see the large accumulation of applications for cancellations of the sealing ordinance. Indeed, they have become so numerous that we have had to appeal for help. As you know, there is but one who can cancel that, and if all his time were taken, that is, if he had to scrutinize every application as it should be, all his time would be taken for that one responsibility. I wish here to acknowledge in your presence the able assistance of Elder Albert E. Bowen of the Council of the Twelve. He has been called because we believe that every case deserves very careful and prayerful consideration. Brother Bowen is a man, as you know of clear mind, sound judgment; he is an experienced jurist, he has had years of experience in dealing with cases such as are coming before us, and best of all, he is a true, conscientious servant of the Lord. With his able assistance, careful attention is being given to each case, but he has been shocked, as I have been with what some of these applications disclose. I am going to venture to enter into home life. I would rather enter into it as it should be, rather than what it sometimes is. But we find that the following conditions seem to be contributive to the separation of husband and wife, and the breaking up of the home: Unfaithfulness on the part of either or both. (do you know what that means those of you who have been through the temple?) --drunkenness, physical violence; in some cases imprisonment has brought disgrace to the family; the union of an innocent girl to a reprobate; some cases disclosed sordid, licentious, brutal actions of covetous men. I know you think those are harsh words but you can read in some of these applications reports of treatment that has wrung women's hearts with anguish. I know that the woman is to blame in some cases, and particularly young women who married young boys in a hurry when the first World War broke out.--I know that, but we are speaking to men tonight, and let us, as men, take the blame. May I now, suggest that we unite for just a few minutes as bishops, presidents of stakes, as fathers, and as young men in prospective marriage to consider some things that will avoid the breaking up of the family, that will avoid this breaking of women's hearts, this turning out of children from what should be loving homes, or throwing them entirely upon the responsibility of mothers. Let us instruct young people who come to us, first, young men throughout the Church, to know that a woman should be queen of her own body. The marriage covenant does not give the man the right to enslave her, or to abuse her, or to use her merely for the gratification of his passion. Your marriage ceremony does not give you that right. Second, let them remember that gentleness and consideration after the ceremony is just as appropriate and necessary and beautiful as gentleness and consideration before the wedding. Third, let us realize that manhood is not undermined by the practicing of continence, notwithstanding what some psychiatrists claim. Chastity is the crown of beautiful womanhood, and self-control is the source of true manhood, if you will know it, not indulgence. Sexual indulgence whets the passion, and creates morbid desire. Let us teach our young men to enter into matrimony with the idea that each will be just as courteous, and considerate of a wife after the ceremony as during courtship. And we have the ideal in this Church I hope, today as ever, that a young man keep himself clean and pure during his courtship days, so that he can kneel at the altar and give just the same purity of life to that sweet girl as he exacts from her. I submit to you seventeen thousand men, that that is a glorious ideal. I know the world thinks we cannot live it, but you and I know that we can and do so live. Fourth, minimize the faults, commend virtues. After the first thrill of the honeymoon is worn off, couples begin to see frailties, idiosyncrasies which they had not noticed before. Responsibilities of motherhood come to the woman. Difficulties in paying debts come. And so we become prone to find fault. Let us learn to control ourselves in that respect. I do not know who wrote this, but it is good advice: "In the first solitary hour after the ceremony, take the bridegroom and demand a solemn vow of him (this is to the girl) and give a vow in return, promise each other sacredly never, not even in jest, to wrangle with each other, never to bandy words, or indulge in the least ill-humor. Never-- I say, never! Wrangling in jest, putting on an air of ill-humor, merely to tease, becomes earnest by practice. Mark that! Next, promise each other, sincerely and solemnly, never to keep a secret from each other, under whatever pretext, and whatever excuse it might be. You must continually, and every moment, see clearly into each other's bosom. Even when one of you has committed a fault, wait not an instant, but confess it. And as you keep nothing from each other, so, on the contrary, preserve the privacies of your house, marriage state, and heart, from father, mother, brother sister, aunt, and from all the world. You two, with God's help, build your own quiet world. Every third or fourth one you draw into it with you will form a party, and stand between you two. That should never be. Promise this to each other. Remember the vow at each temptation. You will find your account in it. Your souls will grow, as it were, to each other, and at last will become as one. Ah, if many a pair had, on their marriage-day, known the secret, how many a marriage were happier than, alas, they are!" I regard it as an incontrovertible fact that in no marriage circle can true peace, love, purity, chastity, and happiness be found, in which is not present the spirit of Christ, and the daily, hourly striving after loving obedience to his divine commands, and especially, the nightly prayer expressing gratitude for blessings received. God help us to build homes in which the spirit of heaven on earth may be experienced. You and I know that that is possible, it is not a dream, it is not a theory. We may have that sweet companionship between husband and wife which grows dearer and dearer as the troubles of life come on. We can have homes in which children will never hear father and mother wrangle or quarrel. God help us as men of the Priesthood, to build such homes, and to teach our young men and young women who are anticipating home life, to cherish such an ideal, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. April 6, 1952 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Harold B. Lee of the Council of the Twelve has just spoken to us. His address marks the last of a series of addresses given during this conference by the General Authorities of the Church, all of whom you have heard excepting Elder Stayner Richards who is presiding over the British Mission. Elder Romney, as you know, gave the Church of the Air address this morning. Thus comes to a close a great conference, another glorious opportunity that the Church has had of meeting together, making new resolutions, receiving timely instructions, and sustaining the Authorities of the Church. The weather has been most propitious. The attitude of the individuals who have assembled in the various gatherings, including the Primary conference, has been hopeful, promising, eager; that of the congregations, most responsive. The messages of the General Authorities have all been timely and inspirational; the cooperation of the city officials, ready and efficient. The assistance rendered by the various radio stations here in our own city, in Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico, has been the means of permitting tens of thousands of people to hear the proceedings of this the 122nd Annual General Conference of the Church. To all we extend words of appreciation, heartfelt expressions of gratitude, for all combined to make this a most memorable occasion. To our singers, the Brigham Young University chorus of young people, to our own Tabernacle Choir, we again express our thanks. What a glorious opportunity we have had in listening to these two great organizations. To our choir, I believe I will express not only your gratitude but also that of the entire city and of the state, for the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir is now an institution, not just an organization, appreciated by every member of the Church, and I think by every fair-minded citizen of our glorious state. God bless them, and those young people who came up from the Brigham Young University to sing at the opening sessions of conference. I have much in my heart to say to you, but I will conclude by calling your attention to the words of a very practical servant of the Lord who was blessed to labor in the companionship and shadow of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Indeed, I think he is his own brother. James said: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:14-18.) As we depart now to go to our various homes, let us make real the good feelings that have been aroused in our souls. Let us not permit to evaporate from our minds and feelings the good resolutions we have formed. First, let us resolve that from now on we are going to be men of higher and more sterling character, more conscious of our own weaknesses, more kind and charitable towards others' failings. Let us resolve that we shall practise more self-control in our homes, control our tempers and our tongues, and control our feelings, that they may not wander beyond the bounds of right and purity, more seeking the presence of God, realizing how dependent we are upon him for success in this life, and particularly for success in the positions we hold in the Church. As we leave this conference, let us not only resolve to be more loyal to our quorums but more devoted to the duties assigned us, one of which is attendance at our quorum meetings, in order to strengthen that group and increase the power of fellowship and brotherhood, more loyal to our country. This is an election year. Upon you devolves the responsibility of choosing our servants in government, for whoever is elected to preside over this country as President, as senators, members of the House of Representatives, are your servants, not your rulers. And do not be slothful on the day of election, but come out and exercise your right and privilege as a citizen of this great republic. What doth it profit though a man say he hath faith not works? Here we should prove ourselves loyal citizens. As we depart, let us be more determined to make beautiful homes, to be kinder husbands, more thoughtful wives, more exemplary to our children, determined that in our homes we are going to have just a little taste of heaven here on this earth. With these resolves in mind, with all my heart I say, fellow workers, God bless you. Cherish in your hearts the testimony of truth, make it as solid and as firm and unwavering as the fixed stars in the heavens. May there come into everyone's heart and in all our homes the true spirit of Christ our Redeemer, whose reality, whose inspiring guidance I know to be real. God bless you, keep you, and magnify you in the eyes of your associates. May he make more powerful than even before in the history of this Church the influence of this divine organization, that its potency may be felt throughout the world, and men's hearts turned to serve him as they have never before been influenced, that we may avert the terrible threatening war, and peace be established among the nations of the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 3, 1952 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Early in June, while sitting with his Brethren of the Council of the Twelve in the regular weekly meeting, Elder A. E. Bowen was suddenly stricken. For several weeks he and his loved ones and his Brethren thought that he was very close to the brink. He has sufficiently recovered to be able to move about in his room, but as previously announced, he is unable to be present with us this morning. He is a great soul, a stalwart leader, a man who possesses a brilliant mind and true nobility of soul. We extend to Brother Bowen this morning the love and confidence of the Church. If he is listening in, we wish him to know that we love him, admire him; he has our united faith and prayers for a complete recovery. We need him. We are sorry that Elder John A. Widtsoe is unable to be with us this morning. We hope that the Lord will bless him sufficiently to join us later in the sessions of this conference. We noted in the prayer offered an appeal for the love of mankind, that we might love one another, and through that love contribute to the establishment of peace. That was the great message heralded by the heavenly hosts at the birth of the Savior, when they declared, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14.) To proclaim that message to an indifferent world is the divine responsibility of the Church. What greater message could there be? What more commendable effort to supply the greatest need could be put forth? Somewhere I have read that in one of the important institutions of medicine and healing in this country, there hangs this significant sign: "Never say a discouraging word while in this sanitarium." If encouragement is good for the sick and ailing, it is also helpful to those who are normally healthy. As encouragement affects individuals, so it is helpful to organizations, and this morning as I stand before you I have nothing but a wish, a prayer, that we might say something encouraging to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ. I am grateful this morning, as I bid you welcome to this, the one hundred and twenty-third semi-annual conference, that I can give you an encouraging report of conditions in the Church as a whole, and that it is to the best of its ability and resources trying to discharge its obligations in preaching the Restored Gospel. You will be pleased to hear a few items, even though I must mention them but briefly, which justify my saying that the Church is moving steadily forward on its destined course. There are now 195 organized stakes in the Church, an increase of over one hundred percent in the last twenty-five years. There are forty-three missions in the Church, including the new Central American Mission. Since we last met in general conference, there have been approximately thirty-eight new wards and seventeen new branches organized, making a total number of wards and independent branches of 1736. During 1952, up to September 30, there were eighty-four new chapels, dedicated. Before the end of the year there will be fifty-three more ready for dedication, making a total of 137 chapels dedicated or ready for dedication. Besides this, there are 389 chapels in process of construction, fifty of which are in missions. At present, you will be pleased to know that there are, in European missions, Church-owned chapels as follows: British, thirty-nine (you former missionaries to Britain will be pleased to know that); Danish, five; East German six; Finland, ten (after only five years of organization); French, three; Netherlands, eight; Norwegian, three; Swedish, fourteen; Swiss-Austrian, three; West German, eight; making a total of ninety-nine places owned by the Church in the European missions. The Liahona College in Tonga is now completed. The Church sent most of the materials for its erection. Local people did much of the work and did not charge a shilling for their labor. The Church sent a supervisor, a plumbing supervisor, and an electrician. The Pesega School in Samoa is nearing completion. The Mesepa School on the island of Tutuila in Samoa will soon be under construction. The money for it is already appropriated. We contemplate building fifteen chapels in American and British Samoa in the near future. Plans are now being drawn for the New Zealand College of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which will replace the Maori College, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1932. Money has been appropriated for construction of five chapels in New Zealand. One is now being completed in Auckland, one in Glenn Huon, Tasmania, where the members are cutting their own timber and doing a good deal of the work themselves. The Church owns two acres in Rarotonga, and money is already appropriated for a new chapel on those islands. It was only recently that the mission was opened in Rarotonga, under New Zealand, however. A building is also under construction at Ipswich, Australia. All these buildings, with the Los Angeles Temple now under construction, the Relief Society building, announced yesterday, mission expenses, ward and stake expenses, require the expenditure of vast sums of money furnished by the tithes of the Church. To your credit and blessing, be it said that the tithes of the people this year are 21.7 percent higher than last year, and last year exceeded the year before. Fast offerings also show an even greater percent of increase. Missionaries--September 30, 1952, there were in the foreign missionary fields, 3854 missionaries. There were 5525 in the stakes of Zion, making a total of 9379 missionaries. That number speaks volumes in praise of the young men and young women, and particularly of the fathers and mothers, in their interest in the great mission of the Church to proclaim the message of peace and good will to all peoples of the world. In addition to this, there were in the state of Utah, September 25, 1952, with a Church population of 488,863--9379 Latter-day Saint boys in the military service, or 1.9 percent of the total Church population of the state, as compared with 1.3 percent of the total nonmember population of the state, or .6 of 1 percent more Latter-day Saint boys, as based upon our total population, than for non-members. These figures should assuage the rabidness of some-prejudiced agitators who have falsely accused our young men of not discharging their share of the responsibilities of the military activity of our government. In one agricultural town I know, with a population of fewer than 700, ten young men are in the mission field, and forty-five in the Armed Forces of our country. To you loyal members whose unselfish labors have contributed to this favorable progress of the Church, we can say, as in Hebrews, that God will not " . . . forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (Hebrews 6:10.) In keeping with this theme of encouragement, brief reference to some incidents connected with our recent tour of the European missions may not be amiss. On May 29, 1952, accompanied by Sister McKay, our son David L. as secretary, and Mildred, his wife, I left for an important mission to Europe. The details of that special mission pertaining to temples, I shall probably have to postpone until the general annual conference in April. Further than what has already been announced, I think we cannot further comment this morning. It is marvelous how much closer in time modern transportation has brought the nations of the earth; for example, Sunday, June 1, at 6:30 in the evening, we left New York. Owing to unfavorable weather conditions the plane landed at Sydney, Newfoundland, instead of at Gander, and did not leave for Glasgow until Monday, 1:30 a.m. After fifteen hours of actual flying time we were at Prestwich Airport, in Ayrshire, Scotland, and later that same evening, Monday, we participated in the dedication of the first chapel owned by the Church in Scotland. Wednesday, the evening following, we dedicated another in Edinburgh, and there is a suitable place in Aberdeen now ready for dedication. For these and other chapels in Great Britain much credit is due to Elder Stayner Richards, who, with his associates, has manifested wisdom and economy. If I followed my inclinations, I would pause here long enough to tell you of my feelings upon returning to Scotland after twenty-nine years, my latest visit, and after fifty-four years since I labored there as a young, unmarried missionary. What a flood of memories filled my soul as a Mrs. O'Hara, living in the apartment, graciously showed Sister McKay, two elders, and me the old 52 Holmhead St., headquarters of the Scottish Conference fifty-four years ago! I should also like to tell you how humbly grateful, and with what a mellow heart later I stood with Ray by my side in the little bedroom in Wales in which Jeannette Evans, my sainted mother, was born over a hundred years ago! But these are personal experiences, of little or no interest to you members. Beginning at the meetings in Scotland, we carried your love and greetings to the approximately 40,000 members of the Church in the ten missions in the nine European countries. June 2 to July 4, they met us in Europe to receive your greetings. July 26, you met us here to receive their thanks. And, now, this morning, I express again to you in Zion the loving greetings of the Saints in Europe. One impression I received right at first and it became more and more pronounced as we came in contact with people in all walks of life, was a more tolerant attitude than I experienced a half century ago. It was a joy to mingle with intelligent people radiating a spirit of good will. One beneficial result of the tour was a keener realization on the part of members of the Church that they are not detached entities but are in reality part of the Church as a whole. Nearness in time contributed to this feeling; but more especially their meeting one of the Sunday School general superintendency and a member of the general board of the Primary, hearing incidents, items of instructions that happened or were given, as it were, but a week before, awakened a sense of belonging that was satisfying and encouraging. It was truly a joy and inspiration to see the loyalty, feel the responsiveness of members of the Church in every mission. There was no exception. To greet those eagerly expectant, graciously warm-hearted people gave a joy almost inexpressible. We sensed to a small degree, at least, the truth of the saying: "To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence." This was especially true so far as our love for those faithful people is concerned. At the opening of my remarks I said that at the Savior's birth, there were heralded the fundamental virtues that constitute the world's greatest need: first, believing in and glorifying our Father in heaven, and second, peace good will, instead of contention and strife. Here let me emphasize that good will includes benevolence, a virtue that may be experienced by persons in all stations of life. It is "confined to no rank, no degree of education or power; the poor may be benevolent as well as the rich; the unlearned as well as the learned; the weak as well as the strong." Everyone may not be beneficent but all may be benevolent. Good will includes kindness, a virtue everyone can show and one which everyone is pleased to receive. "So many gods, so many creeds, So many paths that wind and wind, While just the art of being kind, Is all the sad world needs." (Ella Wheeler Wilcox.) I should be remiss, indeed downright unappreciative, if I did not take this occasion to refer appreciatively to the instances of good will manifested on this recent presidential tour of the European missions. Our Church knows full well what it means to be misjudged, scoffed at, and persecuted. It can appreciate, too, in full value, tolerance, a sense of justice and fair play. The mission presidencies, missionaries, members of the Church and their friends were most gracious in their greetings and manifestations of deference to the office of President. Everywhere their welcome was most generous. To all these we shall ever be grateful for the distances they traveled, for the sacrifices they made, their wholehearted, radiant gladness--all of which contributed so much to the success of a very important mission. I wish to refer especially to the good will shown by prominent businessmen, representatives of the press, hotel managers, government officials, and others whose interest and courtesy were shown without reserve. It is unwise to attempt to mention a few because of possibly showing partiality, and failing to mention deserving persons, but I will name the Honorable Charles U. Bay, American Ambassador to Norway, who not only by proffered words, "If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know," but by direct action with the assistance of his undersecretary, Leon Cowles, rendered invaluable service in securing rightful privileges for our missionaries in Norway. He said that was his first official act as ambassador. Other ambassadors and ministers, including Hon. John M. Cabot to Finland and Hon. James C. Dunn to Paris, were equally considerate in proffering help and co-operation. Their courtesy was unbounded. Others who did not hesitate to inconvenience themselves to render favors were Colonel Tooler and General Wood of the American Army, through whose graciousness, at the intercession of presidents Stayner Richards and A. Hamer Reiser, special favors were granted to us visitors in attendance at the Queen's Garden Festival at Buckingham Palace. I express appreciatively, also, the service rendered by the Consul General J. D. van Karnebeek, here in the United States, whom we happened to meet before we left, who arranged for a most cordial visit to Her Majesty, Juliana, Queen of the Netherlands. I wish to mention President Juho K. Paasikivi of Finland, a dignified, princely gentleman, conference with whom, accompanied by President Henry A. Matis, I shall remember with satisfaction and pleasure. For exceptional courtesies shown by Mr. Sholz, the manager of the Palace Hotel near The Hague, Holland; to passport officials at Berlin, who, finding us without visas, gave special consideration and, out of courtesy, obtained the necessary papers without delay, we mention with appreciation. We are mindful also of the outstanding consideration shown by eleven policemen who were at the Mercedes Palast, at North Berlin, where an audience of 2600 persons crowded to overcapacity that large theater. How their favorable attitude stood out in contrast with the action of police when some members of the Twelve and others who sit here in this audience this morning were hunted and arrested a half century ago! I wish to name appreciatively, also, Elder William Zimmer, and two real estate men, Mr. Hans Jordi and Mr. Hermann Schulters, who assisted President Samuel E. Bringhurst in choosing prospective temple sites in Switzerland. For his having built suitable houses in Berlin, I wish to commend President Walter Stover, whose devotion to the German Saints, whose generosity and wisdom will ever be cherished by the thousands whom he blessed. Included in this expression of appreciation are officials who aided President James L. Barker and President Golden L. Woolf in their securing official recognition of the Church in France. An outstanding feature of our visit in Germany was the attendance of American servicemen. In the West German Mission they gathered as groups that compared favorably with our groups of missionaries. And how proud we were of these choice young men and women, a credit to their parents, to the Church, and to our nation! Whether they participated in concerts or attended to the details of conference, greeted strangers or looked after the welfare of Saints and investigators, their ability was manifest, their dignity commendable, their sincerity in their work most outstanding. Well, fellow workers, all these and a hundred other instances that I might name are evidences of friendship and good will that will contribute to the peaceful relationships that should exist between this country and the free countries of Europe. I am sorry that I must now sound a note of discouragement, for I cannot refrain from referring to the attitude of selfishness, distrust, and hatred manifest by the leaders of communism. How they hate America, and everything American! They are not only anti-American--they are anti-Christian! By every means possible--newspapers, billboards, documents, radio--they try to inculcate hatred in the hearts of the youth. By the Iron Curtain they scheme to keep Western influence out of Russia and prevent Russians from becoming acquainted with the West. A distinguished sociologist once wrote, note: "Give us the young, and we will create a new mind and a new earth in a single generation." That is one aim and purpose of the Russian dictators. Largely because of their nefarious schemes and false ideologies, civilization is facing a crisis. We are in a period of uncertainty, of international tension. Not infrequently we see manifest among people a feeling of impending crisis in which is fear that the atom bomb might bring to a tragic end present-day civilization. Articles in the daily press and in magazines give unmistakable evidence of this condition. You can pick up any magazine or any daily paper and read such headings as: "Our Democracy in Danger." "Communism--a New Kind of Threat." "Foundations of our Republic Threatened." "The World Cannot Exist Half Slave and Half Free." These are some I have taken at random. "Look at the map of the world," says one. "The Iron Curtain of Soviet communist control has descended over vast areas and over hundreds of millions of people in Eastern Europe and in Asia since the close of World War II. It is unspeakably tragic that this should be the case, when it need not have been." Another: "We Face a Spiritual War." Then, last: "Red China's War Against God." Well, brethren and sisters, let us not despair. A man's comfort in time of ease and peace, as well as in time of stress and danger, will be found in the depths of the sincerity of his belief in an Eternal Being, his faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Commenting upon the need of sincerity, of faith, one writer once asked this vital question, and I give it to you: "Is Jesus to you only a legendary figure in history; a saint to be painted in the stained glass of church windows; a sort of sacred fairy not to be approached and hardly to be mentioned by name, or is he still what he was when he was in the flesh--a reality, a man of like passions with ourselves, an elder brother, a guide, a counselor, a comforter, a great voice calling to us out of the past to live nobly, to die bravely, and keep up our courage to the last?" Notwithstanding the threatening conditions that exist in the world today, members of the Church of Jesus Christ need not fear nor be perturbed, if they will but anchor their souls in unchanging truths revealed by our Father in heaven. If communists attempt to poison the minds of youth, as they are doing, against God the Father and his Beloved Son, if they pervert the principles of the gospel of peace and good will, if they continue to sow the seeds of mistrust and hatred, we must more guardedly protect our youth, more militantly instruct them in the principles of the Restored Gospel, implant in their hearts the truth that " . . . there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) Let them realize that without Christ the world is lost. James L. Gordon is right when he declares: "A cathedral without windows, a face without eyes, a field without flowers, an alphabet without vowels, a continent without rivers, a night without stars, and a sky without a sun--these would not be so sad as a world without a Bible or a soul without Christ." He is the Son of "God in the Highest" as proclaimed by the heavenly hosts, the Prince of Peace, our Elder Brother, our Redeemer, our Savior. "His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand. "From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail. "For thus saith the Lord--I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and truth unto the end. "Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory." (D. & C. 76:3-6.) God bless the Church. It is worldwide. Its influence should be felt by all nations. May his spirit influence men everywhere and incline their hearts toward good will and peace. May divine guidance be given the priesthood, who hold the responsibility of declaring to an indifferent world the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 4, 1952 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Last evening in the meeting of the bishoprics of the Church a youth chorus furnished the music. It was inspiring. At the singing of the closing song I had to leave this building. Tonight, in the presence of all of you, I apologize to those young men and young women and to you bishoprics, 4000 of whom, approximately, were here assembled. It is true, I had an excuse, to meet some eastern men at nine o'clock who had to leave the city at seven this morning, and we met that appointment. But that in no way lessened my sense of having shown what to me, always seems disrespect, if not irreverence, on the part of anybody who leaves a house of worship before the close of the exercises. To the Bishopric, to you bishops, to you leaders who had those young people there, and to them especially I offer my apology. We have had tonight, as we had last night, presented to us by the Presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, an expanded vision, of the great work of the Lesser Priesthood. God bless you, the Presiding Bishopric and the bishops throughout the Church, as you enter upon this new activity, and he will bless you if you follow the instructions of your leaders and the impressions that the Spirit of the Lord will give you. Tonight I have a message in my heart, whether I can give it to you, as I should like, it may be a question, and I pray for your sympathy and faith and prayers. I am going to lead up to the topic by referring to a kind of will that a man wrote to his son. Among other things he said, "It has not been my fate, in life's sharp struggles to win the honors other men have won. Mine has not been a life of great achievements; I have not done the deeds some men have done. But I have kept unsullied and untarnished that thing, a name entrusted to my care. I have not let dishonor dim its luster, nor have I let shame leave its black mark there." And then, he finally tells what he has done, "I have made, instead, my name synonymous, in all men's minds, with things the most worthwhile." And here, in his opinion, they are: First, "with strength to do the right, though none might see me." Second, "with grit to meet disaster with a smile." Third "with loyalty to those with claims upon me." Fourth, "with justice equally toward foe and friend." Fifth, "with honor, truth, integrity, square-dealing,--'My word my bond.' " All the virtues he had striven to develop, it seems, he climaxes, with "My word my bond." And that is the subject of my message to you. The' sacredness of promise. Recently, in this city, a prominent physician lay dying. Realizing that the end was near, he called his sobbing wife to his side and said, "Years ago when I was on a mission I promised I woman who was ill in the hospital that if she did not recover I would do her work in the temple. She did not recover. I tried to get her genealogy but could not, but I have her name, and I ask you now to see to it that my promise to her is fulfilled." His word was his bond. He was called to the other side before he fulfilled it, but he transferred that responsibility to his wife. She came to me following his death, and said, "I have promised to do that woman's work." Now this wife is not a religious woman, and has done very little in the Church, but she ha given her promise and she wants it fulfilled. Her Word her Bond! I have told you before about a man a prominent English lord, who had to borrow funds from his two friends. To the first he gave his note, but before he could pay that note, his lordship found himself in financial distress again and borrowed from another friend, to whom he gave his promise. When his lordship's income was sufficient to repay those loans, the two men were present. The man who held his lordship's note was surprised to learn that both could not be paid, and that the gentleman intended to pay the second lender, first. To that the first protested, saying, "Your lordship, I was first to lend you and therefore should be paid first." His lordship answered, "You have my note, guaranteeing payment; this gentleman has only my word of honor. I shall redeem my word of honor first." At that the holder of the note pulled the note from his pocketbook, tore it into shreds and threw the pieces into the wastebasket, saying, "There, your lordship, I have only your promise." "As you have put it upon that basis, you shall be paid first." Only a little, simple incident of a man outside the Church who sensed that his word was his bond. Fellow members of the Priesthood, do you so esteem your word? In all sincerity I ask it, tonight. You and I have given our words, our covenants. Do we hold them as sacred as did the people of Ammon, the story of whom you find in the Book of Mormon, who made an oath that they would never shed blood, and the time came when their benefactors were being punished, persecuted, killed, and the people of Ammon thought they would break that oath, but Helaman said no. And so those good men and women preferred death, if necessary, rather than break their word, violate their oath. You know the story of how two thousand boys went out to sacrifice their lives if necessary, so that their parents would not violate that oath. I wish to read something about those boys. "And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all--they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." (Alma 53:20.) That is a great story, and an inspiration to young men in all the world. Now, the application--Do you realize that we made a promise, a covenant at the water's edge? You and I are pretty well along in years, some of you, but we remember our baptism on our eighth birthday. There was a sense that came to us that we would not swear after that baptism, that we would do whatever our parents asked us to do, that we would do our part, or render service in the Church when called upon to do it. We were only children at eight years of age, that is true, but I can remember those feelings and sentiments as clearly as though they were yesterday. Don't you? Later we realized what that covenant is. We buried the "old man," with all of his weaknesses, his jealousies, his tendency to slander, that we might come forth and walk in the newness of life. We refer to it now as the covenant made at the water's edge. You made it, you gave your word. Is your word your bond? I ask the Church, and especially the men who hold the Priesthood. Again, every Sunday in Sacrament meeting we give our word of honor, that we are willing to take upon us the name of the Son, that we will always remember him, that we will keep his commandments which he has given us, that we may have his Spirit to be with us. What a covenant! and we make it in the presence of one another and in the presence of God whom we are worshipping that day. Another promise: do you remember what you said when you took your sweet wife through the Temple, your confidence in her, her purity, her worthiness was supreme--as pure as a snowflake, as spotless as a sunbeam, as worthy of motherhood as the purest of virgins. And she had that same confidence in you, as a husband and father; and together you stood in the House of the Lord and covenanted with each other that you would be true. Is your word your bond? If so, then there should be no divorces, and the man who, because of his tendency to drink, abuses his wife and severs that connection, the man who, through desire to gratify his passion, becomes untrue to his wife, violates his word. There is no other explanation for it. We are a covenant people. I am thankful we are. We develop the virtues mentioned by the gentleman to whom I referred at the opening of my remarks. We keep unsullied and untarnished our name; we have not let dishonor dim its luster, nor have we let shame leave its dark mark there. We pray for strength to do the right, though none might see us. We want grit to meet disaster with a smile. We teach loyalty to all who have claims upon us. We advise to exercise justice equally to friend and foe. We teach honor, truth, integrity, and square-dealing, but to all this we add sacredness of our word of honor. God help us to keep our covenants. With all my soul I pray that the Priesthood of the Church may have that power in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 5, 1952 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY As we draw near the closing hour of this great inspirational conference, I think we can say in the words of Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration "Lord, it is good for us to be here." I believe conscientiously nearly every person who has assembled with the vast audiences beginning with the Relief Society last Wednesday to this moment may feel a gratitude in his or her heart for the conferences that have been held. We can express this feeling in prayer and gratitude. At this moment we have a prayer in our hearts that the Lord will bless those of our number who are ailing. We pray that comfort and healing may attend our beloved brother Albert E. Bowen. What a strength he has been to me personally! Brother Bowen, I want you to know we are not unmindful of your loyalty and your hours and hours of devotion to the special assignment given you during the last two years. Today one heart, throughout the Church, says, "God bless you. Brother Widtsoe, our prayers go to you, also. Your loyalty and faith we all know. Now, as your body is somewhat weakened, we unitedly pray our Father in heaven to sustain you. Our hearts go out to those in the Church who are grieving and worried because of sore affliction to their loved ones, and to those who have recently been bereft of loved ones, particularly through polio. As I look over those to whom we should express appreciation, I notice the absence of Brother Roy Darley, one of our organists. He and his wife are at the bedside of their only son, stricken with polio. Our prayers go out to them, and to President Clark and his daughter. President Clark's little granddaughter, Luacine, has been suffering from that same affliction. We are thankful that she is recovering. We want the parents whose little child was stricken last evening, necessitating the father's being called out from the priesthood meeting, to know that our prayers are that that dread disease may not be fatal to your loved one. That goes to all parents whose hearts are filled with anxiety because of afflicted ones. This is a prayerful Church. We are one body, and when one suffers we all, to a degree, share that suffering. I wish to express appreciation for the sustaining help of these noble counselors, President Stephen L. Richards and President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. No man--I make no exception--has been more blessed with the strength and wisdom, loyalty and devotion, of two counselors than I, and I express in your presence deep gratitude for their loyalty. Likewise to the members of the Council of the Twelve and to the other General Authorities of the Church--I want them to understand that I am not unmindful of their willingness to minimize my weaknesses which often stand out so glaringly, and of their magnanimity in magnifying any virtue they might see. They are loyal men, seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Thank you, noble fellow workers! We thank the members of the Church for their sustaining prayers in behalf of the General Authorities of the Church. You may know, we wish you to know, that these prayers are effective, and I wish to testify to you, to the Church, and to the world that the inspiration and protecting care of a kind Father in heaven are real. He is closer to the Church than anybody outside the Church--and some within the Church--realize. The Lord is not just an absent, faraway source. He is a kind father, solicitous of the welfare of his children and ready and willing to hear and answer their call. The answer may be negative, as sometimes a wise parent gives a negative answer to the pleadings of a child, but he is ever ready to hear and to answer. His Beloved Son stands at the head of this Church. It is his Church. Oh, may the world realize that in the very near future, open their minds to study the needs of the war-torn world, and see that those needs may be supplied by obedience to the principles of the revealed word of God! This is Christ's Church. God help us all that we may be faithful members therein, and so live that others, seeing our good deeds, may be led to glorify our Father in heaven. We wish to express appreciation to the choir. What a glorious work these faithful men and women are doing! We appreciate the effort and ability of the conductors, the organists, the officers of the choir, for their work at the conferences, and for their regular broadcasts. We are grateful for the excellent weather we have enjoyed, unexcelled in all the world, grateful for the responsiveness of the audience to the messages that have been given, grateful for your co-operation, your ready adherence to any suggestion that will be helpful to the Church or to others. We appreciate all who assisted in any way during this conference, the cooperation of the city officials, rendering ready and efficient service, the traffic officers who have stood at the crossings who have guarded well the safety, and perhaps the lives, of some who might have otherwise been injured, who might have placed their lives in jeopardy. We are grateful for the flowers from kind hearts that were prompted to place these silent messengers of love here for your pleasure and your inspiration. We thank the ushers who have been so attentive, careful, who have kept these grounds so clean and neat, and in that respect we thank everyone of you for your assistance and care. We are grateful to the radio stations for their gratuitous service in enabling thousands and thousands to hear the messages of the General Authorities of the Church. Now, in conclusion, may I venture a suggestion. Twice, during the conference, reference has been made to the fact that we are approaching a general election, in which tension becomes high; sometimes feelings are engendered; often false reports are made; and innocent people are misjudged. Recently we heard that in one meeting, for example, it was stated authoritatively by somebody that two members of the General Authorities had said that the General Authorities of the Church had held a meeting and had decided to favor one of the leading political parties over the other, here in this state particularly. In Utah and surrounding states, contests for victory at the polls are being waged on national party lines. Regarding reports already received that the General Authorities of the Church have held a meeting and decided to wield their influence in favor of the candidates of one of these political parties, we will say: This report is not true, and I take this opportunity here, publicly, to denounce such a report as without foundation in fact. In the Church, there are members who favor the Democratic party. There are other members who sincerely believe and advocate the principles and ideals of the Republican party. The First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and other officers who constitute the General Authorities of the Church, preside over members of both political parties. The President is President of the Church, not favoring in this election either political party. The welfare of all members of the Church is equally considered by the President, his Counselors, and the General Authorities. Both political parties will be treated impartially. The Deseret News is the organ of the Church. It will be equally fair and impartial in the treatment of both political parties. This does not mean however, that error will be condoned. Teachings and ideologies subversive to the fundamental principles of this great Republic, which are contrary to the Constitution of the United States, or which are detrimental to the progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be condemned, whether advocated by Republicans or Democrats. We are all united in admonishing the members of the Church to register. We confirm the admonition already given from this pulpit regarding that important duty. We advocate the necessity of all members of the Church showing appreciation of your franchise, your citizenship, by voting, exercising your right to say who shall be your leaders. They become our servants. That is the spirit of the Constitution. You hold the right--I hope we still have it--to say who shall direct this nation and who shall direct our affairs in state, county, and municipality. Everybody in Utah and our surrounding states where our people are influential should exercise this right. Now in conclusion, my brethren, I should like to say just a word to the priesthood of the Church, eighteen thousand of whom gathered here last evening. Let us all follow the example of our great Leader and Savior, Jesus Christ, when he sat with his Twelve in that upper room and taught them the lesson of humility. He walked to the doorway where a basin of water stood, covered by a palm leaf, according to the custom of the day, girt himself with a towel as a servant, and washed the disciples' feet, and wiped them with the towel. You will remember that when he came to Peter, the chief Apostle protested: "Thou shalt never wash my feet." "If I wash not thy feet thou shalt have neither part nor parcel with me." "Nay then," said impetuous Peter "Not my feet only, but my hands and my head" (see John 13:8-9), and then after the Savior completed that ceremony, he ungirt himself, took his place at the head, and said: "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. "If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you." (Idem 13-15.) In the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants, we have one of the greatest lessons in government ever given. I, as you, have studied pedagogy, a little psychology, but in principles of government I think you cannot find anywhere such sublime principles as follows: "That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. "That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (D. & C. 121 :36-37.) "We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. "Hence many are called, but few are chosen. "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by longsuffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; "By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile-- "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost" --not when moved upon by selfishness, retaliation, or enmity--"and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; "That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death." (D. & C. 121:39-44.) And to all, we close with this: "Let thy bowels also be full of charity toward all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. "The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." (Idem 45-46.) O Father, grant that we may magnify these high ideals of government and instil in our hearts and the hearts of those over whom we preside a love and confidence in thee and thy Beloved Son. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1953 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY IN BEHALF of the General Authorities of the Church, I wish to extend to the ten thousand people or more assembled here in the Tabernacle and on the Tabernacle Block, and to the tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of listeners a cordial welcome to the opening session of this, the 123rd Annual Conference of the Church. The General Authorities sense deeply the responsibility that rests upon them. Everyone, I am sure, feels, as I, the weight of this responsibility, and each one prays for your prayerful sympathy and your co-operation in the carrying on of this great work of establishing the kingdom of God on earth. We are especially pleased this morning to note in the audience, His Excellency, Honorable J. Bracken Lee, governor of the state of Utah; His Honor, Mayor Earl J. Glade, and representatives of the leading educational institutions, President A. Ray Olpin of the University of Utah, President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University, Superintendent M. Lynn Bennion of the City schools, and Superintendent E. Allen Bateman, state superintendent of schools. I am not sure whether President Louis L. Madsen of the Utah State Agricultural College is present or not; if he is, we bid him welcome with the others. We wish to welcome also Dr. Franklin L. West, Church commissioner of education, and his associates, Dr. John L. Clarke, president of Ricks College, and other leading educators. May we have your sympathy--I appeal to all who are listening in to give us your faith and prayers, as we present to you this morning the messages that will come from those who will be called to occupy the pulpit. In addition to the statistical and other data just presented to you by the Clerk of the Conference, you will undoubtedly be interested in the following items which pertain more directly to the spiritual interests of the Church. This is merely a summary, and I shall present it as quickly as possible. The activity of the men holding the Melchizedek Priesthood is especially gratifying. A summary of the past five years discloses the fact that there is an increase in the following activities: (1) in the number of full tithepayers, (2) the number holding family prayers, (3) the number attending weekly group meetings, (4) the attendance at sacrament meetings shows no increase, and (5) visits by quorum officers to quorum members show a decrease of two percent, but participation in Church work, an increase from forty-four percent to eight-one percent. These figures refer only to Melchizedek Priesthood workers. Favorable as the record is, we admonish them to more activity and urge them to participate more generally in Church activities. The Relief Society of the Church gives an equally pleasing report, growing in membership, accomplishment, and spirituality. During 1952 there were 7900 names added to the membership. The sisters fully co-operate with the priesthood and lend great strength to wards and stakes, missions and branch activities, such as building programs and welfare projects. The compassionate services are receiving careful attention. During 1952 there were 209,890 visits made to the sick and the homebound, and 22,500 eight-hour days bedside nursing on a voluntary basis. This is particularly important in view of the pronounced nurse shortage. The sisters have strong testimonies of the truth of the gospel, as is attested by the righteousness of their lives, and evidenced in the testimonies borne during the testimony period held in connection with the monthly theology lessons. "It is our personal opinion," say the Presidency, "that the Church has never had a generation of Relief Society women more spiritual, more diligent, or more devoted to the work of the Church." The Sunday School--a goodly number of Sunday Schools whose superintendents have been left in that position long enough to catch the spirit of effective Sunday School work--has made strides in increasing the testimony and spiritual attunement of a large proportion of members by the following means: first, ward teacher training classes for prospective teachers; second, increasing numbers of stakes are holding monthly union meetings which had to be abandoned during the war; third, great numbers of Sunday School teachers report having been helped immensely by the inspiration, the lesson enrichments, and the teaching "know-how" contained in the great magazine for Sunday School teachers, The Instructor; and, fourth, by double use of ward chapel and classrooms; for example, one overcrowded Sunday School has increased its average attendance from a crowded 342 in 1950 to a comfortable 424 in 1952. And that is not an increase in the membership of the ward. Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association--Increase of enrolment during last year, 29,000. Last year over 30,000 young people participated in choral productions; not one of them failed significantly to lift the spiritual sights of the participants. Over 25,000 individual talks or speeches were given, most of them on spiritual topics. Over 35,000 young people participated in some way or other in an M.I.A. drama. Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association--The great purpose of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association is to build testimonies in the lives of the young women of the Church, both members and investigators. This purpose is promoted in three major ways: First, there is the girls' program which stresses, along with full activity in the Church, regular attendance at sacrament, Sunday School, and M.I.A. meetings. For the past year over 25,000 individual awards were given to girls. This means that they attended at least seventy-five percent of the Sunday School and M.I.A. meetings, fifty percent of the sacrament meetings. Over 2000 leaders received an award, which in their case, also indicated attendance at seventy-five percent of the leadership meetings. In December 1952, all girls, twelve to nineteen, in the Church, achieved an average of fifty-seven percent attendance at sacrament meeting, sixty-six percent at Sunday School and sixty-seven percent at M.I.A. This is an increase over the previous year of four percent at sacrament meeting, and three percent at Sunday School and M.I.A. Primary--Four objectives have been highlighted in the Primary Association this year: first, stimulate interest in the reading of the Book of Mormon; second, promote greater reverence in our chapels--a most commendable objective third, teach the children to pray--equally important; fourth, stress the importance of the boys receiving the Aaronic Priesthood. Thirty-two thousand officers and teachers have been reading the Book of Mormon as a scripture assignment. Primary teachers throughout the Church have been urged and advised to accept the responsibility and privilege of teaching the children to pray and to help them to trust in our Father in heaven, believing that he will hear and answer their prayers. Over 7000 boys have been graduated from Primary and have been assisted in their preparation to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. I wish that the ten thousand people here assembled might have seen the program that was given to the presidents of the Primary Associations in the Hotel Utah last Thursday evening. We commend the priesthood workers and all the auxiliary workers of the Church. God bless you in your sincere and untiring efforts to teach the young ones and the older ones the principles of truth and salvation. TWO FUNCTIONS And now, my dear fellow workers, a few words in general, regarding the great mission that is yours in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In anticipation of this hour, I have been impressed to emphasize two great functions of the Church: first, the putting in order of our homes, and keeping them in order; and second, the proclaiming of the divinity of the mission of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With these two objectives in mind, may I have your attention, your faith and prayers. "For what is a man profited," said the Savior, "if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26.) The first recorded question of the Savior after his baptism in the river Jordan, was, "What seekest thou?" In the text I have just read, he again refers to the dominant incentive prompting man's actions in daily life. If a man seek wealth, worldly honors, pleasures and all that riches and honor can bestow but neglects and leaves undeveloped the eternal riches of his soul, what is he profited? Thus does the Lord emphasize in a simple though majestic comparison of material and spiritual possessions. On another occasion, in the Sermon on the Mount, he admonished his hearers to seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Ibid., 6:33.) Seeking to establish the kingdom of God and to foster his righteousness should be the paramount purpose of life. I think none will gainsay that. Leading statesmen, clear-thinking educators, in public addresses and in magazine articles, frequently refer to what they declare is an apparent spiritual poverty of the present age, and they cite the need for higher moral and ethical standards. Some months ago, you will recall, a British jet plane crossed and recrossed the Atlantic Ocean in about eight hours. Shortly thereafter a cartoon appeared in the New York Times which pictured a jet plane traveling at fantastic speed. The plane was labeled, "man's scientific progress." On the ground was a huge turtle moving slowly and ponderously. It was labeled, "man's moral progress." Commenting upon this, Professor William G. Russell, instructor in the Memorial High School at Pelham, New York, writes: "In a vivid way this cartoon symbolizes what could be the tragedy of the modern age, and what is without doubt one of the most compelling reasons for greater attention to moral and spiritual values in our homes and in our schools." And then he adds as a school man: "Courses required of all students in our public schools should include all the important areas of study that directly or indirectly provide the student with opportunities for spiritual growth and religious inspiration. "From such study," he continues, "it is reasonable to expect that our students will better understand how vital has been the role of religion at critical moments in history, how important spiritual insights and religious faith can be in the lives of men and women how closely related are true human greatness and such qualities as honesty, integrity, humility, generosity, compassion. We may expect in our students more idealism and less of cynicism, more of a wholesome courage and faith in the future and less of pessimism and foreboding and fear. "We may hope for increased tolerance of racial and religious differences, increased respect for those of opposite political views or of lower social and economic levels, increased awareness of the basic and inviolable dignity of the individual man or woman. We may contribute to the development of a more sensitive social conscience, a greater sense of responsibility for the less fortunate in our society. We may even, perhaps, without knowing it, bring a boy or girl closer to God." I cite that because of the opportunities which I think lie ahead of us in our public schools. In his great inaugural address, President Dwight D. Eisenhower referred to this same great need. "In the swift rush of great events we find ourselves groping to know the full sense and meaning of these times in which we live. In our quest of understanding, we beseech God's guidance. We summon all our knowledge of the past, and we scan all signs of the future. We bring all our wit and all our will to meet the question: "How far have we come in man's long pilgrimage from darkness toward the light? Are we nearing the light--a day of freedom and of peace for all mankind? Or are the shadows of another night closing in upon us? "At such a time in history, we who are free must proclaim anew our faith. "This faith is the abiding creed of our fathers. It is our faith in the deathless dignity of man, governed by eternal moral and natural laws. "This faith defines our full view of life. It establishes, beyond debate, those gifts of the Creator that are man's inalienable rights, and that make all men equal in his sight. "In the light of this equality, we know that the virtues most cherished by free people--love of truth, pride of work, devotion to country--all are treasures equally precious in the lives of the most humble and of the most exalted. "The men who mine coal and fire furnaces, and balance ledgers, and turn lathes, and pick cotton, and heal the sick, and plant corn--all serve as proudly and as profitably, for America as the statesmen who draft treaties and the legislators who enact laws. "This faith rules our whole way of life. It decrees that we, the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve. It asserts that we have the right to choice of our own work and to the reward of our own toil. "It inspires the initiative that makes our productivity the wonder of the world. And it warns that any man who seeks to deny equality among all his brothers betrays the spirit of the free and invites the mockery of the tyrant. "It is because we, all of us, hold to these principles that the political changes accomplished this day do not imply turbulence, upheaval, or disorder. Rather, this change expresses a purpose of strengthening our dedication and devotion to the precepts of our founding documents, a conscious renewal of faith in our country and in the watchfulness of a divine providence. "The enemies of this faith know no god but force, no devotion but its use. They tutor men in treason. They feed upon the hunger of others. Whatever defies them, they torture, especially the truth." And so we have the call of men of clear vision and sound judgment, for a re-dedication of schools and homes to moral and spiritual values. Our most precious possession is the youth of the land, and to instruct them to walk uprightly and to become worthy citizens in the kingdom of God is our greatest obligation. Religious freedom and the separation of church and state are clearly set forth in the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and no governmental agency can have any supervision, control, or jurisdiction over religion. Though our public schools may emphasize moral, ethical, and spiritual values as essential elements in the public school program, they cannot favor any particular religion or religious system. The teaching of religion is therefore definitely a responsibility of the home and the Church. In discharging this responsibility, I say again, members of the Church should ever keep in mind two paramount obligations: (1) to put and to keep your home in order; and (2), to proclaim the divinity of Jesus Christ and the essentiality of his teachings to the salvation of the human family. If, upon examination, you were to find that termites are undermining the foundation of your house, you would lose no time to have experts make thorough examination and have the destructive insects exterminated. You would have the weakened materials removed and the foundation strengthened and, if necessary, rebuilt. Well, more important than the building of your house is the rebuilding and purifying of your home. "Our home joys," says Pestalozzi, "are the most delightful earth affords, and the joy of parents in their children is the most holy joy of humanity. It makes their hearts pure and good; it lifts them up to their Father in heaven." Well, you know, and I know, that such joys are within the reach of most men and women if high ideals of marriage and home be properly fostered and cherished. But there are destructive termites of homes, as well as of houses, and some of these are backbiting, evil-speaking, faultfinding on the part either of parents or of children. Slander is poison to the soul. "Slanderers are like flies that pass all over a man's good parts to light only on his sores." In the ideal home, there is no slanderous gossip about day schoolteachers, about public officials, or Church officials. I am more grateful now, as years have come and gone, to my father, who with hands lifted said, "Now, no faultfinding about your teacher or anybody else." Quarreling and swearing also are evils that lower the standards of the ideal home. I cannot imagine a father or mother swearing in the presence of children or even letting it pass their lips. George Washington set us a good example in this regard. When he learned that some of his officers were given to profanity, he sent a letter to them on July 1, 1776, from which I quote: "The general is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing, a vice heretofore little known in an American army, is growing into fashion. He hopes the officers will, by example, as well as influence, endeavor to check it, and that both they and the men will reflect that we can have little hope of the blessing of heaven on our arms if we insult it by our impiety and folly. Added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and despises it. Another deterrent to happiness in the home is the refusal to bear the full responsibility of motherhood and fatherhood. Members of the Church who are healthy and normal should not be guilty of restricting the number of children in the home, especially when such action is prompted by a desire for a good time, or for personal gain, or to keep up with the neighbors, or by a false impression that one or two children in a family can be better educated. These are excuses which members of the Church should not harbor, for they are unjustified. The question of size of families, I know, brings up many problems: the question of woman's career, the false cry of "quality, not quantity," which one writer rightly says should read "extinction, not preservation," or the matter-of-fact question of daily living and getting on in the world. With the high ideal of marriage as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith members of the Church should have but one goal, and that is to keep in mind the fact that marriage, the foundation of society, is "ordained of God" for the building of permanent homes in which children may be properly reared and taught the principles of the gospel. The following, I am sure, will strike a responsive chord in the hearts of the majority of parents in the Church. I quote: "Every period of human life is wonderful; the irresponsible age of childhood, the thrilling years of adolescence and courtship, the productive, fighting, burden-bearing era of parenthood; but the most wonderful time of life comes when the father and mother become chums of their grown-up, successful sons and daughters, and can begin to enjoy their children's children.... "Youth is confined with restrictions, limitations, schedules, and dominations; adolescence is full of mysteries, longings, and defeats; early fatherhood is absorbed in struggles and in the solution of problems; extreme old age is shadowed by eternal mysteries; but middle age and normal old age, if life has been rightly and fully lived, are filled with the thrills, not merely of success but of companionship with children and grandchildren. "Every normal individual should complete the full cycle of human lift with all its joys and satisfactions in natural order: childhood, adolescence, youth, parenthood, middle age, and the age of grandchildren. Each age has satisfactions which can be known only by experience. You must be born again and again in order to know the full course of human happiness. When the first baby is born, a mother is born, a father is born, and grandparents are born; only by birth can any of these come into being. Only by the natura] cycle of life can the great progressive joys of mankind be reached. "Any social system which prevents the individual from pursuing the norma] cycle of life, from marrying young, from rearing a family before the age of fifty or so, and from obtaining the deep peculiar joys of middle life and grandparenthood defeats the divine order of the universe and lays the basis of all sorts of social problems. "When a young man and woman of the right biological type marry in the early twenties and are prepared to earn a living and support and rear a family they have started in the normal cycle of life. They are likely to give society far fewer problems of crime, immorality, divorce, or poverty than are their unmarried companions. They will have children and rear them while they are strong, enjoy them when they are grown up and successful, depend upon them in weakness, and profit by the finest type of old-age insurance ever invented by man or God, an insurance which pays its annuities in material goods when necessary, but which mainly pays in the rich joys of love and fellowship.... The crowning joys of human experience will come in middle age and onward, through the companionship, love and honor of children and grandchildren." (R. J. Sprague.) We appeal to all members of the Church to set their homes in order and to enjoy the true happiness of harmonious family life. As already stated, the second paramount obligation is to proclaim the divine mission of Jesus Christ. Nineteen hundred years ago, a valiant defender of that cause said: "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders which is become the head of the corner. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12.) The man who thus declared Jesus to be the one and only safe leader and guide in the world was an ordinary fisherman who lived nearly two thousand years ago. He grew to manhood, experiencing life among common folk such as you and I. He was not a dreamer. He was thoroughly a man of action, though somewhat impetuous. He was fairly prosperous, possessed qualities of leadership, and, above all, he was honest. Circumstances drew Peter into close relationship with Jesus of Nazareth. For nearly three years this hardheaded fisherman accompanied Jesus almost constantly. He became intimately acquainted with the Master. Jesus' philosophy of life became Peter's philosophy. Not suddenly, but gradually, through careful, critical observation and inward experience, Peter arrived at a firm and sublime conviction, expressed clearly and unhesitatingly when he declared before his accusers, the leaders of the Jewish Sanhedrin, ". . . there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." MODERN VIEW OF SALVATION Saved is a trite word, frequently applied by religious leaders to a real or imagined instantaneous change of heart. The sense in which we use it this morning is expressed by Dr. Charles Foster Kent, professor of biblical literature in Yale University, who, in answer to the question, "From what does man need to be saved?" writes: "This question must be answered today, not in the light of metaphysics or abstract theology, but of physiology, psychology, political science, economics and sociology. In the light of modern psychology, it is apparent that while a man may experience instantaneously what is commonly called conversion his salvation is not attained in a moment but is a continuous educational process. It is accomplished not by negations, but by developing within him nobler impulses and ideals and by bringing him into normal relations with his environment and by teaching him how to function, that is, effectively to accomplish his lifework in the environment in which he is placed. "This is precisely what Jesus did for the needy men and women who gathered about him during his work in Galilee. And what he did for them then he is able to do for men today, for the needs and the processes of salvation are eternally the same. He was able to perform his saving work because he himself had felt many of the same needs and had found the only way of satisfying them. "No teacher of the past was more awake to the weakness of human nature than Jesus; but he also saw and proclaimed clearly its divine possibilities. He saw that those possibilities could be realized only as each individual was brought into normal living touch with the Heavenly Father. A man's recognition of his sonship to God opens his eyes at once to the fact that all men are his brothers. Herein lies the miracle of the religious life. It is the eternal mystery of conversion. "When once a man enters fully into his filial attitude toward God and fraternal relations with his fellow men, he suddenly finds himself saved from the dominance of his passions, his selfish impulses, from worry and fear. Even the consequences of his past sins no longer master him, but a great alluring field of service opens before him. With this self-forgetting service there come peace and the joy and exultation that crown worthy achievement." Furthermore, members of the Church declare at Easter season, and throughout the year, that the Church of Jesus Christ stands with Peter, with Paul, with James, and with all other Apostles who accepted the resurrection not only as being literally true, but as being also the consummation of Christ's divine mission upon the earth. Religious leaders since history began have taught virtue, temperance, self-control, service, obedience to righteousness, and duty; some have taught a belief in one supreme ruler and in a hereafter; but only Christ broke the seal of the grave and revealed death as the door to immortality and eternal life. To the unimpeachable evidence of the ancient Apostles to the resurrection of our Lord we add the sublime declaration of the Prophet Joseph Smith: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" (D. & C. 76:22.) As Christ lived after death, so shall the human family, each one taking that place in the next world which he or she merits through actions during earthly life. Since love is as eternal as life, the message of the resurrection is the most comforting, the most glorious ever given to man; for when death takes a loved one from us, we can look into the open grave and say, he is not here; he is alive. Happy homes give to their inmates a taste of heaven on earth--acceptance of the divinity of Christ's mission and compliance with the principles of his gospel, give assurance of immortality and eternal life. I testify that a knowledge of his existence and of the truth of his gospel is the source of the greatest comfort and happiness to man. May the day speedily come when honest, sincere men and women throughout the world may have in their souls this assurance, I earnestly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1953 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY When President Robertson referred to the freedom we enjoy in this great country, and gave us a glimpse of barbarism going on in China and other places, these lines came to my mind: "Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said This is my own, my native land?" Let us thank God every morning, every night, in our family prayers, that we live in the United States of America, the Constitution of which vouchsafes individual freedom, and let us pray also, that the Lord will frustrate the plans of the Communists who would deprive us of that freedom. There are in the Tabernacle tonight, 10,432; in the Assembly Hall 2,932; in the Barratt Hall 1,220; on the grounds 1,792; the Field House at Provo reports 839; making a total of over 17,000 men of the Priesthood assembled tonight. It has always been my nature to enjoy the company of my associates. I love to be with my friends. The older I grow the more intense becomes my appreciation of fellowship in the Brotherhood of Christ. I sense that tonight more deeply, more sincerely than ever before. As I have looked into your faces, partaken of your spirit, as I picture those in the Assembly Hall in the Barratt Hall and on the grounds and down in the Field House, I feel that it is one of the greatest privileges, one of the most inspirational experiences in life to associate with men who hold the Holy Priesthood. I have nothing but blessing in my heart for you. I love you. I like to call you my beloved associates and fellow workers, and that love is akin to the love we have for our wives and our children, and if we can keep this unity, this confidence, nothing in the world can stop the progress of this work. You note tonight that the theme has largely been missionary. We have called these brethren from China, Australia, and Switzerland merely illustrative of how wide-spread our Gospel is. We have had them from the Islands, from South Africa. They are calling, calling for missionaries. Within the last few weeks, prominent visitors from India, Indo-China, from Hong Kong, have extended a cordial invitation to us to come to these places. This is a world-wide religion, brethren. It is the Gospel that must be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. Let me thank you and those of your families who have sent in checks by the scores, recently, with promises to repeat those checks monthly, to aid local missionaries in spreading the Gospel. We do not want any missionary in Australia or New Zealand or in any of the American nations, or in Mexico to have his or her expenses paid entirely but we will assist whenever possible local missionaries who need supplementary assisting. The response to suggestions of some of the brethren for such missionary funds is surprising and gratifying. As far as possible we let the donors know the names of those to whom this money is sent. How the way opens up for the preaching of the Gospel! The calling of the boys into the military service has of course crippled our missionary work, more than it should have done. If anybody tells you that members of this Church are not carrying their share in the military work, you may just tell them that they do not know what they are talking about. I just take this opportunity to thank all who are contributing to the missionary cause. Another phase of this missionary work tonight--Professor James L. Barker for years has urged that we give classes in foreign languages, that our young men may have an opportunity to study at home and get at least the fundamentals before going to a foreign country. Well, it is a good suggestion, but we have not yet been able to make it practical. It seems now that the time has come when we must do something. I have here before me an appeal for the teaching of languages in our high schools. I have a note from one who says that among all our senior high schools, only 15 offer one or more courses in foreign languages. In the Church there are men and women from every country in the world, in which there are missionaries. I should like to encourage our young men and young women, young men particularly, to include in their high school and college courses, some of these languages. President Wilkinson informs me that twelve foreign languages are taught in the B.Y.U.--German, French, Portuguese, Greek, Syrian, Russian, Arabic, Latin, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Dutch. In the University of Utah I learn that they have 810 students registered in 12 languages, and so the opportunity is at hand. Recently there appeared in a local paper here an excellent editorial on the necessity, on the advisability of teaching languages here in our State, and in the United States. "Modern languages are not as widely or as successfully taught in United States schools as they should be to meet the requirements of the nation's position. The high school student who takes a language often finds he has practically forgotten. it within a year or so. That may be due, in large part, to the fact that there is little opportunity to exercise language skills. The need to learn foreign languages should be accented and the acquisition and use of such languages stimulated. When men can talk together, they can get together." The responsibility of preaching the Gospel rests upon us. When the people in Macedonia called to Paul, and the spirit told him to go over, he answered that call. They are calling for us in various nations they are calling for more missionaries now in the missions already established, and we must answer that call. Brethren, in conclusion, let me urge more diligence in living the principles of the Gospel. We may preach, we may write, and publish books, but the most effective way of preaching the Gospel to the nations of the world, is by example. "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine," said the Savior, "and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: "And the rain descended, and floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand: "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." May God add his blessings to the instructions and the reports given this night, may we depart with greater determination in our hearts to serve the Lord and keep his commandments, may we go forth with greater resolution to defend and keep his commandments, may we go forth with greater resolution to defend one another in righteous living, to defend the Church, not to speak against our neighbors, nor against authorities of the Church, local, stake or general. Let us avoid evil speaking, let us avoid slander and gossip. These are poisons to the soul to those who indulge. Evil speaking injures the reviler more than the reviled. I heard a recent convert who came from Europe say, "I am surprised to hear how many people talk against the Authorities here in Salt Lake City." She was grieved, she had the right ideal of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we should speak well of one another. Brethren, peace be in your hearts peace and harmony be in your homes. God bless every man and every woman who has entered the waters of baptism with a testimony of the truth, I bear that testimony to you tonight with all my soul. I know that the power of God rests with his servants. I know that he will reveal and does reveal his mind and will to them. The communications of man's spirit, of one holding the Priesthood, with our Father in Heaven through the Holy Spirit is real. Is there anything in the world more precious than that knowledge! It is more precious than life, because it gives assurance that if death does come, that spirit continues. I bear you that testimony, that communication with our Heavenly Father is real, that Jesus Christ, our Lord, stands at the head of this Church. and that he desires the members so to live that this truth, this Gospel, may be preached in all the world as a witness and then the end will come. With all my soul I bless you my fellow workers and pray that his inspiration will abide in your hearts and that peace and harmony and love may abide in your homes, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1953 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY THE HOUR that marks the close of this great conference is here. As you know, four members of our General Authorities have been disabled recently, and are unable to carry on their regular duties. We are thankful to say, however, that two of them have been with us during the sessions that mark the inspiration and uplift of this gathering. Elder Thomas E. McKay has been incapacitated for several months. He and the others have had to pay the penalty of overwork, over exertion. When he collapsed several months ago, his heartbeats went down, according to the doctor, to sixteen. We are told that when they get below thirty life is precarious, but from that time, when Thomas E. called his family together to say good-bye, up to the present, he has shown gradual improvement and now he counts his heartbeats at thirty-six, thirty-eight, occasionally they reach forty. He acknowledges, and we acknowledge, the hand of the Lord in the preservation of his life, and we appreciate, and he appreciates your faith and prayers in his behalf. Elder Clifford E. Young recently met with an accident, but he, as you know, is sufficiently restored to be enabled to take his part as one of the speakers in this conference, and has given you his message, as has also Elder Thomas E. McKay. Elder Albert E. Bowen, also stricken, has been confined to the hospital for several months. It is said that one element of true greatness is to choose the right with invincible resolution. That, our Brother Bowen has always done, and expounded the principles of the gospel with a clarity so characteristic of him. Our hearts ache as we note that some of his muscles are not responding. However, we want him to know as we close this great conference, that he still has and will continue to have our faith and prayers for his restoration to health; and we pray that the Lord will give him a desire, and increased faith, to receive the blessings which we hope the Lord will give him. With all our hearts we say God bless you, Brother Bowen. President Richards, another great leader, has been putting forth too much effort also, and his physical condition requires rest. I am pleased to report to you he is sufficiently recovered to meet occasionally in meetings of the First Presidency. President Clark and I have had three meetings with him during the three days that we have been assembled in this conference, to all the proceedings of which he has been listening over the radio and television. At the conclusion now he sends this message: "President McKay: I should be very pleased if you would express to the people my deep gratitude for the inspiration of the conference, and also extend to my brethren and sisters my love and my prayers that the united efforts of all the Saints may bring great advancement to the cause we love. Affectionately, Stephen L. Richards." Brother Stephen L.: Let me assure you that there is but one heart in this great audience today, and it responds in reciprocation of your love and blessing. God bless you! Now, may we take a few moments to express our gratitude to all who have contributed to the inspiration of the sessions held since last Saturday morning. First, you who were here yesterday morning listened to an inspiring anthem, entitled "Out of the Silence," written by Elder Cyril Jenkins, one of our members and a holder of the priesthood in Australia, who has rendered great service to the Church in having the excellent selections of the Tabernacle Choir put on the radio stations in that far-off land, and who is now in Great Britain, arranging with the British broadcasting stations to have the people in that land have the privilege of hearing the excellent music rendered by this organization. We thank you, Brother Jenkins, and say God bless you, that you may achieve the noble purposes you have in mind. We express gratitude and commendation for the responsiveness and attentiveness of the audiences. I wish particularly to commend you for your reverential attitude. This is a sacred building, used for many purposes, it is true, until we get an auditorium that will take care of some secular assemblies of the sessions. It is sacred, and we have noted that you have governed yourselves accordingly. From the moment that the clock marked the beginning of a session, perfect order has prevailed. We ask that this example be followed by all the Saints in their ward chapels and in halls in which you meet to worship. We express appreciation for the cooperation of city officials. Their ready and efficient service has been noted. The traffic officers have rendered valuable service in handling increased traffic. We have already expressed appreciation to the Berkeley Stake for the calla lilies that have beautified the building. Our ushers have done excellent service! They volunteered last evening to put up a platform. They had it removed early this morning. They have been ready and willing to look after the people who had need of the emergency hospital, which has been on the grounds, and in every way have rendered service to add to the convenience of the many visitors who are here. Especially we mention appreciation to the various radio stations: here in our own city, KSL, and others in the state of Utah, in Idaho, in Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, California, Hawaii. Managers of these stations, no one can tell how many people have been blessed by your magnanimity and co-operation. We thank you! We express appreciation to our singers. I do not know that we have ever had for every session such inspiring music rendered by the combined Scandinavian choirs Saturday, the Men's Chorus of the Tabernacle Choir Saturday night, by our own Tabernacle Choir Sunday and by the combined choruses of Brigham Young University today. I can scarcely refrain from commenting on the inspiration that the presence of these young men and young women gives to us. "How beautiful is youth! how bright it gleams With its illusions, aspirations, dreams! Book of Beginnings, story without end, Every maid a heroine, and each man a friend!" How glorious is youth, and here are several hundred of them in our presence contributing their talents to the inspiration of our conference. Again, thank you. To all others who have in any way contributed to the excellency and the inspiration of this, the 123rd conference, we express our gratitude. Now, may I trespass upon your time a few moments to say a final word to you mission presidents, to you presidencies of stakes, bishoprics of wards, to you officers, stake and local, to you mothers who are doing so much to make these new buildings to which reference has been made, so attractive, and in other ways contributing to the advancement of the work. Much of what you brethren and sisters do we never hear about, and it seems as though you are working without any visible results, but no good deed, no kind word can be spoken without its effect being felt for good upon all. Sometimes the good may be infinitesimal, but as a rock that is thrown in a pool starts a wave from the center which continues to enlarge until every part of the shore is touched, so your deeds, silent, many of them, unknown unspoken, unheralded, continue to radiate and touch many hearts. We are not unappreciative of what you are doing. Nobody can go out to a dedicatory service of one of these meetinghouses, hear incidents, details, illustrations of what seem to be sacrifices of the hours and hours of work, given freely, without being deeply impressed with the integrity and sincerity of the members of this Church. Thursday morning this building was crowded to capacity by Primary workers, representatives of one organization. That night, the hotel ballroom was crowded with former workers, general board workers of the Primary, present workers, present officers from stakes. I wish the ten thousand people here could have seen the illustration and the examples they gave showing the growth of the Primary during the last seventy-five years. Friday night this building was crowded to overflowing by the bishoprics of the Church, under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Saturday, seventeen thousand members of the priesthood filled this house the Assembly Hall, Barratt Hall, Field House at BYU, representing the priesthood of the Church. We have had a meeting of the patriarchs, another of mission presidents, another of welfare workers, and one of stake missionaries. Why all these, and all other meetings in the Church? Tell me! They are held for the good of the individual--for your son and my son, your daughter and mine. The Lord has said, " . . . If it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (D. & C. 18:15-16.) The whole purpose of the organization of this great Church, so complete, so perfect, is to bless the individual. How that stands out in striking contrast, in opposition, to the claim of the communist who says that the individual is but a spoke in the wheel of the state that the state is all in all, the individual being but a contributing factor to the perpetuation and strength of the state. That idea is diametrically opposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus sought for a perfect society, "not by agitating the people to revolt against political or social organizations, nor by any reorganization of existing conditions, but by perfecting the individual. He recognized the fallacy in the dream of those who hoped to make a perfect society out of imperfect individuals." In all these labors and associations, he sought the perfection of the individual. His goal always set before his followers was the emancipation of men and women from greed, from anger, from jealousy, from hatred, from fear; and in their place he hoped to bring about a complete and normal development of the individual's divine powers through right thinking and unselfish efficient service. He promised no material rewards but he did promise perfected, divine manhood, as we have heard in this conference. "Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48.) And with that divine manhood comes the resultant happiness, true happiness. FINAL BLESSING God bless you, my dear fellow workers, you General Authorities, stake presidencies, bishoprics, every officer and teacher throughout the land, every member. May the Spirit of the Lord abide in your hearts, and in your homes, that people partaking of your radiation of honesty, integrity, uprightness, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ will be led to glorify our Father in heaven. Many years ago--a Chinese philosopher expressed the thought that I am trying to give you, and the result of individual righteousness as follows: "If there is righteousness in the heart there will be beauty in the character. If there is beauty in the character there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation there will be peace in the world." God help us to bring about that peace in the only way that it can come, and that through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, I pray in his holy name. Amen. October 2, 1953 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Elder Joseph W. Anderson has just read the vital statistical data, the changes in ward and stake organizations, and the obituaries of the Church. There are a few more items which might be mentioned, in which you will probably be interested. The Church construction of chapels, classrooms, and recreation halls continues without abatement, indeed, with acceleration. During the last nine months, the Church has spent $5,568,000.00 in stakes, and $2,109,000.00 in missions, a total of $7,677,000.00, or a total to date this year, including local funds contributed for this purpose, in stakes, $10,337,000.00, and in the missions, $2,704,000.00 (I am not reading the full amount), or a total of $13,041,000.00. TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION You already know about the dedication of two temple sites in Europe--the first in the history of the Church--one at Berne, Switzerland, and another between London and Brighton, England. The construction of the temple in Los Angeles is proceeding satisfactorily. We wish to commend the members of the Church in the Los Angeles Temple district for their magnanimous contribution to this edifice. As has already been announced, they volunteered to contribute over a million dollars towards the construction and completion of this edifice, and their payments are practically up-to-date. In addition to giving this large cash contribution they recently volunteered to assist in the landscaping, and even now they are planting shrubbery and getting trees so that at the time of dedication of the temple, the grounds will be properly and beautifully landscaped. May the Lord bless these faithful people and enable them to fulfil their promise in order that this edifice may be completely paid for by its dedication within a year and a half or two years. The plans already are drawn for the temple in Switzerland, and the architect and contractor are proceeding so that that edifice will be completed without delay. STAKE MISSIONARY WORK You will be interested to know that the stake missionary work is meeting with unprecedented results: 6518 stake missionaries are now working within the organized stakes. To date there have been 3441 who have accepted the gospel through the efforts of these stake missionaries, and the work is continuing with unabated zeal. YOUTH PROGRAM We might mention, too, for your interest, that the youth program is being carried on most ably. I shall not take time to weary you with statistics, but in the girls' program, covering all the girls from twelve to nineteen, for August 1953, there were 56,332 enrolled. We believe that is one hundred percent of all the girls between those ages. The average attendance of the girls at the three meetings for this month, August, were as follows: Of those young girls, forty-nine percent of them attended sacrament meetings; fifty-nine percent attended the Sunday Schools; and fifty-four percent attended the MIA meetings. We commend you, sisters. A very definite program is carried out by the MIA for getting in touch with inactive girls and in trying to interest them in the Mutual Improvement Association. In YMMIA during the past three years there has been an increase of 11,872 in enrolment in the scouting program. According to a report (we have this from Brother D. L. Roberts, who is director of the Mormon relationships in the Boy Scouts, and from Brother Elbert R. Curtis, general superintendent), on Sunday evening, during the jamboree at Los Angeles, July 19, a great convocation was held. Attending were more than forty-five thousand Boy Scouts, and there were present fifty thousand or more visitors. During the convocation great attention was paid to the churches of America, and religious training, and our Church received favorable attention. This made us happy to see an organization such as scouting bring such favorable comments about the work that is being done for the young in the Church. I have notes before me emphasizing particularly what the Primary Association is doing for our eleven-year-old boys who are now taking up preliminary Scout work, also commending the high percentage of attendance at Primary meetings, and the most excellent work that is being done by the Primary hospital. UNIFICATION OF CHURCH SCHOOL SYSTEM Since our meeting of last April there has been a unification of the Church school system. We have had, heretofore, as you know, a Church board of education with a commission presiding over the colleges, institutes, and seminaries. Then we had a board of trustees presiding over Brigham Young University. Those two great branches of education are now united under the direction of Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, who is appointed administrator of the Church board of education, in addition to his presidency over Brigham Young University. Here I wish to say a word of commendation for the excellent service rendered by Commissioner Franklin L. West. For years he has devoted his entire time to the advancement of the institutes and seminaries and colleges of the Church. His heart has been in the work. He has expressed and radiated a fervent testimony of the divinity of the restored gospel, and his heart has been centered upon the instructing of the youth in the fundamentals and ideals of the Church of Jesus Christ. He retires with the confidence and blessing of the Authorities of the Church. Under his direction there has been a steady increase in the number enrolled in our institutes and seminaries. Last year there were enrolled 36,081 seminary students, 4202 institute students, 1140 in the schools of the islands of the Pacific, or a total of 41,423. I am glad to report to you that the Church is moving on with great rapidity and its influence being extended throughout the world. PASSING OF TWO GENERAL AUTHORITIES Since our last meeting, as already reported by Brother Anderson, two members of the General Authorities have passed away: Elder A. E. Bowen of the Council of the Twelve, and Elder Stayner Richards, Assistant to the Twelve--two stalwarts, clear in vision, sound in judgment; men loyal and true to their callings, to the ideals and doctrines of the Church! We pay respect to their memory. May their acts and services during their lifetime continue to reverberate for good in the hearts not only of all members of the Church, but of all those outside of the Church who were fortunate enough to come in contact with these two great men. COMMENDATION OF TEACHERS AND CHURCH GROUPS I have mentioned particularly the work of the Church among the youth, because the future of this world is largely determined, as Goethe says, "upon the opinions of its young men under five and twenty." If that be true, to awaken in the minds of the youth of the land a desire to achieve life's truest values is to render the greatest of all great services to our country. With this thought in mind, I commend the teachers in our public schools, who under present difficulties, are remaining true to their post of duty. Let us hope that they will continue to do so, and not go off on a tangent vainly seeking redress in unions, which will only aggravate a condition already regrettable. We have confidence in the teachers. They will be loyal to their profession, teaching the young to be loyal and true to our country, to love the best in life, rather than to seek that which leads to selfishness. This morning I want, also, to commend the Presiding Bishopric, the bishops of the wards, the presidencies of the Aaronic Priesthood quorums, for their efforts to bring into activity all the boys between the ages of 12 and 19, and what is equally commendable, they are reaching out to incorporate in this great spiritual uplift those who are classified as the "senior members of the Aaronic Priesthood," a group of potential power for great good, not only in the Church, but in the world, many of them leading businessmen and professional men. I commend you, brethren, for organizing these able men into groups that their influence may be felt for good. THE KINGDOM OF GOD OR CATASTROPHE With this in mind, I should like to give the following message, feeling as I do this morning, the potency and divinity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. With all my soul I feel this morning that there is truly " . . . none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) cannot see how men can doubt that. When I was a boy, there hung above the pulpit in the chapel in Huntsville, (Utah), a picture of President John Taylor. Under it in gold letters were these words: "The Kingdom of God or Nothing." In childhood I gave little if any thought to its implication, nor in youth did I try to comprehend its significance. This morning, with world conditions in mind--international suspicion and enmities--threatening war clouds--"man's inhumanity to man," and other discouraging aspects of human relationships, I am inclined to paraphrase that motto to read: "The kingdom of God or catastrophe." Tradition tells us that Peter, when on the Appian Way going toward Rome, was met by this question "Quo Vadis?" (Whither goest thou?) Were that question put to people today, many pessimists would answer that we are headed for catastrophe, if not total destruction. One has already said of Europe: "On the whole, during many generations, there has been a gradual decay of religious influence in European civilization. Each revival touches a lower peak than its predecessor, and each period of darkness, a lower depth. The average curve marks a steady fall in religious tone. Religion is tending to degenerate into a decent formula wherewith to embellish a comfortable life. "Russia officially sanctions irreligion, and approves a system of sex relations lower than any sanctioned by the lowest African tribe. "The paleolithic savages so far as we know had no such practices." (Man's Social Destiny, p. 23.) WHAT MEN THINK And Hayden, writes as follows: "Today, as never before, mankind is seeking social betterment. Today, as seldom if ever before, human society is threatened with disintegration, if not complete chaos. All the ancient evils of human relationships, injustice, selfishness, abuse of strength, become sinister and terrible when reinforced by the vast increase of material power. The soul of man cowers, starved and fearful, in the midst of a civilization grown too complex for any mind to visualize or to control. Joy and beauty fade from human living. Yet life, abundant, beauteous, laughing life, has been our age-long labor's end. What other conceivable worth has the mastery of the material world, the exploitation of the resources of nature and the creation of wealth, except as a basis for the release of the life of the spirit. We are witnessing either the crumbling of civilization under the weight of its material mechanism or the birth of a new organization with a spiritual ideal." Oswald Spengler thinks, and has so written: "This machine technics (referring to the world) will end with the Faustian civilization and one day will lie in fragments, forgotten--our railways and steamships as dead as the Roman roads and the Chinese Wall, our giant cities and skyscrapers in ruins like old Memphis and Babylon. The history of this technics is fast drawing to its inevitable close. It will be eaten up from within like the grand forms of any and every culture. When, and in what fashion, we know not." These references indicate what some men are thinking about the present-day conditions, and where such conditions are leading. Whether you accept them as true, or not, we must face the fact that we are in a changing world, and that the destruction of present-day civilization is a possibility. But, brothers and sisters, the Lord has something better in store for his children than complete destruction. Nations may be born, live, flourish for a time, and through internal corruption or other causes, die or be destroyed; but the human race will continue, and the kingdom of God be established. " . . . behold," said Daniel, "one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, . . . "And there was given him dominion and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14.) The paramount need in the world today is a clearer understanding by human beings of moral and spiritual values, and a desire and determination to attain them. Never before in the history of the world has there been such a need of spiritual awakening. Unless there is such an awakening, there is danger of catastrophe among the nations of the world. But I feel this morning, with all my soul, that the sun of hope is rising. Many thinking men and women are recognizing the need of man's looking up towards the heavens instead of his groveling in response to his animal nature. One man commenting on this said, that "If all the destroyers of civilization could be eliminated, and the traits of the rest of us could be eliminated, an approach to the millennium some hundred years hence is by no means inconceivable." The Savior of the world said: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10.) Whether we live miserably or live abundantly depends upon ourselves. Look introspectively, young man and young woman, and determine whether your innermost thoughts hold you on the animal plane or whether they tend to lift you into the mental, moral, and spiritual realm. And you be your own judge. Are you scheming to exploit another for personal gain? Are you justifying a lie? Are you entertaining the thought of robbing a young woman of her virtue? Are you, young woman, justifying an act of unchastity in exchange for the attention or favor of a male companion? If these or any other selfish sinful thoughts obsess you, then you are not following the path of the abundant life, but are contributing to the continuance of a sordid, unhappy world. FOUR FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS In the brief sojourn of Jesus upon the earth, he marked clearly "the way the truth, and the life." (See Ibid., 14:6.) I shall take time this morning to call your attention to four incidents in his life, and mention probably, but of course, briefly, some connotations of those incidents, I repeat, because I feel and know, that through him and through him only, and by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, can we find happiness and salvation in this world and eternal life in the world to come. But I am thinking particularly of happiness and joy here and now, in this atomic age. First, recall His experience on the Mount of Temptation. In that experience we find taught the sublime necessity of subordinating the animal part of our natures to the spiritual. Man is a dual being--he is human, physical, of the earth, earthy, but he is, also, divine the offspring of God. Well might Carlyle say: "There are heights in man which reach the highest heaven, and depths that sink to the lowest hell--for are not both heaven and hell made out of him, everlasting miracle and mystery that he is?" "Beloved," said John, "now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2.) On the Mount of Temptation Jesus resisted every appeal to his physical appetite--" . . . command that these stones be made bread"; every appeal to his vanity;--"If thou be the son of God cast thyself down,"--from the pinnacle; every appeal to his selfishness and pride, every bribe offered by way of power and wealth in exchange for spiritual companionship with his Father. Resisting all he said to the tempter: "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 4:10.) VALUE OF NOBLE THOUGHTS Then during his brief mission among men, he emphasized the value of entertaining noble thoughts, what you think will determine your character, not alone what you do, and knowing that what one thinks about in one's secret moments determines what he is. He "decried the fatal effects of hatred and jealousy in the mind of the individual more vehemently than he did the acts that hate and jealousy prompt. Modern physiology and psychology confirm the practical wisdom of his teachings. These evil passions destroy a man's physical vigor and efficiency--they pervert his mental perceptions and render him incapable of resisting the temptations to commit acts of violence. They undermine his moral health. By insidious stages they transform the man who cherishes them into a criminal. On the other hand, if they are banished, and wholesome, kindly thoughts and emotions take their place, the man is incapable of crime. Right thoughts and feelings, if persistently kept in the forefront, inevitably lead to right acts." "A good tree bears good fruit; an evil tree, evil fruit." (See Matt. 7:17.) A good tree, he says, cannot bring forth evil fruit, nor an evil tree bring forth good fruit. That teaching lies at the very bottom of Christ's ethical teachings. His whole effort was to make the tree good, for when that end was achieved, the good qualities of the fruit were assured. Resist evil, members of the Church, young and old, and the devil will flee from you. The second incident I take from the Sermon on the Mount--a mountain in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Ibid., 6:24.) Then he added, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Ibid., 6:33.) Do you believe that? I believe in every word that Jesus spoke and to me the teaching is applicable in my life and yours. Keeping in mind the fact that we are the children of our Father in heaven, when we seek the kingdom of God, first we become conscious of a new aim in life. To nourish and delight the body with its appetites and passions, as animals do, is no longer the chief end of mortal existence. Spiritual attainments not physical possessions become the chief goal. God is not viewed from the standpoint of what we may get from him, but what we may give to him. Only in the complete surrender of our inner life may we rise above the selfish sordid pull of nature. "Giving God the glory" is a sure means of subduing selfishness--a willingness on the part of the individual to keep God as the ideal in his life. Faith, therefore, is a foundation element in true character building; for an upright character is the result only of continued effort and right thinking, the effect of long-cherished associations with Godlike thoughts. He approaches nearest the Christ spirit who makes God the center of his thoughts; and he who can say in his heart, "Not my will, but thine be done," approaches most nearly the Christ ideal. TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS The third incident is the scene with the Pharisees when a lawyer asked him: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Ibid., 22:36-39.) For two thousand years, practically, men have considered this sublime doctrine as impractical--too ideal, they say, but if we sincerely believe in Christ's divinity, that he is "the way, the truth and the life" (see John 14:6), we cannot consistently doubt the applicability of his teachings to everyday life. True, there are weighty problems to solve--evils of the slums, the ever-recurring conflicts between labor and capital, drunkenness, prostitution, international hatreds, and a hundred other current questions. But if heeded, Christ's appeal for personal integrity, honor, fair-dealing, and love is basic in the proper solution of all these social and economic difficulties. CHANGE MEN'S HEARTS Most certainly before the world even approaches these ideals, men's hearts must be changed. Christ came into the world for that very purpose. The principal reason for preaching the gospel is to change men's hearts and lives, and you brethren who go from stake to stake and hear the evidence and testimony of those who have been converted recently through the stake missionary work, can testify how the conversion has changed their lives, as they have given their testimonies. By such conversion they bring peace and good will to the world instead of strife, suffering. On changing men's hearts Beverly Nichols, author of The Fool Hath Said, writes truly: "You can change human nature. No man who has felt in him the spirit of Christ even for a half minute can deny this truth, the one great truth in a world of little lies. You do change human nature, your own human nature if you surrender it to him.... Human nature must be changed on an enormous scale in the future unless the world is to be drowned in its own blood. And only Christ can change it." "Live in all things outside yourself by love," says Browning through Paracelsus, "and you shall have joy. This is the life of God; it ought to be our life. In him it was perfect, but in all created things, it is a lesson learned slowly and through difficulty." LESSON FOR YOUTH The fourth scene I name is with his disciples just before Gethsemane, when he said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world,.... "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:11, 15.) There is your lesson, young folk! You are in the midst of temptation, but you, as Christ on the Mount of Temptation, can rise above it. We can so live, it is possible, that as members of the Church we can say to all the world in the words of Thomas Nixon Carver: "Come, our way of life is best because it works best. Our people are efficient, prosperous and happy because we are a body who aid one another in the productive life. We waste none of our substance in vice, luxury, or ostentation. We do not dissipate our energy in brawling, gambling, or unwholesome habits. We conserve our resources of body and mind and devote them to the upbuilding of the kingdom of God, which is not a mystical but a real kingdom. We believe that obedience to God means obedience to the laws of nature, which are but the manifestations of His will; and we try by painstaking study to acquire the most complete and exact knowledge of that will, in order that we may conform ourselves to it." Yesterday, in this Tabernacle, seven or eight thousand women gathered--our mothers, members of the Relief Society. I wish the whole Church might have partaken of the spirit of that great conference. If so, we should have greater assurance in our souls that these ideals to which I have made brief mention will be effective throughout the world in bringing about a desire for greater spirituality, a greater need for the testimony that God lives, that his Son Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and that divine beings restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith the gospel of Jesus Christ as he established it in the Meridian of Time. I bear you that testimony this morning and pray that the influence of priesthood quorums, of auxiliaries, and of the missionaries may be more effective from this time on than ever before in leading the honest in heart of the whole world to turn their eyes upward to the worship of God, our eternal Father, and give them power to control the animal nature and live in the spirit, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 3, 1953 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My dear fellow workers: Just a few words in conclusion. I commend the appeal made by Brother Petersen, and once again ask that the bishops send the names to Elders Spencer Kimball and Mark E. Petersen of those girls and boys who leave their home towns to come to the centers. The Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association will help you, if you ask them to report to you, they have so written to me within the week. They are prepared to report on every girl in every ward in the Church. The Lord bless them and may he bless you bishops, in this service of saving souls. EXCURSIONS One other point--when you have excursions for young people, either to the temple or visiting a city, please see to it that you have registered or chartered busses, unless you come in your private cars. In either case be sure that the boys and girls are properly chaperoned. ON SOLICITING FUNDS Wards and branches should not solicit funds or try to raise money for their buildings in other places than under their own jurisdiction. We do not favor bidding on shovels used for breaking ground for church edifices. HOW TO OBTAIN A TESTIMONY A few years ago a stranger sat in the gallery opposite this pulpit and listened to the testimony of one of the elders of the Church. He accompanied a man who had been excommunicated from the Church. As they were walking out of the grounds, the stranger said, referring to the testimony of the speaker that day, "Do you know, I would give all I possess if I knew that what that speaker said today is true." Several of the brethren throughout this conference have emphasized the value of a testimony. Brother Sonne, particularly, laid stress upon the fact that that is the strength of the Church. It is. There is nothing which a man can possess in this world, which will bring more comfort, more hope and faith than a testimony of the existence of a Heavenly Father who loves us, or of the reality of Jesus Christ, his Only Begotten Son, that those two heavenly personages appeared to the Prophet Joseph and established the Church of Jesus Christ, and that men are officially authorized to represent Deity. Scientists are seeking that knowledge, some of them in vain. One of them recently declared that he had failed to find it, and had lost his faith even in God, and he is recognized as one of the great. You know, too, you who have read the book "Man Does Not Stand Alone," how impressively that great author leads the world to accept the existence of God's guidance. You who have heard missionaries return and bear witness that they know that this Gospel is true, will remember, probably, when you were boys, that you, too, would have given anything if you could so testify in truth. We have hundreds, perhaps thousands of young men here with us tonight. They are eagerly longing to have that testimony. Of its value, there is no question. Of its reality, too, there is no question in the minds of you leaders who possess an absolute knowledge of these things. But as I have listened to the testimonies, I have wondered how many of us are showing the boys how they may know. Are we sufficiently emphasizing the fact that they will never know it if they indulge in sin; they will never find it out if they live to gratify their passions and appetites. "My spirit shall not always strive with man." (Gen. 6:3; D&C 1:33; Moses 8:17.) His spirit will not dwell in unclean tabernacles. ("The Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples." Helaman 4:24.) And you cannot have a testimony without the Spirit of God. Young men, may I just name three steps that will aid you in obtaining this priceless possession, and then you follow them. On the night of Gethsemane, Jesus offered a great prayer. In the introduction he said this: "Father, thou hast heard me," and he thanked the Lord for it, and then he said: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3.) That is what a testimony means. To know God, and Jesus Christ, is to have life eternal, the great possession of eternal life. But the question arises--How may I know? Jesus has answered it, as he has shown the way in every aspect of life. One day, when he bore testimony to his divinity, that his teachings were of God, the Pharisees and others around him said, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" How do we know (that was their question), that you are divine? And he gave a simple answer: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:15, 17.) There is a definite answer--a clear-cut statement, young man. "If ye will do the will, ye shall know." And, "to know God, and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent, is eternal life." However, there still remains unanswered the question: What is God's will? On one occasion several thousand people asked that question saying "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" It was on the Day of Pentecost, and Peter, who had received a testimony and instructions from the Savior, answered: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:37-39.) Did you note that first sentence, that first condition? Repentance, which is a changing of life. If you have been swearing, stop it. That is what repentance means. If you have been disobeying father or mother, cease your disobedience. If you have been thinking impure thoughts, substitute them with noble ideas. Repentance means ever to change your thoughts and acts for the better. A lawyer, a Pharisee asked Christ, on one occasion, "Which is the great commandment in the law?" (Matt. 22:36.) And in answer, most profound, Jesus said, the first fundamental law is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength." (Mark 12:30.) "And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Matt. 22:39.) And the Pharisee admitted that Jesus had spoken wisely. Analyze that and you will find that it means that instead of centering your thoughts on self, that God becomes the center of your existence; your thought is what you are going to do for him. You will pray to him at night. You will pray to him when you have some heavy task to perform. In your school work, pray. I know, you may not hear his voice always, and you may feel that he did not answer your question in your prayer, but in youth, keep praying, holding to the assurance that God is near you to help you. Christ has given us "all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature," (2 Peter 1:3-4) that is, the Holy Ghost promised by Peter, to live in this world and be a partaker of the divine nature of our Father in Heaven. I bear witness to you that that is a reality. Young man, never lose sight of it. And then, after Peter bore witness that that is a reality, he said this: " . . . add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; "And to knowledge temperance (note the words); and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; "And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity,"-- love. Now note the promise: "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,"--of the things of God. (2 Peter 1:5-8.) And to know God is eternal life. Those are divine steps, that lead back to the presence of God, our Eternal Father. May the young within the sound of our voices tonight, and all in the Church, follow those steps, and gain, each one the precious gift of a knowledge of the divinity of this work, I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 4, 1953 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY We have just listened to Elder Marion D. Hanks, whom, as I stated a few moments ago, you have this day sustained as a member of the First Council of the Seventy. Messages of appreciation of the television service rendered this forenoon to the people of the Northwest and on the Pacific Coast, still come in. Knowing your interest, I will read two more. This is from Seattle, Washington signed by Wilford H. Payne, Seattle Stake: "Please accept appreciation of the first television broadcast conference session to Saints and friends in the Northwest." From Los Angeles, signed by the President of the California Mission Bryan L. Bunker: "Televised conference messages received perfectly. Marvelous missionary opportunity in the future. Gratefully, President of the California Mission." And now at the conclusion of this great conference, may we express again the gratitude of our hearts to these men and companies, who have so graciously contributed of their means, with so little expense to the Church, to broadcast by radio and by television, the proceedings of this great conference. We want them to know that you and the Church generally deeply appreciate their co-operative efforts. EXPRESSES APPRECIATION We express gratitude, also, to the public press. I want to name especially the reporters on our papers, who have given such accurate and careful, complete accounts of the various meetings, speakers of our conference since last Wednesday, including the great Relief Society conference. We wish to express appreciation to the audience here in the Tabernacle, your responsiveness and your reverence, may it be an example to the audiences, to the congregations throughout the Church when they enter our places of worship: Very little moving about, no leaving of the services, I have been favorably impressed and commend you. We appreciate the co-operation of our city officials, their ready and efficient service, wherever it is needed; our traffic officers in handling the crowds. I have noticed new precautionary measures taken and the presence of the members of the police force on the corners, courteously, carefully protecting the crowds surrounding this block and throughout the city. We wish to mention again these beautiful flowers sent from Oahu and others furnished by our local florists. We appreciate our singers, and although we have already expressed it to each choir, I repeat again your appreciation of the Relief Society Singing Mothers, the members of the Swiss-German Choir, the Men's Chorus, who rendered such good service last evening in the Tabernacle, and finally, and of course not least, the members of our Tabernacle Choir. To all of these and to all others, including our ushers, we extend heartfelt appreciation. And now, this great conference draws to a close. Our anticipation, our hopes, our prayers that it might prove to be uplifting and inspirational, have been realized, and for that we are grateful to our heavenly Father, grateful for the inspiration he has given to the General Authorities who have spoken to you. What great messages they have given to us and to the world! Truly our hearts have been filled with gratitude that the Lord has magnified each one, to the end that his word has been spoken. In conclusion, may I leave just one closing thought. This Church of Jesus Christ commonly known as "Mormonism," is in the world to make people happy. Happiness is the end, really, of our existence. That happiness comes most effectively through service to our fellow men, and the Church is the most effective means in the world through which that service may be rendered. There is no happiness without peace. Today, the President of the United States, his Cabinet, Congress, the Senate the House of Representatives, the Judiciary, are all seeking peace in the world. Nations are longing for it Mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers who have children and grandchildren in the armed forces are praying daily that we might have peace. Peace is the message that came when the Savior was born a Babe in Bethlehem. It was heralded by the angel choir, singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14.) "Peace," he said to his disciples toward the close of his ministry, "These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) After his resurrection, when the doors were closed and the ten disciples were in session, as he greeted them, his first salutation was, "Peace be unto you." (Ibid., 20:21.) And eight days later, when the eleven were there, the same salutation, "Peace." (See Ibid., 20:26.) What a glorious thing it is, brethren and sisters, and this is my message: Peace cannot be found in external things. Peace comes from within. "There is no peace except by the triumph of principles," said the wise Emerson. Peace is within the individual soul. There is no peace when one's conscience is seared or when one is conscious of having committed some untoward act. There was certainly no peace in that young girl's soul who came and confessed the other night, fearful of the disgrace she had brought upon her loving parents, fearful of how she could again meet the world. She was experiencing the pangs of retribution--the antithesis of peace. Peace springs from righteousness in the soul, from upright living. If we are going about in the world to establish peace, let us begin at home, first with each individual. If you want peace tonight, remember yours is the responsibility to obtain it, and it is my responsibility, and it is your privilege and mine to attain it. Certainly, let us establish peace in our household. We are sending out missionaries, it is true, to proclaim peace and universal brotherhood. That is one great mission of our Church. May all the world recognize it and co-operate with us in spreading the glad news, the glad tidings of great joy. That is the paramount purpose of our missionary work. May God guide the boys and the girls, the young men and women who go out, paying their own expenses or receiving support from their parents, in thus proclaiming peace to a disturbed and unsettled world. What a glorious concept, but let us set the example by having peace in our homes. Paraphrasing the author of The Simple Life: "Let our homes become sanctuaries for ourselves." (I commend the appeal made by Elder Benson.) Sanctuaries! A sanctuary is where we have peace. May our homes become warm nests where children may be protected and grow into noble men and women; where love may find privacy, old age repose, prayer an altar, and the nation a sure source of strength and perpetuity. With all my soul at the close of this great, inspirational conference, my dear fellow workers, I say God bless you, that in your hearts and in your homes you may have peace. I say to all our friends who have been listening in, may the peace that comes from obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ find lodgment in your hearts, through your acceptance of the truth. May the spirit of peace be poured out upon all nations, that the threatening clouds of destruction may be dissipated, and the sunshine of peace shine once more all over the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 3, 1954 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY We have several notes here should be considered by presiding officers in stakes and wards, in addition to those already mentioned in the message given by the Bishopric and by the counselors in the Presidency. One of these I will mention. The others we can carry over. Will the presidencies of stakes at your quarterly conference please present to the visiting General Authorities any problems which you have that are current, or might he current within a few days or weeks. Let the Brethren who are on the ground consider these problems with you. It may be the reorganization of a bishopric, the appointment of high councilmen, or the reorganization of a high council. Not infrequently we find before us correspondence from stakes in which quarterly conference was held just the week before our Thursday meeting, problems which should have been taken up with the visiting Brethren. If you will follow that little suggestion it will expedite matters in the Presidency's office, which are accumulating. As I contemplate the vast audience of Priesthood tonight, assembled in the various places named at the opening of the meeting, and realize the potency and power of this great body of men, I am overwhelmed. As I sat in the audience and listened to the message given so impressively by the Bishopric, and so successfully by the men and women who produced that film, I felt my feelings swell within my breast as to the possibility of the good that will be done, and can be done, by these fifteen or twenty or twenty-five thousand men of the Priesthood who are worshipping tonight. "There's surely somewhere a lowly place In earth's harvest fields so wide, Where I may labor thro' life's short day For Jesus, the Crucified; So trusting my all to Thy tender care, And knowing Thou lovest me, I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere, I'll be what you want me to be." I hope everybody who sang that verse applied it to himself, and in a way made a sacred vow to do better in the future than in the past, and there cam mind five fundamental virtues t should be associated with that will. I will just name them. First is faith,--faith in God the Father, in His Son, faith in our fellow men. The second is honesty, a childish sincerity, honest in dealing with Our fellow men. It is the foundation of all character. If you offer prayer at night and you have dealt dishonestly with your fellows during the day, I rather think that as the king in Hamlet, your words fly up but your thoughts remain below; but if you have dealt honestly, the Lord will hear and answer your true feelings. The third is loyalty. It is a wonderful principle. A true friend is loyal. Many acquaintances are not, and may not be. Be loyal to the Priesthood. Be loyal to your wives and to your families, loyal to your friends. I cannot think that the Spirit of God will strive with a man who in any way helps to break up another man's family. I care not what seeming attraction may be between him and the wife of the other man. God will withdraw his Spirit from such a one. Do you know that five or six letters that have come just this week from broken-hearted wives of some men who are disillusioned with the Church have their origin in dishonest dealings with men, or fancied dishonest dealings of brethren, and three of them from broken-hearted wives who are pleading for something to be said to have their husbands brought to recall what it means to be loyal to covenants made in the House of the Lord. Fourth, there springs from that chastity. All these 25,000 men, clean. That means something in this old world. Fifth, in the heart of each one a willingness, indeed, a desire, to serve their fellow men. I will say no more, but I feel impressed to ask you, and all other listening in to repeat with me the First Article of Faith, and the Thirteenth Article of Faith, and let us say it slowly, and think of each word as we say it. You recall the first: "We believe in God, he Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." The Thirteenth: "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we ma say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured man things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." Will you brethren? The first, (The brethren repeated the First Article of Faith.) Thirteenth. (The brethren then repeated the Thirteenth Article of Faith.) May inspiration from on high and the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit enable each of us to accentuate that belief by radiating in our daily lives the ideals and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I earnestly pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1954 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY The following I take from Section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It was recorded in 1829. "Now behold a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind strength, that ye may stand blamed before God at the last day. "Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; . "And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work." (D. & C. 4:1-3; 5.) When that revelation was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, he was twenty-three years of age. The Book of Mormon was not yet published; no man had been ordained to the priesthood. The Church was not organized; yet the statement was made and written without qualification that " . . . a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men." Another significant feature of this revelation, and others given about the same period, is the naming of essential qualifications of those who were to participate in the bringing about of this marvelous work. These qualifications were not the possession of wealth, not social distinction, not political preferment, not military achievement, not nobility of birth; but a desire to serve God with all your "heart, mind, and strength"--spiritual qualities that contribute to nobility of soul. I repeat: no popularity, no wealth, no theological training in Church government--yet a marvelous work was about to come forth among the children of men. Manifestly, some higher power was operating to bring about this marvelous work other than mere human and material means. In passing, it is interesting to note that about that same period Robert Owen of England, a man of exceptional ability, a religious person, decried the departure of the churches from the simple teachings of Jesus. He was dissatisfied also with economic conditions of that time, for he saw little children, indeed he had some working in his own factories, who were only eight and ten years of age. He introduced the law which required the prohibition of little children from working at night and limited others to ten hours a day. He was desirous of establishing conditions which would at least ameliorate some of these conditions which were almost unbearable in society at that time. He won the confidence of leaders, and the Duke of Kent (Queen Victoria's father) became his patron. With a fortune in his hand, he came to the new world about 1823. He established what he hoped would be an ideal society. Within three years he had lost two hundred thousand dollars, and his experiment failed. Joseph Smith had no such royal patron, no potentially influential friends. Over one hundred years have passed, and the work of the Church today is stronger and more flourishing than ever before. This morning I feel impressed to refer briefly to the missionary phase of this "marvelous work." Recent visits to the various missions of the world have impressed me more deeply than ever with the importance and magnitude of the Church, and with its responsibility to make more potent the proclaimIng of the gospel of Jesus Christ. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20.) Such was the charge given by the risen Lord to his authorized disciples over nineteen hundreds years ago! Such is the charge given by the risen Lord to his authorized servants today. In the corresponding account given by Mark the passage reads: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned," or condemned. (Mark 16:15-16.) In both these records you will note two fundamental messages are clearly stated: First: The responsibility to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world is explicitly given to those who were called and ordained Apostles of the Lord. Second: The message implied by Matthew and stated definitely by Mark that, to use Peter's words, . . . there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) In these passages are also intimated, if not clearly stated, that there are two great divisions in the Church of Jesus Christ. First is the missionary, and the second, organization for instruction, mutual edification, and service. Four conditions contribute to the intensifying of the thought or sense of responsibility of the Church. First of these are modem means of transportation. These have made practically all nations neighbors. When the Twelve Apostles of old received the admonition from the Lord to go into all the world to preach the gospel, they had, to quote Beverley Nichols, "only the wind to bear them over the seas, only a few pence in their pocket but a shining faith in their hearts. They fell far short of their ideal, their words were twisted and mocked, and false temples were built over their bones in praise of a Christ they would have rejected. And yet, by the light of their inspiration, many of the world's loveliest things were created, and many of the world's finest minds inspired." Today "God has given us the power of whispering across space, of transmitting our thoughts from one end of the earth to another." Geographical conditions or distances are just the same, but in point of time New York is as near to the Church headquarters as Provo was when President Brigham Young traveled by horses and whitetop wagon. London is nearer than Fillmore; South Africa, closer than St. George! What a marvelous age we are living in! Second, another condition that intensifies the importance and magnitude of the Church in its responsibility to the peoples of the world is the willingness of men and women to consecrate their time, their means, and their ability to the advancement of the kingdom of God. No one can associate intimately with mission presidents and with missionaries without being filled with commendation and praise for their sincerity, their untiring energy, their concern for their associates, and or their unselfish devotion to the proclamation of peace and good will. And the same is true of other men in various occupations and callings throughout the Church. Even more worthy of admiration, meriting more highly the gratitude of the many blessed by their intelligent, loving service, and entire forgetfulness of themselves are our wives and mothers. The inestimable work they do in the missionary field, as in the home, too seldom receives due recognition and praise. I have profound respect, for example, for the mission president's wife who, while showing her deepest tenderness in helping her husband to do his duty, yet in her own sphere, by intelligent, superb planning and unselfish service, gives to any habitation the true spirit of home; and by tender admonition and encouragement, lightens the heart of homesick elders with the assurance that they can and will succeed. Third, the fulfilment of prophecies made over a hundred years ago regarding the growth of the Church brings forcibly to our minds the responsibility of proclaiming the truth. Let us take a glimpse at what the Church has accomplished since its humble beginning in 1830. There have been since that time 67,615 missionaries set apart, at an approximate cost to them and their families of $54,500,000.00. Within the last fifty years the number of missions in the Church has doubled from twenty-one to forty-two today, with 1754 branches. In addition to what the individuals have spent In missionary work, the Church between 1910 and 1937, inclusive, expended $18,620,028.00. From 1938 to 1953, inclusive, $34,026,640.00, making a total from Church funds of $52,646,668.00. This does not include what the Church spent between the years 1830 and 1910. I could not get those figures. So that is a total amount in dollars expended for missionary service of $107,146,668.00. Just let your mind go back now to the beginning before there was a Church organized, before the Book of Mormon was published, and think how truly was the word spoken that a marvelous work and a wonder was about to come forth. A half century ago there were comparatively few chapels in the missions owned by the Church. Today there are 410 completed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii, at a cost of $8,488,431.00. There are 206 completed In foreign lands at a cost of $4,525,335.00. There are 142 buildings now under construction in the missions at a cost of $6,058,450.00. Besides these mission chapels, there are thirty-three mission homes purchased at a cost of over $1,000,000.00. At the turn of the century there were forty-five stakes, with approximately 550 wards. Today there are 212 stakes with 1683 wards and 232 independent branches. In addition to this, there are 112 seminary and institute buildings completed at a cost of $2,788,798.00; Brigham Young University buildings, $9,470,000.00, or a total cost of $32,464,438.00. Now note in the wards and stakes, although this is not directly on my theme, we have nearly 1300 chapels, completed at an original cost of $76,196,505.00; 351 others under construction at a cost of $34,916,707.00; a total cost for ward and stake buildings of $111,113,205.00; or a grand total for Church buildings of $143,577,643.00. Here is another phase of Church work--baptisms for those who did not have a chance to hear the gospel before they died. As of December 31, 1953, there had been performed a total of 17,357,931 baptisms, and a total number of endowments of 15,035,700. A marvelous work and a wonder! Creditable chapels are now found in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, and throughout the British Empire. Members in Johannesburg are waiting for plans to build a modern chapel on a very suitable lot already secured for that purpose. On our recent tour to South America we had the pleasure of laying the cornerstone of a chapel in Montevideo, which would be a credit to any ward in the Church, with its chapel, recreation hall, and classrooms. Other sites are already chosen throughout the mission. At Durban, there will be a chapel, recreation hall, and classrooms ready for dedication some time next month. In the fastest growing city in the world, so they told us--Sao Paulo--where the price of a lot for a chapel is almost prohibitive, the president of the mission is authorized to see what he can do to find a suitable building lot and make his recommendation for a flourishing branch in that great city of over three million. Other branches in Brazil are calling for suitable accommodations. In the Argentine Mission we visited six chapels near Buenos Aires, in fact, in that city. Though it was merely an investigating tour, we found at each place from fifty to one hundred and fifty members waiting to greet us. Ever since its organization, the Panama Branch in the Central American Mission has been the recipient of the hospitality of Rabbi Nathan Witkins and the members of the Jewish Church who shared their meeting accommodations with our Church members. Here an active, energetic group merit a meeting place of their own. We express appreciation of the co-operation of this Jewish group who entertained us while we were there visiting officially. In Guatemala there is already being completed a chapel with its tile flooring and oak finish at such a reasonable cost as would make any ward in the Church envious. Commendable progress is being made throughout Mexico in regards to furnishing suitable houses of worship. Brethren and sisters, I cite these few conditions and references not only by way of commendation to the officers and members of these various missions, but for the purpose of calling your attention to this important question: Fourth, if within a little more than a century this Church could achieve such success in numbers, wealth, and influence, how much more, comparatively speaking, might we accomplish within the next half century with a million and a half loyal members, with comparative prosperity attending our efforts, and with a better understanding in the minds of the intelligent, well-informed people as to the purposes and aims of the Church of Jesus Christ? Ours is the responsibility, greater than ever before, to proclaim: 1. That the Church is divinely established by the appearance of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that divine through the priesthood is given to represent Deity in establishing Christ's Church upon the earth. 2. That its assigned responsibility is to fulfil the admonition of Jesus to his Apostles to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in he name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matt. 28:19-20.) 3. To proclaim peace and good will unto all mankind. 4. To exert every effort, and all means within our reach to make evil-thinking men good, good men better, and all people happier. 5. To proclaim the truth that each individual is a child of God and important in his sight; that he is entitled to freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly; that he has the right to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. In this positive declaration, we imply that organizations or churches which deprive the individual of these inherent rights are not in harmony with God's will nor with his revealed word. Finally, ours is the responsibility to make available to the tens of thousands of faithful members throughout the foreign missions the privilege of participating in the eternal nature of covenants and ceremonies. Not counting Kirtland and Nauvoo, eight temples have been completed and are now in use, with two more under construction at a total cost of $13,758,750.00. One of our greatest responsibilities is to make accessible to faithful members of the Church in foreign lands suitable houses of the Lord. Tens of thousands of them are not able to come where temples are, and where they receive the blessings of the endowment, to have sealed to them their wives and their children for time and all eternity. Ours is the duty to carry the temple to them. It may not be expensive, but it will be complete, and thus will churches be built and strengthened throughout the world. On this Sunday morning, may we demonstrate our knowledge of the reality of Christ's existence and our love for the gospel by renewed service to his Church, by greater kindness and forbearance toward our associates, and by exercising more charity for the honest in heart the world over. In the words of President John Taylor, and radiating his same spirit, we say to the priesthood throughout the world: "Go to every tribe and nation; Visit every land and clime; Sound to all the proclamation; Tell to all the truth sublime; That the gospel, Does in ancient glory shine." God give us this power and the spirit of our callings in rich abundance I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1954 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY Now, my brethren and sisters, the hour is drawing to a close, wherein our great conference gathering will soon have become an event of the past. The sessions themselves will be mere history, but the messages, we hope, will ever remain on the tablets of our memories and will become moving factors in our daily lives. There are one or two features I should like to name before announcing the closing hymn and benediction. It has been most gratifying to see the number of young people, college boys and girls, who have attended these sessions. I refer not only to the 350 or 400 students from Brigham Young University but to others with them, who have taken places throughout the congregation and who have manifested an interest in spiritual things. This is most encouraging. They have come voluntarily showing their eagerness to know something about the real things of life. It has been most gratifying to note how the Spirit of the Lord has directed the remarks of members of the Council of the Twelve, the Assistants, the Seventy, and the Bishopric, and how frequently and impressively the messages have been directed to the young folks. We love them. We have confidence in them. We hope the messages will be read by others whom they have represented. And now in conclusion I should like to say just one word or two and associate the thoughts with a very remarkable saying Of the Savior. He repeated it several times. It is a paradoxical statement. "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." That form is recorded in the tenth chapter of Matthew, and over in the sixteenth chapter the Savior repeats it again in a little different way: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." The pith of that paradox is found in the use of the word life. You cannot take it literally, that you are spending your life, your mortal life, that you are going to sacrifice your life in mortality, but it rather suggests two planes in life: the baser and the higher, the animal and the spiritual. You can apply it, with those two ideas in mind, in any phase of our activity. In closing this conference I should like to apply it in two phases. First, either saving our lives or losing them in the home. Children may lose their lives in attempting to save them. The home is the foundation of society. It is a sacred institution to members of the Church of Christ. We believe in the eternity of the marriage covenant, in harmony in the home. Indeed our ideal is to have home just a little taste of heaven. Children constitute a very important part of the Latter-day Saint home. We believe in obedience of children to parents. Young people in their teens particularly, strike out to find pleasure, to save themselves, to seek to gratify desire; they seek to achieve some sensation, some thrill, which may or may not be in harmony with the wishes of the parents. If out of harmony with the desire and advice of the parents, then those children seek to save themselves and in so doing may lose the happiness they seek. Indeed, we find it applicable even among friends. One of our writers, not called a poet, but he is a very good, practical philosopher, Rotarian, said, and this is to you young people: "You ought to be true for the sake of the folks Who believe you are true. If you're false to yourself, be the blemish but small, You have injured your friends; you've been false to them all." And this is better: "You ought to be fine for the sake of the folks Who think you are fine. If others have faith in you, doubly you're bound To stick to the line. It's not only on you that dishonor descends: You can't hurt yourself without hurting your friends." Can you lose yourself for the good of your friends? If so, you will be happy. Higher than that, can you lose your impulses, your desires, or the love you have for your parents? If so, you will save your life and your home. Husbands, that applies to you. Very frequently discords arise in the home because husbands desire to save their own dignity and have their own way, have their own wishes carried out. Wives desire the same. Some exercise their prerogative to have the last word. Husbands are sometimes even more eager to have it than wives. Each really is trying to save himself or herself, and instead of having harmony and peace in the home there arises discord. Instead of saving the life of harmony in the home, you lose it, merely because you are seeking to save your own selfish life, or have your own selfish way. Better to lose that desire. Say nothing, and in losing your desire and that feeling of enmity, of ruling of governing, you say nothing, and you gain your life in the home. In a broader sense you can apply that to life. Browning in that great poem "Paracelsus" illustrates that same truth. You remember how he started out to save himself, that is, to gain knowledge as a great scientist with the intention of handing it down haughtily to the people. Festus, his friend, said, "You had better not withdraw from the people." That is the great benefactor. But Paracelsus was haughty. He was proud. When Festus warned him, Paracelsus answered, saying, "Festus, are there not two experiences in he life of a diver? One, when a beggar he prepares to plunge, one when a prince who rises with his pearls. Festus, I plunge." His friend said, "We await you when you rise." Years afterwards, after a life of scientific inquiry, and a successful life, his friend found him on his deathbed in a Greek conjurer's house. Without going into the story I will merely say, Paracelsus recognizing his friend, said: "Festus, I have found the secret of life." "What is it? All that I have depends on that answer. And the great philosopher said: "It is this: Live in all things outside yourself by love. That was the life of God. It ought to be our life." In harmony with that, I read what the Prophet Joseph said, quoting the passage with which our conference opened: "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. "Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;. . . "And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. "Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence." (D. & C. 4:2-3,5-6.) "He that would save his life" in the home, in business, in society, in politics, and particularly in association with his fellow men should lose that life for the good of others. "He that will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (See Matt. 16:25.) God bless you stake presidents, presidencies, high councilmen, bishoprics of wards, members of Melchizedek Priesthood quorums, Aaronic Priesthood quorums, members of the auxiliary organizations--Relief Society, Sunday School, Young Menus and Young Women's Mutual Associations, Primary Associations. Now I have included the entire membership of the Church, excepting the little babes. I repeat, God bless you that the spirit of this great conference may go with you to bring peace into your hearts as you lose yourselves for the good of others; harmony in your homes as you curtail that impetuous tendency to cause discord, as you control that tongue and do not say the thing that hurts. God bless the youth throughout the world, members of the Church particularly, that they may seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, that all else may be added unto them, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 1, 1954 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Beloved brethren and sisters: Few of you realize the great responsibility of this moment. I humbly Seek your sympathetic and prayerful assistance, and above all the guiding influence of the Spirit of the Lord. At this, the opening Session of the 125th semi-annual conference of the Church, it gives me great satisfaction and Joy, in behalf of the General Authorities of the Church, to extend a welcome to you stake presidencies, bishoprics, and to all members who are present at this service here in the Tabernacle and in other groups on Temple Square, and to those listening in by radio and television. May the spirit of unity and oneness characterize this great session this morning. You join me, I am sure, when we extend love and greetings to members of the Church and to interested, loyal friends throughout the world, in Canada and Mexico; in Europe, South Africa, South America, New Zealand, Australia, the Polynesian Islands, in Japan and China, Greenland, and Iceland, to groups in Korea and the Philippines, on Guam, and other islands of the Pacific. May the spirit of this conference be felt by them through the mysterious medium of soul communion, even before they read the minutes of our great conference. Among the purposes of these general conferences are, in summary, as follows: (1) To inform the membership of general conditions--whether the Church is progressing or retrogressing, economically, ecclesiastically, or spiritually. (2) To commend true merit. (3) To express gratitude for divine guidance. (4) To give instruction in principles, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel." (5) To proclaim the restoration, with divine authority to administer in all the ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to declare, quoting the Apostle Peter, that "there is none other name under heaven given among men" than Jesus Christ "whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) (6) To admonish and inspire to continue in greater activity. When thinking and praying in anticipation of this moment, I felt impreSSed to say a word about what the Church is doing to help parents in rearing their children, having in mind particularly the teenagers of our Church. In a very familiar poem a mother says to her son: "Do you know that your soul is of my soul such a part, That you seem to be fibre and core of my heart?" * * * * Be yours then the task, if task it should be, To force the proud world to do homage to me, Be sure it will say, when its verdict you've won, She reaped as she sowed, Lo! this is her son." --Margaret Johnston Graflin I should like to say a word in commendation of the groups in the Church who are helping you mothers and fathers to have your children bring you honor. Before doing that, however, I should like to make a brief report to you of conditions. Through the loyalty and faithfulness of the members of the Church in payIng tithes and offerings, by income from investments and generous contributions from well-wishing, devoted friends, the Church is entirely out of debt, strong financially, and working under a budget carefully planned to meet all obligations incurred in the great building program of chapels, temples, recreation halls, classrooms, throughout the Organized stakes and missions of the world. We commend all of you, and each of you, for your faithfulness in thus contributing to the finances of the Church, without which it would be impossible to supply the needs of a rapidly increasing membership. We have just heard the report given by the Clerk of the Conference of the organization of new wards, branches, and stakes during the last six months. The growth of the Church at home and abroad is most encouraging. With this increase in membership are evidences of increased spirituality. Spirituality results in the greatest good when expressed in acts, not merely in day dreams. " . . . shew me thy faith without thy works," said James, "and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:18.) The great majority of the members of the Church are seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. This is shown, first in contributions in cash and labor in building four hundred chapels at an average cost last year of $80,000 each. In addition to this, the people of Southern California, for example, have contributed in cash toward the building and furnishing of the Los Angeles Temple, over one million dollars. On January 2, 1952, there was a meeting called of all stake presidencies in the Southern California district, at which those present voted unanimously to raise a million dollars to be paid as the building progressed. Today we are pleased to report that pledges for that amount and more have been fulfilled. Another example of spirituality is the missionary work. There are at present 3457 full-time missionaries laboring in the forty-three missions, supported financially either by themselves or by their parents. There are 7188 missionaries in organized stakes, making a total number of missionaries paying their own expenses of 10,645. Melchizedek Priesthood quorum work has never been more effective. The Senior Aaronic Priesthood activity is giving results unprecedented. The female Relief Society, the first auxiliary organized in the Church, is carrying on at its usual high standards, its influence extending beyond the boundaries of the Church as exemplified by the recent trip abroad by its worthy president, Sister Belle Smith Spafford, accompanied by Sister Marba C. Josephson of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association. All of you should read their reports. To all who are working devotedly in the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums, and in the Relief Society, we extend our love, confidence, and commendation. I should like to commend, having in mind this Church work with teenagers, the Presiding Bishopric, the ward bishoprics, and the auxiliary general superintendents, general presidencies, and general boards for their earnest and most effective effort to guide the youth of the Church. Perhaps the Church could do more for the delinquents who get into the clutches of the law, but I feel impressed to refer to agencies working to prevent young people from becoming delinquents. For approximately three thousand years men have read the admonition: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Prov. 22:6.) The word train means "to lead, or to direct the growth of, to form by, instruction, discipline, drill, to educate. Three groups carry the responsibility of training children: First, the family; second, the Church; third, the state. The most important of these is the family. By divine edict the Lord has placed upon parents the responsibility, first to teach the doctrine of repentance; second, faith in Christ, the Son of the living God; third, baptism and confirmation; fourth, to teach children to pray; fifth, to teach children to walk uprightly before the Lord. Parents who shirk this responsibility will have to answer for the sin of neglect. A newborn babe is the most helpless creature in the world. The protecting care of parenthood is essential to its survival, as well as its growth. It must be led and directed by instruction, discipline, drill, and proper education. Our most precious possessions are not our abundant harvests, nor our orchards yielding luscious fruit, nor our waterways, nor our million miles of paved highways, nor our oil wells, nor our rich mines of copper, silver and gold, nor even of uranium--our most precious possessions, our treasures of eternity, are our children. These merit and should receive our greatest and our most constant care and guidance. Daniel Webster was right when he said: "If we work upon marble, it will perish; If we work upon brass, time will efface it; If we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; But if we work upon immortal souls, If we imbue them with principles, With the just fear of the Creator and love of fellow men, We engrave on those tablets something which will brighten eternity." The bringing of children into the world bears with it great responsibilities and opens to view the noblest purpose of life, namely, a co-partnership with deity "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) The most effective way to teach is by example. It is the child's nature to be active. It is the duty of the parents and of guardians so to direct that activity, as to lead children to know God's love, and the happiness found in obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Parents should ever keep in mind that admonition is of much more avail when example conforms to the admonition given. You will be gratified, and thinking men generally will be interested, to know what the Aaronic Priesthood quorums and the auxiliary boards are doing in a practical way to assist you parents to train your children to become upright in character, loyal citizens of their country, and faithful members of the Church. Recently I sent a letter to the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, to the general superintendencies of the Sunday School and YMMIA, and to the general presidencies of the YWMIA and to the Primary--the five groups dealing directly with the young people of the Church. In that letter I inquired as to how effectively they are attempting to contact all children and youth in these great organizations. Here are some of the headings of that letter: First, give your total membership, your total enrolment; second, give the percent of those who should or might be enrolled; third, method or methods of contacting the indifferent; fourth, how may parents render more effective co-operation; and fifth, what have been your outstanding achievements during 1953 and 1954. In the Aaronic Priesthood, we learned that they have an enrolment for the young men under twenty-one of 63,641. The percent of the enrolment of the total members that should be enrolled, 92.79. In the Sunday School, they have an enrolment of 983,025; 91 percent of those who should be enrolled. They had a weekly attendance of 381,656, or 35.5 percent of the total membership of the Church. The Young Men's Mutual, May 31, 1953, had an enrolment of 129,528, and on a corresponding day this year, 140,754; an average weekly attendance of 88,546. Every boy or man between the ages of twelve and twenty-four is enrolled in that organization, every one; 31,856 of these are enrolled in scouting; 25,368 are enrolled as Explorers. The Young Women's enrolment for 1953 was 124,079 plus visitors of 11,342. To date (note the increase) the enrolment is 134,303, with a weekly average of visitors of 10,384, or a total of 144,676, and the average attendance is 64% of those enrolled. One cannot help having a pretty warm spot in one's heart for these teenagers in Mutual and Sunday School. All members of the Church from the ages of twelve to twenty-five in the Young Women's are enrolled, and others. Now we enter the Primary. The total number of children whose lives were touched by Primary in '52-53--200,000; 83% of the children of the Church of Primary age are enrolled; 69% of the children enrolled are attending Primary; 142,745 children are enrolled in the Stakes; 6,841 non-member children are enrolled in the stakes; 68% of the children enrolled are in attendance each week at Primary; 13,000 Latter-day Saint children are enrolled in the missions. This has increased on an average of 1,000 each year for the last five years. The Primary Association has assumed the direction of scouting for the eleven-year-old boys. According to a survey made in March, 92% of the eleven-year-old boys were enrolled in the Guide Patrols; 109 stakes, six missions have organized Cub Scout dens and packs since the Primary Association has sponsored the Cub scouting as requested by the First Presidency. Now, besides these auxiliaries and quorums, we have our seminaries. The total enrolment for seminaries and institutes in 1953 was 36,074; 1954--39,022. The average attendance for seminaries in '54, 32,226, or 94% of the enrolment. That speaks well for our students in colleges and high schools. As an illustration of the influence of the seminaries upon teenagers, and also as a lesson in cooperation of parents, I shall take the time to quote to you the following, taken from the September-October 1954, issue of a national magazine, not of our Church, Faith Today. The article is entitled "Teenage Frontier," written by Leola Anderson, for a copy of which I am indebted to President Ernest Wilkinson [of Brigham Young University]. It is designated by one of the editors as "one of the most heartening signs of the times." Here are a few quotations from it: "The luminous hands of the clock beside the boy's bed point to 5:45 a.m. The alarm goes off. It has been raining all night; the air outside is cold and wet--and still black. "Groggily the boy gropes about for the button to shut off the noise. Resolutely he swings his feet out onto the cold floor. For a moment he drops his tired face into his hands. It was 12:30 last night before he finished sweeping at the supermarket, and 1 o'clock when he got home to bed. It has been like that all week. In his drooping body is a desperate urge to slip back into bed. "That's why he stands up quickly and moves on into the shower. Because this morning and every school morning he drives seven miles to attend a class at 7 o'clock. It is a very special class, which he would not think of missing, so long as he is able to stand. "What kind of class is it? A Bible-study class. "Would you find it incredible that this boy is one of 1,700 typical, fun-loving teenagers who get up every morning to attend a 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Bible class before going on to high school? They do it without credit, without coercion, and often against tremendous odds. They do it five days a week, nine months a year, despite day-light-saving time. "Furthermore, so great is the demand for this early morning instruction that next September (that's this month) 90 classes will open to meet the requests of 2,500 students in Southern California alone. "Incredible? Not at all. This has been going on in the Los Angeles area for the last four years. It is a part of the program of daily religious education offered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a program which last year served 38,000 young men and women in seven western states and in Canada and Mexico. "With the Bible as text, emphasis is placed on a practical application of its teachings to the lives of youth. What better blueprint for living was ever recorded than that preserved by the prophets? The answers to the questions of modern youth, as uncertainties pile up on them in an increasingly chaotic world, are all found in the experience of the past. "This is the key to why these young people leave cosy, warm beds on chill winter mornings to attend daily classes that are not accepted either high school graduation or college entrance credit. "Neither are these selected students. They are not even all members of the same church. There's a piquant little redhead in one class who answered our question this way: 'No, I'm not a Mormon. I simply couldn't understand why my best friend insisted on getting up so early to come down here, so I came along one morning for laughs. I got so interested I asked to register. I haven't missed day since!' "No, they are not selected excepting by their own desire to learn. They represent a cross-section of young America with all its problems. They are average kids looking for a defense against the grim spectre of fear and destruction that now shrouds their future. "And how do these Bible teachers meet that challenge? "By teaching respect for the inspired Constitution of the United States with its God-given liberty, regard for the rights of others, and love for all mankind. By showing the wisdom of avoiding the mistakes of the past, and fostering a dynamic and living faith in God and the ultimate triumph of good. All this through daily basic instruction in the Master's written word. "Teachers are also meeting the challenge by putting into the hands of the young people the tools of self-government and teaching them their use, thus preparing them for leadership, when in the proceSs of inexorable time they will become our leaders. "In the words of one vivacious brunette, president of her class: 'Every senior student gets a turn being a class officer. We learn confidence in ourselves and how to do the job. Besides, when you're responsible for the whole class, it makes you think, twice before you make a decision. "This teamwork (referring to Bible class and to the baseball team practicing in Church recreation hall after schoOl particularly), one student says, 'This teamwork is also noticeable in the group spirit of the classroom.' "The youth of America are studying together, singing together, praying together, and loving it. In one class, five nationalities-White Russian, Mexican, Italian, Greek, and American--work as one. "There is a carry-over, too, with the students. Bill Kemsley, a husky youth, was graduated last June from the first three-year course. Bill drove sixteen miles each morning from his home in San Fernando to a North Hollywood class. He transported a carload of students to class and back to San Fernando. The second year he transferred to North Hollywood High. "'I wanted to get away from my old companions,' he said seriously. 'They weren't bad fellows, you understand, but I guess my standards had changed. Two of those boys are in jail now,' he added thoughtfully. "Parents, too, no longer show inertia where this program is concerned. Their comments read like a before-and-after commercial: I used to have such a time getting Mary out of bed in the morning. Now she gets me up!'. . . "And what is being done," concludes the author, "in Southern California to open a frontier for youth to live and learn the fundamentals of peace and progress could be duplicated anywhere in America by any similar group." To the question in that letter sent to the auxiliaries, "How may parents render more effective co-operation?" came answers common to every article: First, parents should become acquainted with lessons and plans of the organization; second, take rather than send their children; third, set a proper example. In conclusion, parents, if you would have your children pray, then teach them to pray in the home. If you would have your children refrain from taking the name of God in vain, then let them never hear profanity pass your lips. If you would have your teenagers sense the value of keeping themselves true to their future husbands or wives, then let chastity and loyalty to your marriage covenant pervade the atmosphere of your own home. If you would have them refrain from the use of tobacco, then you refrain from the use of tobacco yourself. Brethren and sisters, in presenting this general picture of what the Church is doing for teenagers I have had in mind, first, to commend the workers for their diligence and efficiency. God bless them. And second, to show how effective the, Church is in its divine organization in touching the life and activities of every member therein. We see how true are Paul's words when he wrote: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Epa. 4:11-13.) In conclusion, and by way of testimony, the gospel is truly the power of God, and the Church the divine means of bringing, first, satisfaction and joy to the individual, here and now; second, bringing harmony in the home; third, more general understanding and resultant peace among the nations--what a message!--and fourth, salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of our Father. With all my soul I pray that the Lord will hasten the day when the influence of this divine organization will be felt more potently for the good of the inhabitants of the world, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 2, 1954 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY As I have said before in the presence of our fellow laborers in the Council and in this General Priesthood Meeting, I feel in your presence and sense more keenly what John the Beloved Disciple felt when he said, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." (1 John 3:14.) I say that tonight with all my heart, as I look upon this vast audience and sense, too, the number of additional groups meeting in various places named. Several days ago I entered my study after a hard day's work, anticipating this moment. The general outline for this Conference had been prepared, outlined so far as those who should pray and those who should speak and when; we had asked the Lord to guide us regarding appropriate messages. On that particular evening, however, I had in mind this moment, and I was physically and mentally fatigued. I could not study, I could not get my mind on anything definite; so after a word of secret prayer I retired. The next morning early I entered my study, reached for a little book that, contains what I call "liter nuggets, taken from Church works, from poets, writers such as Scott, Burns, Longfellow and others, and the thought came, "I believe I should like to take some of these nuggets and apply them to the priesthood of the Church." May I give you one or two tonight. The first is in harmony with the great comparison made by President Clark of the army and the battle, and it is also, as I shall develop it, in harmony with the impressive remarks by President Richards. "The greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of the soul." I ask you fellow workers to do again what undoubtedly you have done frequently, to sit down and commune with yourself. There is a battle on with you, and with me, every day. Fight out with yourself and decide upon your course of actio what your duty is first to y. of somebody getting into your life who will make an unhappiness or do some unhappiness in your home, as we have heard tonight. Second, your duty to your quorum. You decide whether you owe your quorum anything, and see if you have strength enough to do it alter you decide. Third, you decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your Church. And fourth, what you owe to your fellow men. Associated on that page was this comment from one of the most sincere writers we have. It is in "The Simple Life." "First, be of your own country, your own city, your own home, your own Church, your own workshop. Then, if you can, set out from this to go beyond it. That is the plain and natural order, and a man must fortify himself with very valid reasons to arrive at reversing it. Each one is occupied with something else too often than what concerns him. He is absent from his post. He ignores his trade. That is what complicates life, and it would be so simple for each one to be about his own matters. Decide where your duty is, even remembering that "the greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of your own soul." The second that I picked out is this: "What e'er thou art, act well thy part." That, of course, applies to moral and lawful endeavors, and not to harmful or villianous actions. That influenced me fifty-four years ago when, as I have told some of you before, Peter G. Johnson and I were walking around Stirling Castle in Scotland. I was discouraged, I was just starting my first mission. I had been snubbed that day in tracting. I was homesick, and we walked around the Stirling Castle, really not doing our duty, and as we re-entered the town I saw a building, half-finished, and to my surprise, from the sidewalk I saw an inscription over the lintel of the front door, carved in stone. I said to Brother Johnson, "I want to go over and see what that is." I was not more than half way up the pathway leading to it, when that message struck me, carved there: "What e'er thou art, act well thy part." As I rejoined my companion and told him, do you know what man came into my mind first? The custodian at the University of Utah, from which I was just graduated. I realized that I had as great a respect for that man as I had for any professor in whose class I had sat. He acted well his part. I recalled how he helped us with the football suits, how he helped us with some of our lessons, for he was a university graduate himself. Humble but to this day I hold respect for him. What are you? You are men who hold the priesthood of God, who hold divine authority to represent Deity in whatever position to which you have been assigned. When a man, an ordinary man is set apart in his community as a sheriff, there is something added to him. When a policeman on these streets, at the crossing, holds up his hand, you stop. There is something more about him than just an individual, there is the power that is given him. And so it is throughout life. No man can be given a position without being enhanced. It is a reality. So, too, Is the power of the priesthood. It was so real in the days of Peter that Simon the Sorcerer, who was making money by his tricks, wanted to buy it, and offered the Apostles money: "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." Oh, what a denunciation Peter gave him! "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. . . . For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. . . . Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." And so strong was the denunciation that Simon said, "Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me." (Acts 8:19, 20, 23, 22, 24.) There was no doubt in Simon's mind about the reality of the power of the Holy Ghost. "What e'er thou art, act well thy part." Are you a deacon, do the duties of a deacon well. Are you a teacher, do your work well. A priest watching over the Church, visiting with them,--young men in this Church, if we could just do the duties of the teacher and of the priest, teaching people their duty, what a power for good to young men eighteen years of age, and nineteen. Not incorrigible, not recreants, but leaders. Brethren there is nothing in the world so powerful in guiding youth as to have them act well their parts in the priesthood. In the same passage quoted by President Richards, the Lord says that many are called, but few are chosen, and why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson, that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only u n the principle of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true, but when men begin to exercise unrighteous dominion, then the power that is given to them is withdrawn, they are left to themselves to kick against the pricks, to fight against God. I can merely mention these. You work them out for yourself. The third: "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) It was a most dramatic scene when that sentence was uttered, and so you have this thought expressed as follows: The world's hope and destiny, the world's hope and destiny are centered in the Man of Galilee, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In your moment when you are fighting out the battle of the day, will you look introspectively and see whether you really believe that? Paul Kane once asked this question: "Is Jesus only a legendary figure in history, a Saint to be painted in the stained glass of church windows, a sort of sacred fairy not to be approached and hardly to be mentioned by name, or is he stir what he was when he was in the flesh, a reality, a man of like passions with ourselves, an elder brother, a guide, a counselor, a comforter, a great voice calling to us out of the past to live nobly, to guide bravely, and keep up our courage to the last." What is he to you, my fellow laborer? When you kneel down to pray at night, do you feel his nearness, his personality hearing you, do you feel a power that operates perhaps as the radio or a greater power so that you feel that you are communing with him? You are not just saying your prayers, you are praying. Do you know tonight that he is real, our Savior, the Head of the Church? I know he is, and I know, too, that a whole nation right tonight is trying to teach a million boys that Christ is but a myth and there is no God. And now I will just pass to the fourth. "If my life is of no value to my friends, it is of no value to me, said the Prophet Joseph when he was on the way to Carthage. You hold the priesthood to bless others; not for selfish purposes nor for selfish advancement. but to bless others, and under that gem. or nugget, I have these lines from the great writer Browning, who puts in the mouth of Paracelsus, who thought learning would bring him everything--success, knowledge, etc., and he was going to rise above his fellow men ana become great, and maybe hand it down to them if they would let him. He ignored the advice of Festus, his friend. not to leave his fellowmen. Paracelsus obtained his knowledge, but he learned the lesson of life. Finally, an old man, Paracelsus was in Greece, and Festus heard about him and rushed to his old friend's bedside There, that great philosopher and scholar said, "Festus, I have found the secret of life!" "What is it?" said Festus. Paracelsus said, "There was a time when I was happy." "And when was that?" said Festus; "All I hope depends upon that answer. "When, but the time I vowed myself to man!" "Great God," exclaimed Festus, "Thy judgments are inscrutable!" "There is an answer to the longing of the human heart," continued Paracelsus, "and it is this: Live in all things outside yourself by love, and you will have joy. That was the life of God; it ought to be our life. In him it was perfect, but in all created things it is a lesson learned through difficulty. Time has passed. I give you these nuggets and ask you to fight your fight daily, and say nothing that will hurt your wife, that will cause her tears, even though she might cause you provocation. Realize that those children are your eternal possessions, treasures of eternity. Do not dare to set an improper example towards them. You are men of the priesthood and you are leaders. Never let them hear a cross word. You should control yourself. He is a weak man who flies into a passion, whether he is working a machine or plowing or writing or whatever he may be doing in the home. A man of the priesthood should not fly into a passion. Learn to be dignified. You cannot picture Christ flying into a passion. Indignant with sin? Yes. Overturning the money changers when they insulted God and defiled the temple. Yes: But so dignified and noble that when he stands before Pilate he makes that leader say: "Behold, the man." God bless you, our dear fellow laborers as you go back now to your homes in stakes and wards and magnify the Holy Priesthood, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 3, 1954 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY At the closing of this great conference, I know you would have me express appreciation to persons and agencies that have helped in taking care of all who have been in attendance. I know in naming indivIduals and groups that I may omit some, but to you all we express appreciation and gratitude for your services: To the public press, to you reporters, for your care and accuracy in reporting the proceedings, to the audiences for their responsiveness and attentiveness throughout the sessions of the conference; to the city officials; the traffic officers in handling increased traffic. As we have driven up and down South Temple we have noticed how attentive, how careful to duty, how considerate of the pedestrians you have been. Thank you! We mention the fire department also. They went to the trouble of seeing to it by actual tests that the fire wagons could in an emergency come through the gates. To the Red Cross, ave been on hand to render any assistance to those who might need their tender care. For the semi-tropical flowers from Hawaii, we have already expressed appreciation. To the ushers, we say thank you. We have noted your attention to your assigned duties as given by your superiors under the Presiding Bishopric. Gratefully we mention again the assistance rendered by the various radio and television stations here in our own city and state and in other states named in the various sessions of this conference. What a means of permitting hundreds of thousands of people to hear the proceedings of this conference of the Church! We thank you congregations assembled in the stakes in California, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado for the messages of appreciation you have sent in. Everyone has said that the proceedings have gone over the wire perfectly and then added: "Thank you and God bless you for the opportunity we have had this day of joining and worshiping with you. We must mention again gratitude, not only appreciation, but gratitude for the groups of Singers who have contributed so much to the inspiration of this conference, beginning with the Relief Society Mothers, and followed next day by those lovely little girls--the Bee Hive chorus. Just their presence and their sweet voices, aside from their singing, brought tears to many a mother's eye. Then the combined Scandinavian choirs, and the Men's Chorus of the Tabernacle Choir last evening in the priesthood meeting, and finally, our own Tabernacle Choir. Do you know they have been here since seven o'clock this morning? I am happy to re-announce to you that in appreciation of the eat service that this body of devoted singers is rendering under the able directorship of Brother J. Spencer Cornwall and the organists, Elders Alexander Schreiner, Frank Asper, and Roy Darley, they will be given a trip to Europe. They will go as ambassadors of good will--representing in honor and artistry the state, as well as the Church. With all our hearts, here today we say, thank you and God bless you in the preparation of that great trip! All that has been said and done and sung, all the testimonies borne have directly or indirectly led to this divine admonition: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.) Let us then make God the center of our lives. That was one of the first admonitions given when the gospel was first preached to man. To have communion with God, through his Holy Spirit, is one of the noblest aspirations in life. It is when the peace and love of God have entered the soul, when serving him becomes the motive factor in one's life and existence that we can touch other lives, quickening and inspiring them, even though no word be spoken. There is operative in the world a spiritual force as active and as real as the waves that have carried the message today to those tens of thousands by radio and television. "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?" cried the Psalmist. That means, who can come into that realm, that spiritual realm . . . "who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" "He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." (Psalm 15.) Who will fail in getting into that divIne presence? "He that backbiteth, he that doeth evil to his neighbor, he that taketh up a reproach against his neighbor." (See Psalm 15.) Let us, as we seek first the kingdom of God, avoid backbiting and evil speaking. Gossip bespeaks either a vacant mind or one that entertains jealousy or envy. Let us avoid self-righteousness. There is a proverb that says, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts." (Prov. 21:2.) "Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain." (Ibid., 25:14.) Finally, brethren and sisters, "be perfected, be comforted, be of one mind, live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with you." (See 2 Cor. 13:11.) Keep in mind the Savior's prayer: "Make them one, Father, as thou and I are one. I wish that all within the sound of my voice at this moment, all who have any prejudice in their hearts, might have glimpsed the General Authorities in the House of the Lord last Thursday morning, when they met in fasting and prayer to prepare themselves spiritually for the responsibilities awaiting them in this great conference. You would have glimpsed the unity of the First Presidency and through this transmission of heart to heart, soul to soul. you would have known the love I bear for these two counselors, for their clear vision and sound judgment and their patience with their leader when necessary. You would have glimpsed the unity and love of these twelve men, of their Assistants and of the First Council of the Seventy, the Patriarch, and the Presiding Bishopric. We pray that the love and unity in that meeting may extend to every stake presidency, mission presidency, every bishopric, every priesthood quorum and auxiliary throughout the Church. With such unity and love there is no power on earth which can stop the progress of this, the work of God. May his blessings attend you, now, as you go to your homes, We bless you that the spirit of unity and the spirit of testimony of the divinity of this work may abide in your hearts always, that peace and love may be in your homes as never before, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. April 2, 1955 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY This has been truly a spiritual hour. Everyone present has felt the power of his Priesthood. Everyone has felt the sincerity in the testimonies that have been borne by our Brethren. Messages that are coming from the assemblies mentioned at the opening of the meeting indicate that they, too, are partaking of this same spirit. I trust that my duty in answering some of your questions of a practical nature may not detract in any way, but if possible add to the spiritual influence thus far manifested. The question has been asked: Is it proper in the administration of ward affairs, for the bishop to add to the budget assignment for ward operations, the cost of one or more of the Church magazines? If so, should he designate the magazine that the members of the ward should take? The answer: No ward, stake, or mission is under obligation to raise an assigned quota for any magazine published by the Church and it should not be included in the budget. Second: Should a member of the bishopric be present always in the Junior Sunday School when the Sacrament is administered in view of the fact that the Junior Sunday School is presided over by sisters? This answer should be given by the Superintendency of the Sunday School, but we will mention this one fact: There should be a member of the Bishopric present, or one appointed by them holding the Melchizedek Priesthood in the Junior Sunday School when the Sacrament is administered. Next, there is a question which indicates the necessity of being more careful about permitting fathers or other relatives to assist in ordinances of the Fast Meeting. For example, if a father asks to baptize his son, the bishop of course will know whether the father is worthy, or whether he holds the Priesthood. But suppose the father of the son lives in another ward, and appears at the baptismal service and requests the right to baptize. The bishop who has that baptismal service under his direction, should be sure that this father has the authority, and that will apply in blessing a child, or in confirming a baptized member. It is suggested, therefore, that the bishop will explain In announcing a baptismal ceremony or the confirmation, that if any father belonging to another ward wishes to participate he should apply to the bishop before the ordinance, and the bishop should request him to bring his recommend from the ward of which he is a member. We need not particularize to tell you why. Next: It is reported that recently some members who have been here for only a few years, indeed a few months, from the mission field, entered the temple and were unable, of course, to understand the ceremony they could not understand the English language. Bishops, under these conditions, it would be well for you not to be in a hurry to issue recommends to the temple to those who do not understand the services nor the ordinances. Their going might prove more injurious to them than helpful. In order to assist members of the Church better to understand the temple ceremony, arrangements are being made, and have been made for them to hear that ceremony in their native tongue. This will apply now already to six, possibly seven, nationalities. The ceremony has been translated into other languages and as fast as we possibly can, notice will be given when the ceremony will be presented to particular nationalities. We already have the ceremony in Spanish, as you know, with good results. We have already had a ceremony in the temple in the Swedish language. The ceremony is now in German, about completed in Norwegian, Danish, French, and the Dutch language. Bishops, you may very rightfully and wisely, ask the members who apply to you for recommends to the temple, a few weeks, probably months, and first hear the ceremony, impressive as it is, in their native tongue. Then, afterwards, they may go through and will understand the significance of it. Indeed, there are of those who speak the English language, some who do not comprehend the significance of that holy ordinance. Many of our people write over to vicars for information in foreign countries, particularly in England. Sometimes they are unable to furnish the records, even if they are willing, the Church officials in England, and because the law will not permit them to send money out of England they are therefore unable to return the funds you have sent. Do you get that condition? You cannot get money back; they cannot furnish you the information. People seeking genealogical information, therefore, from England, should carry on their correspondence through the Genealogical Office and not write directly to the Churchmen in England. There are one or two other items but the Brethren of the Twelve will present those to you on their visits. I would just like to say a few words in conclusion, and I hope not to trespass too much upon your time. In September 1946, the Board of Directors of the United States Steel held an official meeting here in this city. At the conclusion of their directors meeting they invited some of the officials of the Church to a dinner as their guests. There were present in that group men nationally known throughout business circles, Mr. Irving S. Olds, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Sewell L. Avery, and others. Mr. Olds was the Master of Ceremonies. At the conclusion of that dinner, Mr. Olds said, "Now, we have not planned for any speeches, but if any present would like to make any comments or remarks, now is the time." Mr. Nathan L. Miller, Director and General Counsel for the United States Steel Corporation, former Governor of New York State, arose. I remember well his opening sentence: "I am one of those New Englanders who have harbored all the ill-stories that have been circulated about the Mormons; but I will confess that this visit has extended my horizons!" He then said, "No one can walk or drive around this city, observe its cleanliness, its wide, well-kept streets, the physical accomplishments evident on every hand without being impressed with a feeling that there is something peculiarly distinctive here--something different horn that felt in any other city. I don't know," he continued, "whether to call it a spirituality--yes, that is It!--there is evidence of a spirituality, the lack of which is felt in other cities." He said he had been searching for the source of it; but could not find that source until he heard the tributes paid the Pioneers during a brief interview in the office of the First Presidency. There was a faith, a great ideal, a greatness among the founders of this State which the descendants evidently have succeeded in a degree to hold. "Your very isolation," he continued, "has been a contributing factor in helping the Pioneers to maintain the hi standards that characterized the lives of the founders of this State." Mr. Miller has now passed, but I wish he had been here tonight and partaken of the spirit of these men mentioned, who are devoting their all to the advancement of the work. Brother Mendenhall left his own affairs and from a business standpoint, they require great directing, went to New Zealand on his own responsibility and appointed many of those men who directed those builders of tee school, and responded to the second appointment willingly, and to another appointment. It matters not what it costs. Brother Biesinger, down there, mentioned by Brother Mendenhall, has left his own business. I asked him down there, "What has become of your business?" He said, "That is all right, it is gone, but I am here. This is my mission now." All he has he would like to give to the work. I met Brother Going down there who is building fifteen of our chapels in Samoa. His business, too, is not so successful. He said, "I can arrange that. I will be ready,,to devote all the time that is necessary. Brother Matis said nothing other than that he has spent seven years over in the mission field, but he had a prosperous position, an important position with an important company who said, "Yes, we will him a leave of absence." When that leave of absence was up we communicated with Brother Matis. "No," he said, "this is my mission. Do not worry about that. I will be all right." And so another year passed and another year, and seven years. You have heard his testimony tonight how God has blessed him. This afternoon Brother Moyle brought Brother Leo Ellsworth into the office. He is a prosperous man of responsibility, governing probably hundreds of thousands of dollars. He had just built a new home. He and his wife had not even completed their landscaping. The call came to him to help the Church in a great enterprise. I did not know that until this afternoon. They left their new house and have spent months now on this other call. He left his own business. My heart was moved when I heard him say, "When I came back I found my business even better than when I left it." He bore testimony of how the Lord had blessed him--"And this is my work now." The brother who will offer the benediction tonight, President of the Eastern States Mission, received word that unless he could get home, give up his mission, he would lose his business. Well, he had received an honorable release but he said nothing about this threatened loss of his business unless he would give up his work, and he was going to say nothing about it. These are but a few practical instances of the faith and devotion of the leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ. I bear you testimony tonight that the power, the spiritual power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which comes from a testimony of the truth of the revealed and Restored Gospel is operative throughout the entire Church, and it is that power that gives the strength to it. It is the power of God unto salvation. Put the Lord to the test and you will find that he will answer and prove to you that he is overruling your affairs as well as the Church affairs. Financially, you may lose something, but the spiritual gain will far outweigh that seemingly financial loss. Even before we came into this meeting tonight, one of the bishops said to me (I happened to meet him): "Since my appointment, it is marvelous what the Lord has done for us, and how lie has opened up the way." And so, my beloved brethren, in behalf of all the Church, and particularly in behalf of the General Authorities, I thank you for your devotion, for your faith in the destiny of God's Church. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.) May the Lord give us power so to do, I pray in the name o Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1955 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Now, in conclusion of this inspirational Conference, we wish to express once again our gratitude to all who have contributed to its success including those who have furnished these lovely flowers not only for the beauty of the flowers themselves, but especially for the spirit that prompted the giving. The calla lilies come from Berkeley Stake and the daffodils, from the Tacoma Stake through the courtesy of the Puyallup Daffodil Festival Committee of Tacoma. We express appreciation to City officials for their efficient care in directing traffic during the Conference; to the reporters; to radio and television stations, for the service in our own City and State and other States named throughout the sessions--this service has been the means of permitting tens of thousands to hear the proceedings of the Conference:--to the daily papers, here in the City and in the State, we express appreciation for their cooperation and their efforts accurately to report the proceedings of this great Conference. Once again, we express appreciation and gratitude for those groups who have furnished such inspiring music--the Men's Chorus of the Tabernacle Choir last Saturday night; the Tabernacle Choir, faithful members, capable, inspiring; the Brigham Young University Combined Choruses. You who heard them will join me in expressing appreciation of their presence, as well as for their inspiring singing; and finally, and how glorious it is to have our Conference concluded with their singing--we express appreciation to our singing Mothers. You notice the Choir seats are filled, and also the two rows extending on each side of the gallery. I should like to acknowledge with gratitude the presence of the Spirit of the Lord. After all, that is what makes a Conference inspiring. I felt its uplifting influence last Saturday morning. It was about one hour after this unprecedented snowstorm swept over the valley. As Sister McKay and I approached the Tabernacle to fill our appointment with the Primary Association officers, we felt that there would probably be many vacant seats. It was snowing, in fact it was almost a blizzard as we entered the Tabernacle. I shall never forget the inspiration that I felt as I looked over an audience that completely filled this historic building. That morning, two great impressions came to my mind. One, that this demonstration of the Primary Association is but illustrative of other groups in the Church, equally active, equally responsible. There came to my mind the saying in Ephesians: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. . .,, and so forth. (Eph. 4:11.) Seven organizations, including two of the Aaronic Priesthood, with 273,142 officers and teachers-teachers, guides, inspirers, of the membership of the Church, engaged in perfecting the Saints, working in the ministry, edifying the body of Christ. When I listened to the Primary workers and heard them report several stakes that have 100% enrollment, and the officers and teachers guiding them and teaching them, I was reminded of an article, a story I read twenty years ago in one of our national magazines. It is a story of a little boy who had wandered from his home into the "Bad Lands" of North Dakota. On Tuesday, July 18, 1933, at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, a little three-year-old lad was lost in the "Bad Lands" of North Dakota. He was bareheaded, barefooted and wore only a pair of coveralls. The "Bad Lands" are noted for their pitfalls, canyons, rattlesnake holes and as a rendevous for wild animals. Upon discovering that the little boy was missing, his parents began an immediate search. Later in the evening neighbors and friends were notified, an all-night search was made. Early Wednesday morning a neighbor rode sixteen miles to Walford City to give the alarm that a child was lost, Farmers, house-wives, shepherds, cowboys, business and professional men, storekeepers, Boy and Girl Scouts, law officers without delay gathered on the town square at Schafer to hear Sheriff Thompson's instructions as follows: "We are all going out to the 'Bad Lands' to find and bring back the little Cornell boy. The best way I know to do this is for all of us to form into one single line and march out there. Each man, woman, and child of us will be spaced a few feet from each other. Every hole and canyon in the way must be searched. Every brush must be examined as we go along. This line, friends and neighbors, must not be broken. Every water hole, ravine and cave must be searched thoroughly. Every square inch must be scanned by us as we go. It is the only way. I don't know how long our search will take, but Alfred Cornell is out in the 'Bad Lands' somewhere and when we turn back the little fellow will be with us. We can only hope that we shall not be too late. Now, let's get going. I have appointed some of you deputies to ride on horse back so that there will be no slip up, and there will be none if I know anything about the people of this state." The line formed--at 6:30 Thursday evening the boy was found kneeling at a water-hole. His legs and feet were badly bruised and inflamed. His father and mother rushed to him clasping him in their arms and said, "How did you like it, lad?" "Fine," answered the plucky little fellow and burst into tears. When that ten-mile-line of human beings saw that the boy was found and really alive, a great cheer arose from 250 voices. They had found that which was lost. They had answered the challenge, had overcome all obstacles and saved a life. Two hundred seventy-three thousand, one hundred forty-two officers and teachers are assembled in the Church of Christ, going out to search for young boys and girls who are in the Bad Lands of immoral influence that surround us. Let us pray God that we shall not be too late, and we shall not be if we will honor our callings and do our duty as urged upon us through this great Conference. I have time just to summarize the address given by King Benjamin at the conclusion of his great address as recorded in Mosiah: "I say unto you. . ." if ye ". . . humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, ". . .ye shall always and be filled with the love the Love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true. "And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due. "And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. "But ye will teach thee to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another." (Mosiah 4:11-15.) God bless you, officers and teachers of the Church in the Church of Jesus Christ. May the love of our Redeemer be in each heart, and that means that that love will be expressed in serving one another, for-- "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," said Christ. (Matt. 25:40.) Oh, what love is in your heart this moment as you contemplate the greatness and goodness of our Father throughout this Conference. May the Lord continue to bless these brethren of the General Authorities, and others who have spoken to us during this Conference. They represent the hundreds of thousands of others in the Church. God bless his work here among mankind, that the influence of love an goodwill may radiate from this center throughout the whole world, and bring glory to our Father in Heaven, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 1, 1955 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Brethren and sisters: Being keenly sensitive of the great responsibility of this moment, I crave an interest in your sympathetic attention and especially in your faith and prayers. My feelings this morning can be expressed in one word--gratitude. I should like to quote from the Psalmist: "O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works." (Psalm 105:1-2.) Giving thanks means in this case, I am sure, a fullness of thanks, which is the outward expression of a grateful feeling. Gratitude is the feeling itself. That is in the heart. Thankfulness is measured by the number of words; gratitude is measured by the nature of our actions. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude; gratitude the completion of thankfulness. "Gratitude is the heart's recognition of kindness that the lips cannot repay." I feel grateful and happy this morning for so many evidences of the goodness of the Lord that I wish I could strike a note of optimism that would reverberate to the uttermost parts of the Church. In the words of Frank L. Stanton: "This world o' God's is brighter Than we ever dream or know; Its burdens growin' lighter-- An' it's Love that makes 'em so! An' I'm thankful that I'm livin' Where Love's blessedness I see, 'Neath a Heaven that's forgivin' Where the bells ring 'Home' to me!" I know that since our conference last April, many of us have had difficulties, disappointments, and failures where we wanted so much to succeed; wounded feelings from barbed tongues; sickness; some of us have passed through the experience of death of loved ones; but these are all incidents in life which, when not understood, may harrow our feelings until we are crushed. I am aware, too, that there have been jealousies, petty intrigues, meannesses, misunderstandings on occasions, and that men and women, magnifying these weaknesses of human nature, have made themselves miserable and perhaps scattered gloom instead of, sunshine into the hearts of their assocIates. But notwithstanding these disagreeable, discouraging facts, I am sure that we have cause this morning to rise above petty things and, as the Psalmist says, make known among the people the Lord's deeds, which are always good and beautiful. Paraphrasing a familiar song, let us, "Count our many blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise us what the Lord has done." There are so many things for which we should be thankful, time will not permit our even naming them, but I should like to call your attention at least to four or five: First: loyalty and devotion of the presiding priesthood of the Church. Second: the vitality and growth of the Church. Third: the success of the choir on its recent tour in Europe, Fourth: the dedication of the temple. Fifth: the happiness we may secure in obedience to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I haven't words to express my gratitude for the support and loyalty of president Richards and president Clark and the work they have carried on at the office and throughout the Church. I make this public expression of my appreciation and gratitude, which applies also to the Council of the Twelve, the Assistants, the Seventy, the Bishopric, and the patriarch, and to all those who preside in stakes and wards and quorums and organizations, in the presidencies of missions throughout the world. Nobody who has not come in contact with these men and women can realize their loyalty, their energy, and devotion. I wish to express, too, appreciation for the co-operation of the civic authorities in our state and in nations, in the South pacific, in Europe, and wherever the missions of the Church are operating. I know these are mere words, but they express a true feeling of gratitude. God bless them wherever they are. Activity and Growth of the Church Now as to the activity and growth of the Church, that is shown in many ways: First, in the increase in membership. You will be pleased to know that since we met last October, over 73,500 people have joined the Church; two new missions have been organized--the South Australian Mission, attended by Elder Marion G. Romney, who was accompanied by Sister Romney; and the Southern Far East Mission (the Japanese Mission changed to the Northern Far East Mission) where president Joseph Fielding Smith officiated, accompanied by Sister Smith, and by Brother Herald Grant Heaton, who is president of the Southern Far East Mission--a great opportunity--the ground laid for that division by Elder Harold B. Lee and Sister Lee a few months ago. Other missions are demanding similar attention. The activity and vitality of the Church are shown also in the increase in tithing. Last year the tithing was the largest we have ever had, and this ear up to September, it is 10.7 percent higher than last. This is a very significant index to the service, loyalty, and spirituality of the members of the Church. We are grateful to you for your devotion. You have shown in increased attendance at sacrament meetings that devotion. I sincerely hope that I may report an improvement in these sacrament meetings in order and reverence. As members of the Church in our worshiping assemblies, we should improve I think, in this regard. presiding authorities in stake, ward, and quorum meetings, and especially teachers in classes, should make special effort to maintain better order and more reverence during hours of nd of study. Less talking behind the pulpit will have a salutary effect upon those who face it. By example and precept children should be impressed with the inappropriateness of confusion and disorder in a worshiping congregation. They should be impressed in childhood, and have it emphasized in youth, that it is disrespectful to talk or even to whisper during a sermon, and that it is the height of rudeness to leave a worshiping assembly before dismissal. Courtesy, respect, deference, and kind consideration are all pleasing attributes that may be shown on all occasions, and wherever manifested contribute to the pleasure and sweetness of human relations. If there were more reverence in human hearts, there would be less room for sin and sorrow and more increased capacity for joy and gladness. To make more cherished, more adaptable, more attractive, this gem among brilliant virtues is a project worthy of the most united and prayerful efforts of every officer, every parent, and every member of the Church. Successful Tour of the Tabernacle Choir Another reason for gratitude and joy this morning is the recent successful tour of the choir in Europe. The reception given them at Greenock, Scotland, when the Provost, Mr. John Porter, and the Bagpipe Band of that city, gathered on the wharf, took a tug out even to the ship, and returned with the second group of singers, was almost a royal welcome. I cannot refrain from mentioning that, because fifty-eight years before, I stood on the same wharf and saw emigrants, returning missionaries take the tugboat out to the ocean liner. I contrasted our feelings and the attitude of the people fifty-eight years ago with this reception on that morning. Then in the afternoon, it was repeated by the Lord Provost of Glasgow and his Lady, Lord and Lady Andrew Hood. As he stated, in his extemporaneous speech of welcome--as he laid aside his prepared speech--this is probably the first time an organized group of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been officially received in Scotland. That was Friday, August 19, 1955. I shall let others who were constantly with the choir report their achievements. Sister McKay and our party had the Opportunity to attend only four concerts--the one held in Kelvin Hall, Glasgow; in Royal Albert Hall, London; the Fest Hall in Bern, Switzerland; and in Tonhalle in Zurich, Switzerland. The service rendered by the Tabernacle Choir on their tour brought credit to our state, and the Church, and to our country as perhaps no other organization has been able to do. To transport 379 members of a singing group with their escorts, making a company of approximately 600, was a herculean task. The difficulties of transportation and hotel accommodations had really just begun when they landed at Greenock. But their tour, as you all know, proved to be successful beyond our fondest hopes. At every concert they were given an ovation. Elder Richard L. Evans especIally, who gave the spoken word, Elder Lester F. Hewlett, president of the choir, the directors, the, organists, and every member of the choir deserve the highest praise. The dignified attitude of the group as a whole, their comely deportment, their evident sincerity of purpose, their responsiveness, won the audience even before they started to sing. Mr. Edmund J. Pendleton, music critic of the New York Herald Tribune of Paris, France, wrote as follows: (I will read this one because I think it has not been published.) "The simplicity of attitude and the evident sincerity on the part of every participant from the last chorister to the conductor, J. Spencer Cornwall, is moving to behold. The wealth and health of the choir's sonority, and its freely consented discipline, achieved results difficult to duplicate without a similar faith in a job to be done. The whole program was sung by heart, in the most literal sense. "The technical side of the performance--balance, tone quality, attack, shading, diction--was thoroughly satisfactory, and in certain strong moments thrilling." It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to make public acknowledgment and express the thankfulness of a grateful heart to Elder W. Jack Thomas and his faithful wife, Emma, who first suggested a European tour and worked so diligently and enthusiastically in soliciting funds, and who labored so faithfully for months in looking after the transportation and physical comforts of the members of the choir; also to the advisory committee--Elders Mark E. Petersen, Adam S. Bennion, LeGrand Richards, who proved themselves masters of details, the application of which contributed much to the success of the tour. To President Paul C. Child, who with Mr. Charles D. DeKock, manager of the Foreign Escorted Tours Department, New York City, and Mr. Robert H. Smith, also representing the Foreign Escorted Tours Department of New York, had complete charge of all the transportation problems as soon as the choir landed at Greenock, Scotland, until the final concert held in the Palais de Chaillot Theater, Saturday night, September 17, we wish to express deep appreciatiOn. These men, with Elder Richard L. Evans, worked night and day to make the trip successful. In London, for example, when the tour managers were selling round-trip tickets to the ground-breaking ceremonies in Newchapel near London, at a cost of two dollars each, Mr. DeKock worried all night about it and the next morning said to Brother Child: "This is a very important event, and many people are coming from all over Great Britain and various other countries to attend; it would be a shame if members of the choir were not present." (That was not scheduled, you see, originally.) "I am going to furnish the transportation free of charge to everyone who wishes to attend those services." After he heard the choir concert in Manchester, England, the same gentleman said: "Paul, I took this job as an objective thing; I want you to know from this hour on it is subjective. I have never been so lifted up in all my life! I am going to give everything I have to the success of this tour." Mr. Robert R. Mullen who handled the over-all publicity of the choir tour and worked in conjunction with the J. Walter Thompson Company in Europe, told Elder Mark E. Petersen that his company was so much in sympathy with the over-all purpose of the choir tour that they did all of their work at cost, without charging any agency commission such as is usually the case. To all individuals and business firms who contributed their money towards paying the expenses of this eventful tour, we now publicly express our gratitude. I have no hesitancy in saying that from the standpoint of good will, in fostering better understanding between our Church, our state, our country, and the European nations visited, money has never been spent more profitably. Of course, there were difficulties and inconveniences, even tragedies, but these are incident to any great undertaking, and especially one of such herculean proportions as transporting six hundred people over Europe in thirty days. To the doctors who looked after the health of the choir members and to all others who assisted in any way in making this tour successful, we now express our thanks and deep appreciation. Dedication of the Swiss Temple Another cause for rejoicing this morning (and I tell you it is a most significant one as an event in the history of the Church) is the dedication of the first temple on European soil, Sunday, September 11, 1955, with two sessions that day, and two each succeeding day until Thursday, September 15. The Tabernacle Choir was present and furnished the music, with Sister Ewan Harbrecht as soloist. The choir and Sister Harbrecht never sang more feelingly than they did at both the morning and afternoon sessions of the first day of the dedication. I wish all members of the Church might have felt the intensity of the spiritual services on that memorable occasion. When the time came to welcome the hundreds who crowded the rooms at the first session, it seemed proper to express also a welcome to an unseen, but seemingly real audience, among whom were possibly former presidents and apostles of the Church, probably headed by the Prophet Joseph Smith, to whom was revealed the essential ordinances of baptism for those who died without having heard the gospel; also his nephew, President Joseph F. Smith, who prophesied forty-nine years ago in the city of Bern that "temples would be built in divers countries of the world." Among them, too, I thought surely might be numbered Elder Stayner Richards who was president of the British Mission at the time those two temple sites in Europe were chosen. With these distinguished leaders we thought, too, there might have been departed loved ones whom "we could not see, but whose presence we felt." At any rate, we all agreed that the veil between those who participated in those exercises and loved ones who had gone before seemed very thin. Again, we take opportunity to express publicly appreciation to the architects, contractors, technicians, and workers who labored long and faithfully to have the temple completed for dedication on that days Two nights before that service, workmen labored all night long and expressed themselves as doing it willingly. It had been announced that regular ordinance work would not commence until Monday morning, September 18, but through the indefatigable efforts of Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, assisted by Elder Paul Evans and others, it was reported that a company might be accommodated on the morning of the 16th following the final dedicatory service Thursday night. Accordingly, two sessions were scheduled for German-speaking people--one at 7 o'clock in the morning, and the other at 1 p.m. But members from the French Mission said, "the choir will he in Paris Saturday night, and if, while we are present here, we could go through the temple and get home for that, we should appreciate it." Accordingly, we gave them 5:00 p.m. Friday, as their opportunity to go through the temple. Then came President Eben R. T. Blomquist, representing the Swedish people, who said, "if we could come at 9:00 o'clock at night, we would be willing to wait over so that we could return Saturday in accordance with our schedule." So instead of two sessions, we granted four, resulting in continual sessions from seven o'clock Friday morning until seven o'clock Saturday night. Members from the Netherlands Mission had been invited to come Saturday morning at 7:30. They were there, and the workers who had worked all night, who were necessary to guide the workers from Holland, continued on duty. The faithful members endured the inconveniences gladly because the privilege of going through the temple at that time was a great accommodation to them. We here express appreciation to President William F. Perschon, President Samuel E. Bringhurst, Elder Edward O. Anderson, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Paul Evans, and all the missionaries and workers who rendered such unselfish service to the fortunate members of the Church who were privileged to go through the first temple in Europe. The Gospel Plan the Greatest of All Blessings Truly, it is fitting to give thanks to the Lord anti to talk of all his wondrous work; and in doing 50, we must include the greatest of all Of his blessings the sending of his Only Begotten Son to give to all our Father's children redemption, and to those who will listen and obey the gospel, salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of our Father. Obedience to the principles of the gospel brings happiness, and happiness is what all men seek. Indeed, the Prophet Joseph Smith said that "Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof"--and this is important--"if we pursue the path that leads to it." As an end in itself, happiness is never found; it comes incidentally. Note: "It will be the end thereof if we follow the path that leads to it, and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 255-256.) "Happiness consists not of having, but of being--not of possessing, but of enjoying. It is a warm glow of the heart at peace with itself. A martyr at the stake may have happiness that a kin on his throne might envy. Man is tee creator of his own happiness. It is the aroma of life lived in harmony with high ideals. For what a man has he may be dependent upon others; what he is rests with him alone. What he obtains in life is but acquisition; what he attains is true growth." William George Jordan continues: "The basis of happiness is the love of something outside itself. Search every instance of happiness in the world, and you will find, when all the incidental features are eliminated, there is always the constant, unchangeable element of love--love of parent for child; love of man and woman for each other (husband and wife); love of humanity in some form, or a great life work into which the individual throws all his energies. "Happiness is the voice of Optimism, of faith, of simple, steadfast love," interest in some great cause, that is worthy of a life's work. My fellow workers: What is the "Great cause worthy of our life's work?" The restored Church of Jesus Christ! Is there anything greater in all the world? My heart rejoices that we have the privilege of working together to establish through that Church the kingdom of God on earth. May our great life's' work be the promulgation of the restored gospel, that God's purposes may be consummated for the peace and happiness of man-kind, I humbly pray this morning, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 2, 1955 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY We have received a message reading as follows: "Gathered in San Fernando Stake nearly completed stake center are 251 boys, 456 men, or a total attendance of 707."-James D. Pratt, First Counselor, Stake Presidency. Later in the Conference perhaps we can give a total report. Much has been said, brethren, during the Conference about the favorable reports made in the public press, compliments paid by government and state officials, to the leaders of the Choir in Europe, to the excellency of the Choir, paying compliments to the Church, etc., and every word spoken has been merited. Some might feel that such praise will be dangerous. Let me tell you that nothing has been said about the efforts of the Adversary coordinately with these words of praise. When permission was granted by state and local officials to erect the Swiss Temple near Bern, notice was given that such permission had been granted, and the request made that if anybody had any objection, let him so express himself. High poles were erected on the site, showing the height of the main building. Well, there was opposition led by a minister. A certain time elapsed-for other objections. Finally the authoritative council met and decided that the application to erect a temple be granted. This minister met again and said, "I protest it." "Oh yes," said the chairman, or leader of that group, "but you did not put your objections in writing." "Well," said the minister, "I did not know that was necessary. "You are too late now. Permission is granted. He resorted to the press, and the most scurrilous articles appeared, revamping all the old falsehoods, accusing the people of everything. But they paid little attention to it. I was surprised to learn recently that the temple stands just across the street from the town in which that man preaches. Down in South America in Argentina, favorable reports were given regarding the Church and its activities. One paper, and I will not mention the church it represents, came out with scurrilous articles. On the following day the. public press announced that President Peron had received officials of the Church. The next issue of the scurrilous sheets modified its attack, and later ceased entirely. Right here at home the Adversary is at work. Some of you have received accusations that the Church has apostatized, and that Cultists doctrine should be accepted. Well, the best way to treat these lies and scandalous reports is so to live that our actions will prove their falsity, and that is what we are trying to do. There are "fleas," and we shall have to treat them as such, I suppose. We shall always have people attacking us. As lone as the Adversary to truth is free to exercise dominion in this world, we are going to have attacks, and the only way to meet those attacks is to live tube Gospel. Now, I mention this--and I could say a great deal more--to put you brethren on your guard. It is learned that in some cases excommunicants are moving into wards where they are not known, and are being or have been used in teaching classes. Bishops and branch presidents should not use anyone in their various organizations until the bishops and branch presidents have received their membership records, or at least know of their worthiness. The importance of that is evident. We do not want people who are prompted by the spirit of the Adversary, the spirit of an apostate, to be poisoning the minds of our youth. The latter are too precious, and they are in our keeping. There is true philosophy in that old saying of David Harrum: "A certain amount of fleas is good for a dog. It keeps him from worrying that he is a dog." Well, the Adversary will see to it that we have plenty of these fleas as they exercise their pestilential acts in trying to undo the good that the Church is doing. I shall be glad and thankful when our friends who speak well of us, papers who publish the truth, will be more numerous than they are today, and it is our duty so to live that the people will have to speak well as they had to speak well of the excellency of our Choir and the concerts given in Europe. Thank you brethren who have spoken to us on the great principle of Reverence. A few weeks ago, with some companions, I had the pleasure, through the kindness of A. Hamer Reiser, of visiting Stoke Poges where Thomas Gray wrote that great poem, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard." Of course I had in mind renewing the interesting passages in that poem and visiting for the first time the spot where he is buried. He died about 1871, as I remember. As we rode out there we recalled: "The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave, Awaits alike th' inevitable hour:-- The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Then that familiar quotation: "Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air. Those two sublime stanzas follow his tribute to the humble of Stoke Poges. Those who lie underneath the old elms, still standing, "some mute inglorious Milton here may rest," you remember. I saw something else in that old Churchyard that is appropriate tonight. By the way, we should never know anything about that if it had not been for Thomas Gray. We should never know anything much about Stratford-on-Avon had it not been for Shakespeare; nothing about Ayr had it not been for Bobby Burns. These great men have immortalized those humble places. Let us not look with disrespect upon these great leaders in the literary world. They make life worth living and give us the best in the world. Note this about the theme tonight. As we entered the old Stoke Poges Church built in 1086 by the Normans, my attention was called to a plaque on the door upon which was written the following: "Our courteous Lord wills that we should be as homely with him as heart may think or soul desire, but let us beware that we take not this homeliness so recklessly as to leave reverence and courtesy." I do not know when it was written, but I leave it with you tonight as coming from somebody 200 years ago. Reverence embraces regard, deference, honor, and esteem. Without some degree of it there would be no courtesy, no gentility, no consideration of other's feelings or of other's rights. It is the fundamental virtue in religion. Reverence is one of the signs of strength, irreverence one of the surest indications of weakness. No man will rise high who jeers at sacred things. The fine loyalties of life must be reverenced, or they will be foresworn in the day of trial. We walked recently through those old halls of Westminster Abbey. Everybody spoke in whispers. In one place--I have never before visited it--we were asked to take off our shoes. It was more to save the old floor, though, than to pay deference or reverence to the room. When Brother Cannon and I went round the world we visited some of the temples of Buddha and Shinto. We had to take our shoes off before we entered. We are not going to worship houses, and we certainly do not wish to violate the command of God to worship images, but we do want to be courteous, deferential, reverent, when we enter the presence of our Lord, to whom all should give reverence. If you were invited to go before a Governor-general, before one of Royalty, you would prepare in dress and in attitude so as to appear properly in his presence. Well, our houses are dedicated by the Priesthood, and our chapels are consecrated for the worship of the Lord, and we give them over to him. It is not just a mere act, and I promise you, my brethren, that the Lord will be there and we shall feel his Presence, if we approach him properly. That is a fact because he lives, and this is his Church, and you are his servants by divine right. I know the world thinks we are unreasonable, fantastic in our ideas when we tell them that there is no other authorized Church, but that is true. The Priesthood came direct from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the great High Priest, and he authorized Peter, James and John, on whom he bestowed that Priesthood, to bestow it upon the Prophet Joseph Smith; and John the Baptist, who held the Aaronic Priesthood to bestow the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not take it; it came direct, and you brethren, everyone present, can trace your ordination, probably within five steps, right back to the Savior himself. When we go into the chapel, let us go in there realizing that we are in the presence of our Heavenly Father, and we sit and commune reverently from within. Happiness is from within. It must be, as one of the brethren said, an individual matter. What right have I to go into a chapel and speak in loud tones and disturb somebody who is communing, probably praying in his heart? Oh my brethren, presidents of stakes, bishoprics of wards, God bless you in your leadership, in your responsibility to guide, to bless, to comfort. Many of our people need comfort. Lead them to come to you in confession. Guide them to go to the Lord, and seek inspiration so to live that they may rise above the low and the mean and live in the spiritual. This has been a glorious Conference. It is a glorious Conference, and tonight is an epoch-making event in the history of the Church. God bless every man assembled tonight who has come with his heart and soul filled with the desire to come closer to our Heavenly Father, filled with the desire to get a stronger testimony that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, stands at the head of the Church. There is no question about it. God bless the man who sneaked in here to find something to publish to weaken the faith of those who might be weak. May he repent and be led to know the truth. I bless you, my brethren, with the power that the Lord has given us to bless, that from this hour we go forth with renewed determination to discharge our duties more faithfully, more successfully under the inspiration of God than ever before, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 3, 1955 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY To you Saints listening in: Thank you for the many telegrams you have sent. We rejoice with you in the excellent transmission of the messages from this tabernacle. I know the Saints would be pleased to hear your comments, but time will not permit our reading them. I have two here, though, which I am sure the Saints and you in California will be pleased to hear. One is: "The servicemen assembled at Fort Ord and those gathered in homes enjoyed the TV broadcast of conference this morning. Approximately ninety in attendance."--Chaplain Connell. The other is from Tijuana, Mexico: "The Saints gathered here in Mexico enjoying good conference reception. Proceedings are being translated into Spanish. Best wishes.--The Tijuana Branch Presidency, Tijuana, Mexico." Then, as you see, dozens of others. We are just one great, united Church--united in love. In your behalf, may I express appreciation and gratitude to all who have assisted in any way in making this great semi-annual conference such an inspirational success. As I was driven down to this session, I saw the officers of the law on duty, and I thought that their diligence has prevented accidents; perhaps they have saved lives by their faithfulness. I know they have greatly contributed to our convenience, and we thank them and our city fathers for their co-operation. To you reporters for your fair and accurate reports we express thanks; also to the audience as a whole for your responsiveness, attentiveness, and example in reverence, too, even you who have to stand in the doorways. It is all these little things which contribute to a spirit of unity, brotherhood, and love. The fire department has been on hand in case of an emergency. Red Cross officials have been rendering service. These flowers we have mentioned before. I did not tell you however that the presidency of the Wilford Stake permission to furnish these flowers. We did not ask them. They asked for the privilege of contributing to the beauty. We accept their flowers as messengers of love, We thank you, and to think that these other flowers could come across the Pacific Ocean and retain their beauty and fragrance as these have done emphasizes the nearness of our Saints in the far-off parts of the world to us. We mention the ushers. Have you noticed how quietly they have attended to their duty? They have been on hand, each at his post, with no confusion whatever. Thank you for considering your post important and doing your duty so well. To the various radio and television stations in our own city and state, and in other states named in the various sessions of the conference, we render our special thanks in behalf of the tens of thousands of people who have heard these proceedings due to your courtesy and contribution. To these groups of singers from Friday morning on, we cannot say in words that which we feel in our hearts. The German Saints on Friday-how well they sang! How gladly they rendered that service! That group of young men and young women on Saturday-why they just seemed to throw their young hearts into the expression of love through singing, and we all responded to it! And this afternoon, shall I say the climax? I can, because our mothers who always sing from the heart have just lifted us to spiritual heights, and Sister Madsen, how the Lord has blessed her to get these groups of mothers together an to sing wit such expression! It is so inspiring! Well, on behalf of the thousands who listen, we thank you, one and all, for what you have one today. I have time to say only a word in conclusion. The brethren who have addressed us have been inspired of the Lord, as you will all testify, and they have given us sublime messages. They have given us the gospel. chat shall we do about it? I remember fifty-eight years ago, on one occasion I sat in council with two local elders in Glasgow who had trouble which they could not solve, and which threatened to become serious. Something that was said touched the sympathy of one, and when you touch the sympathy of a Scotchman you have him, and he said, "Tell, us what you want us to dee, and we'll dee it." (Tell us what you want us to do, and we'll do it.) Well, we have been told in this conference what to do. God help us to do it. May I mention two important things just by way of emphasis upon which we should center our efforts. One pertains to the priesthood quorums. Fellow presiding officers in missions, stakes, wards, and quorums, make your quorums more effective in regard to brotherhood and service. The quorums are units which should effectively hold the priesthood in sacred bonds and in helpfulness. I refer particularly to the senior members of the Aaronic Priesthood--you businessmen, successful in the business world; you professional men who have devoted your time to the success of your vocations and are successful and are leading men in civic and political affairs--get together more, closely in your quorum. Yes, it may be teachers--that is all right. You meet as teachers, adult teachers, and help one another. If one of your number be sick, two or three of you get together and call on him. You can do that. You do 'not like to preach, and you hesitate to appear before an audience, even to pray. You can go together and sit by the side of your comrade who lies in bed. He will never forget it. You elders perhaps have one of your number sick, and his crop needs harvesting. Get together and harvest it. One of your members has a son on a mission, and his funds are getting low. Just ask if you can be of help to him. Your thoughtfulness he will never forget. Such acts as these are what the Savior had in mind when he said, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these my brethren, ye do it unto me." (See Man. 25:40.) There is no. other way that you can serve. Christ. You can kneel down and pray to him, that is good. You can plead with him to give you his guidance through the Holy Spirit--yes, we do that and must do it. We have to do it. But it is these practical, daily visits in life, it is the controlling of our tongue, in not speaking evil of a brother, but speaking well of him, that the Savior marks as true service. Read Peter's first epistle where he refers to the Holy Priesthood: ". . . ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9.) In his second epistle (see ch. 1:4) note the significance of this: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be ,,partakers of the divine nature, . . . When you sense that, you have reached happiness. Now the other point relates to your homes. Let us go home with a determination to have our homes places of contentment and peace. There Is not one of us who cannot contribute to that condition. The ideal home should be found among the members of the Church of Jesus Christ, and I am just sufficIently old-fashioned to think that the home is still the foundation of the state, especially of a republic. Do not forget it. And the state has no right to take your children and attempt to train them and substitute for your protection, mother, and your prayerful guidance. Brother Bennion referred to the influence of a mother. He expressed what each one of us may do. But I am referring now to the fathers' contributing to the home by showing a high sense of regard and courtesy to your wives in the home. Courtesy is a wonderful virtue, and it should be shown in the home. Courtesy is saying "thank you"; "if you please"; "pardon me." Have you forgotten those terms in the home? Children, hearing them, will themselves become courteous to mother and to father, and to each other. The home is the place to teach the virtues of society. The home is the place to instill the faith that has been emphasized in this conference. Husbands, remember the covenants you have made to your wives. Do not permit our affections to be led away from the mother of your children. Mothers, do not forget that you owe something to your children and to your husband. You, too, can keep yourself attractive. You, too, can refrain from finding fault. You, too, can contribute to the happiness and contentment of the home, the sweetest place on earth. That is about as near heaven as you will get here. Do not make it a hell. Some do. We have had too many broken homes since the war, too many separations by divorce. Let us reduce that number. There is no use terminating a marriage just because of a few misunderstandings. Guard against misunderstandings by curbing your tongue. You hold the priesthood. Can't you control your tongue as well as your actions? Do not say the thing that comes to your mind when things go wrong, and by a quick-tempered remark wound her who has given her life to you. Control your temper. Yes, you see weaknesses. The women see them in us husbands, too. I'll tell you they see them! They control their tongues more frequently, I think, than we do. Let us reverence womanhood. Is it not strange, when you think of it, that the one thing of which the world has accused this Church is the one thing in which this Church deserves most credit-keeping the home pure and stable, educating children in the faith of our fathers, with in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father and in the restoration of the gospel. Now, here is a final appeal at this conference for us to go home, to go back and set our homes in order. God bless you in so doing, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1956 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My beloved brethren and sisters: If you knew the weight of the responsibility of this moment, you would gladly answer the prayer of my heart--that I might have your united support and the inspiration of the Lord. I know what I should like to say and will try to say it, but it is a question whether I can get that message over to the thousands who are listening as I should like to give it, and, I hope, as the Lord would have it given. ". . . verily I say unto you, . . . [that] marriage is ordained of God unto man. "Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation." (D & C 49:15-16.) That passage from the Doctrine and Covenants indicates the message I have in mind to give this morning--some helpful hints for happy homes. First, however, I should like to say a few words relative to the general conditions in the Church. A most outstanding accomplishment since our conference last October is the completion and dedication of the Los Angeles Temple. On the original twenty-four acres purchased by President Heber J. Grant, assisted by Elders David Howells and Preston D. Richards, there are now, besides the temple, the following Church edifices, all finished and paid for: the Westwood Ward chapel, recreation hall, and classrooms; headquarters of the California Mission, bureau of information, central heating plant, and sufficient lot space for an inter-stake auditorium. During the pre-dedicatory visiting days, December 19, 1955, to February 18, 1956, 660,000 persons availed themselves of the opportunity of viewing this sacred edifice. Forty thousand attended the eight dedicatory services held March 11 to March 14. It is highly appropriate to express to this general conference appreciation of the contributed efforts, time, and means of the thousands of men and women who had the responsibility of directing and caring for the convenience and comfort of the hundreds of thousands of visitors, sometimes as many as 25,000 a day. First, this appreciation applies especially to the stake presidencies, high councils and bishoprics in the temple area, and all the members of committees appointed by them; second, to the architect and his associates; and third, to the contractor and assistants; fourth, to the faithful women who constituted a reception committee, who were at their assigned posts of duty every day for over nine weeks, outside and inside the temple; fifth, to the presidency of the Temple Mission and directors of the Bureau of Information; sixth, to the eleven doctors who were on hand to render first aid. Incidentally, forty-seven persons received medical care. We express appreciation also to our own committees and those in California--the committee on transportation and accommodation; the committee on the printing and distribution of tickets; the committee on press and radio and public relations; the committee on seating those thousands of people; and, I might say especially, the committee who, through KSL, installed television in the various rooms, thus adding to the interest and convenience of over 5,000 members to attend each of the eight sessions of the dedicatory services. We wish to express appreciation for the welcome extended by the governor of the state, Governor Goodwin Knight, and his commendation and words of appreciation for that sacred edifice; also the message sent by Mayor Norris Poulson of Los Angeles; and for the receptions given and messages sent by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Rotary Club. We appreciate their attitude and their entertainment. Great as that temple is, beautiful as it is, we shall ever associate with it the attitude of the people toward it, members and non-members alike. We appreciate the contributions given by people in the temple district, every promise fulfilled, and more--voluntarily given. Finally, we are appreciative of the tithes and offerings of the entire Church, making that edifice and others possible. Brethren and sisters, one hundred and twenty-six years ago today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr. Six members founded the organization, though there were others present. About fourteen months prior to that organization, a revelation was given to the Prophet Joseph saying, a marvelous work was about to come forth among the children of men. In that revelation we read the following regarding the spirit of the Church: "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. . . "And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to qualify him for the work. glory of God, "Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence." (D & C 4:2,5-6.) Compared with the nearly two thousand years since Jesus Christ, the Son of God, established his Church in the Meridian of Time, one hundred and twenty-six years constitute a very brief period, yet the growth and progress of the restored Church during that time have been remarkable. From a membership of six, the Church now numbers over a million and a quarter, divided into 227 stakes and forty-four missions. It has built twelve temples, with two more under construction, and 2,646 other houses of worship are completed and under construction. In educational matters, its accomplishments are highly commendable. Besides the general interest of the members in the University of Utah, the Utah State Agricultural College, and other state institutions, the Church supports an educational system of which it may justly be proud: Brigham Young University, Ricks Junior College, 140 seminaries and institutes, and is now building junior colleges in New Zealand, Hawaii, Tongatabu, Tonga, Pesega, and Mapasaga, Samoa. The Church supports twelve hospitals, and through its welfare department needy persons are either rehabilitated or given necessary assistance from fast offerings and tithing funds. Though temples, tabernacles, and other Church edifices cost millions, all dedicated buildings are wholly paid for, and the Church is entirely free from debt. On behalf of the First Presidency and other General Authorities of the Church, I take great satisfaction in reporting that all departments of the Church are progressing very satisfactorily and express gratitude to our Heavenly Father for his divine guidance and inspiration. An Appeal for Stability and Harmony in the Home But I am not so sure whether we are maintaining the high standards required of us in our homes. I feel constrained, therefore, at this opening session to make an appeal for more stability, more harmony and happiness in home life. It has been truly said that "the strength of a nation, especially of a republican nation, is in the intelligent, well-ordered homes of the people." In no other group in the world should there be more contented, more happy homes than in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just this month there appeared in a leading magazine the encouraging statement that American homes and family life are steadily strengthening. According to that article, the total population of our country has doubled since 1900. The number of families has tripled. This growth in family life is shown by the rapid increase in home ownership. One hundred-twenty percent more families owned their own homes in 1955 than in 1940. There are sixty-seven percent more children under five years of age now than in 1940, that Is in the country at large. There are sixty-one percent more children in group age five to nine years. Loyalty as a Contributing Factor Recently our attention has been called to conditions that seem to justify our admonishing the membership of the Church to keep their homes exemplary before the world. To the young people of the Church, particularly, I should like to say first that a happy home begins not at the marriage altar, but during the brilliant, fiery days of youth. The first contributing factor to a happy home is the sublime virtue of loyalty, one of the noblest attributes of the human soul. Loyalty means being faithful and true. It means fidelity to parents, fidelity to duty, fidelity to a cause or principle, fidelity to love. Disloyalty to parents during teen age is often a source of sorrow and sometimes tragedy in married life. I have received several letters this last month from young folk--two of them in their teens--irked because of what they consider interference of parents. Young people in all the Church and all the nation should understand that both the Church and the state hold parents responsible for the conduct and protection of their children. The Church, you will recall, is very explicit in that. ". . . inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the Living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. "For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized." (D & C 68:25-26.) That is explicit, and parents, that is your responsibility. Some of you would be surprised to know that the statute of the state requires explicitly that not only parents, but also any guardian who has charge of a child eighteen or under is hem responsible for the protection of that child and for his moral teachings. Any guardian or parent that will do anything to injure the morals of the chic is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment of not more, if I remember rightly, than six months, and a fine of not less than three hundred dollars, or both. So, girls and boys, your parents, not only because of their love, but also by command of the Lord and by legislative enactment of the state, are compelled to watch over you and guide you. And parents, once again, that is your responsibility. The effect of this guardianship will be shown by illustration. A New York City judge not long ago wrote to the New York Times, saying that in seventeen years that he had on the bench not one Chinese-American teenager had been brought before him on a juvenile delinquency charge. The judge queried his colleagues, and they agreed that not one of the city's estimated 10,000 Chinese-American teenagers, to their knowledge, (not one) had ever been hailed into court on a charge of depredation, narcotics, speeding, burglary, vandalism, stickup, purse snatching, or mugging accusations A check with San Francisco, where there is a large colony of Chinese-Americans, tells the same story. P. H. Chang, Chinese Consul-General in New York City, was asked to comment on that. He said, "I have heard this story many times from many judges. I'll tell you why I think this is so. Filial piety is a cardinal virtue my people have brought over from the China that was once free. A Chinese child, no matter where he lives, is brought up to recognize that he cannot shame his parents. Before a Chinese child makes a move, he stops to think what the reaction of his parents will be. Will they be proud or will they be ashamed? Above all other things, the Chinese teenager is anxious to please his parents. "Most Chinese-Americans, no matter how wealthy or poor, maintain a strict family style home. Mealtime is a ceremonious affair which must be attended by every member of the family. Schooling, reverence for religion, and decorum plus reverence for the elders, are the prime movers in developing the child from infancy." And the paper says, "The amazing record of the Chinese-American youngster shows that it is in the home that the cure for juvenile delinquency will be found, and in no other place." (From an editorial in the Saturday Evening Post reprinted in the Reader's Digest, July 1955.) So, young people, loyalty to parents, if not a direct contributing factor to a happy home, is at least a safeguard against hastily assuming and lightly esteeming the duties and responsibilities of marriage. Loyalty to Self Next to loyalty to parents, I should like to urge loyalty to self. Remember, if you would be happy, if you reach the goal of success in the distant future, your first duty is to be loyal to the best that is in you, not to the basest. There is a saying in the Bible that "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Matt. 12:36.) Psychology assures us that "We are spinning our own fates, good or evil, and never to be undone. Every smallest stroke of virtue or of vice leaves its never so little scar. The drunken Rip Van Winkle, in Jefferson's play, excuses himself for every fresh dereliction by saying, 'I won't count this time. "Well!" continues James, the psychologist, "he may not count it, and a kind Heaven may not count it; but it is being counted none the less. Down among his nerve cells and fibres the molecules are counting it, registering and storing it up to e used against him when the next temptation comes. Nothing we ever do is, in strict scientific literalness, wiped out. Of course, this has its good side as well as its bad one. As we become permanent drunkards by so many separate drinks, so we become saints in the moral, and authorities and experts in the practical and scientific spheres, by so many separate acts and hours of work. Let no youth have any anxiety about the upshot of his education, whatever the line of it may be. If he keep faithfully busy each hour of the working day, he may safely leave the final result to itself. He can with perfect certainty count on waking up some fine morning, to find himself one of the competent ones of his generation, in whatever pursuit he may have singled out. Silently, between all the details of his business, the power of judging in all that class of matter will have built itself up within him as a possession that will never pass away. Young people should know this truth in advance. The ignorance of it has probably engendered more discouragement and faint-heartedness in youth embarking on arduous careers than all other causes put together." (Psychology, William James, Henry Holt, 1892, p. 150.) A good ideal for youth to build a happy home is this: Keep true to the best and never let an hour of indulgence scar your life for eternity. Loyalty to Your Future Companion Next under that heading of loyalty, I urge loyalty to your future companion. When harmony, mutual consideration, and trust pass out of the home, hell enters in. A memory of a simple indulgence in youth sometimes opens hell's door. Girls, choose a husband who has respect for womanhood! Young man, choose a girl who, in her teens, has virtue and strength enough to keep herself true to her future husband! Down the road of indulgence are too many good young girls, seeking vainly for happiness in the by-ways where people grovel but do not aspire. As a result their search for happiness is in vain. They grasp at what seems substance to find only ashes. If you would have a happy marriage, keep your reputation as well as your character unsullied. It is a common saying throughout the world that young men may sow their wild oats, but young women should be chaperoned. In general, this is pretty well carried out, but in the Church we have but one single standard, and it is just as important for young men to keep themselves chaste as it is for young women. No matter what the opportunity, no matter what the temptation, let the young man know that to find happiness he must hold sacred his true manhood. Marriage is a failure when manhood is a failure. Let him know that to gain moral strength he must learn to resist temptation, learn to say with Christ, "Get thee hence, Satan. for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Matt. 4:10.) Then he is happy; there is peace instead of turbulency in his soul. Continued Courtship Next to loyalty as contributive to a happy home, I should like to urge continued courtship, and apply this to grown people. Too many couples have come to the altar of marriage looking upon the marriage ceremony as the end of courtship instead of the beginning of an eternal courtship. Let us not forget that during the burdens of home life--and they come--that tender words of appreciation, courteous acts are even more appreciated than during those sweet days and months of courtship. It is after the ceremony and during the trials that daily arise in the home that a word of "thank you," or "pardon me, "if you please," on the part of husband or wife contributes to that love which brought you to the altar. It is well to keep in mind that love can be starved to death as literally as the body that receives no sustenance. Love feeds upon kindness and courtesy. It is significant that the first sentence of what is now known throughout the Christian world as the Psalm of Love, is, "Love suffereth long, and is kind." The wedding ring gives no man the right to be cruel or inconsiderate, and no woman the right to be slovenly, cross, or disagreeable. Self-Control The next contributing factor to your happy marriage I would name is self-control. Little things happen that annoy you, and you speak quickly, sharply, loudly, and wound the other's heart. I know of no virtue that helps to contribute to the happiness and peace of the home more than that great quality of self-control in speech. Refrain from saying the sharp word that comes to your mind at once if you are wounded or if you see something in the other which offends you. It is said that during courtship we should keep our eyes wide open, but after marriage keep them half-shut. What I mean may be illustrated by a young woman who said to her husband, "I know that my cooking isn't good; I hate it as much as you do, but do you find me sitting around griping about it?" This griping after marriage is what makes it unpleasant. I recall the words of Will Carleton: WORDS "Boys flying kites haul in their white-winged birds-- You can't do that when you're flying words. Thoughts unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead, But God himself can't kill them when they're said." Children in the Home Marriage offers an opportunity to share in the love and care of children, and that is the true purpose of marriage. One writer truly says: "Without children, or without believing that children are important, marriage is incomplete and unfulfilled. Children take time, trouble, and more patience than we usually have. They interfere with freedom, good times, and luxury, but children are the real purpose and reason behind marriage. If we do not put the proper value on parenthood, we are not emotionally or socially ready for marriage. "Marriage is a relationship that cannot survive selfishness, impatience, domineering, inequality, and lack of respect. Marriage is a relationship that thrives on acceptance, equality, sharing, giving, helping, doing one's part, learning together, enjoying humor," and a home is full of humor with children. The more you keep in company with your wife, the happier you are. Business takes you away from home. She is there alone. Do not let companionship with other women divide your affection, and that applies to woman as well as to man. At one time I thought that it did not; that man was wholly to blame for the unrest, the disagreements and sorrows that are occurring too frequently, but I have had to modify my opinion. Companionship is the means of perpetuating that love which brought about your union. In conclusion, for the proper solution of the great problems of marriage we may turn with safety to Jesus, our Guide. He declared, as I read in the beginning, that marriage is ordained of God and that only under the most exceptional conditions should it be set aside. In the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ, the family assumes supreme importance in the development of the individual and of society. "Happy and thrice happy are they who enjoy an uninterrupted union, and whose love, unbroken by any complaints, shall not dissolve until the last day." It will not dissolve when sealed by the authority of the Holy Priesthood throughout all eternity. The marriage ceremony, when thus sealed, produces happiness and joy unsurpassed by any other experience in the world. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. "Home's not merely four square walls, Though with pictures hung and gilded; Home is where Affection calls, Filled with shrines the Heart has builded! "Home's not merely roof and room-- It needs something to endear it; Home is where the heart can bloom, Where there's some kind [heart] to cheer it! What is home with none to meet, None to welcome, none to greet us? Home is sweet--and only sweet-- Where there's one we love to meet us." Charles Swain To the Church, not only to young people, but also to married people, I plead this morning for more contented homes brought about through love, faithfulness, loyalty, self-control, and obedience to the principles of marriage as set for us by revelation to the members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. May God help us to be exemplary to the world in this respect, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 7, 1956 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My esteemed fellow-workers. I hope what I say now may not detract from the spiritual instructions received and the appeals made for our young people. But there are a few suggestions to you, stake officers, stake presidencies and bishoprics of wards, which we hope you will take without comment. I will just name them. 1. In our Handbook of Instructions we read (which many of you bishops probably have not read, because it has not been reprinted): "Sunday School should not be closed on a day of Stake Conference. All classes with the exception of the Gospel Doctrine and other adult classes, should remain in session. This applies to every ward except where Conference is being held in a ward building and Sunday School and Conference cannot be accommodated in the building at the same time. It is understood, however, that the attendance of all members of the Church, old and young, at Stake Conference shall be encouraged, and that a member of any Sunday School class who desires to attend Stake Conference should be excused to do so, and that any class in the Sunday School may, under proper supervision, attend a Stake Conference in a body," but to close the Sunday School and turn out a hundred or several hundred, young boys and girls who do not go to Conference or who cannot find seats in the congregation, is contrary to instructions given. 2. Many wards at different times of the year decide that they will not hold any Sunday night meeting on Fast Day. These meetings should be held in the interest of the Auxiliaries. 3. This is very important. Substitutions should not be made for our Sacrament Meetings. Seminary graduation exercises should be held at some other hour or on some weekday night; they should not take the place of our Sacrament Meetings. And now just for a final message. We have been worried, not for a few days or a few months, but for many years, over the problem of making our ward teaching more effective. This is in harmony with our great lesson tonight--to help our young people and to help those of our older ones who are indifferent. Tonight I shall take time to mention only two features. "The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always"--this is the Word of the Lord, and the more closely we follow that the more satisfaction we shall have in our labors. "The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; "And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking; "And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty." (D. & C. 20:53-55) One day, when my brother and I were in our teens, we were ready to leave the barnyard and go out to the field for a load of hay. Father came out, shut the gate behind him, and then looking towards the sidewalk, saw two men coming towards the house. He recognized them as ward teachers, "Al" Sprague and Eli Tracy. He said, "Boys, there are the ward teachers; tie up your team and come into the house." Though we demurred, we obeyed. Seated as a family, we heard our father say, "Now brethren, we are in your hands." I give you the picture. Now I give you what the teacher said: he started with my father, who was the Bishop of the Ward, and asked him if he was doing his duty; if he was living in harmony with his neighbors; if he was sustaining the authorities. He asked Mother questions about doing her duty, and he went from the parents to each child who sat around in that meeting. Those teachers emphasized one part of their duty. First, Father submitted himself to them, for they came as his representatives and would be in ever house. Their duty was to see that "each member does his duty." Now that takes tact and some of you say for teachers so to question the people gives offense. I grant you all that, and I am not going to discuss it. But the Lord has asked you to do just that thing. How you do it, the inspiration of the Lord must prompt. Now tonight I should like to emphasize another phase of ward teaching--"watching over the Church always." The teacher's duty is not performed when he goes only once a month to each house. I remember when one Bishop made it a duty of the ward teacher to go at once to a house bereaved of a loved one and see what could be done in order to bring comfort to those who were grieving and to make arrangements for the funeral. It is the teacher's duty to see that there is no want; if there is sickness there, to go and administer--watching over those families always. Tuesday morning at the dedication of the Los Angeles Temple--that was the beginning, I think, of the fifth session--we were entering the Temple when somebody said, "There is an old lady coming down the walk. Evidently she wants to see you." She was walking, but she had to be helped. We returned and met her just as she and her companions came up the steps leading to the north entrance of the Temple. We shook her hand and greeted her and gave her a blessing as much as we could in that short, brief time, and to encourage her said, "Are these your two fine sons?" "No," answered the one on her left, "we are her ward teachers." What a beautiful example of watching over the church always They knew the old lady wanted to attend that service. I do not know what help they had to give her in order to bring her there, they had to get an automobile probably. I do not know whether she had any sons. I know only what I have told you. But they were her ward teachers and they knew her needs. Well, in every group assigned to you ward teachers, there are young folks who are crippled, there are young folks who are staggering, who need help morally. Somehow, some way, you can reach them and give them Not just when you go to make a formal visit, when you are sitting there before the radio or the television, but at some party, some way, wherever they are going, get in their company, get their confidence, take a hold of their arm--"watch over them always." Those two things we can do, in addition to what the bishoprics are now asking you to do: teach them their duty, watch over them always and see that they attend to their meetings. In conclusion, let me commend the Committee of the Twelve for the great project they have presented to us tonight. You can see its value. I am sure that you were all deeply impressed with Brother Petersen's message. These lines came to me when he gave the principal theme: "You ought to be true for the sake of the folks who believe you are true. You never should stoop to a deed that your friends think you wouldn't do. If you're false to yourself, be the blemish but small, You have injured your friends; you've been false to them all." (Edgar A. Guest) God help us to save our young people, to bring peace in our wards, in our homes, and in our hearts, by keeping the commandments of God as He has given them to us in this the Latter-day through the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; given it to us by direct revelation by the direct appearance of the Father and the Son, to the boy Prophet; given unto us, as President Clark has explained tonight, the Priesthood, the same as held by the Apostles of old. With all my heart I bless you, fellow-workers in the Priesthood of God, and 1 do it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 8, 1956 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY The speaker of this session, Elder Lee, referred to the "shortest designated highway in the State," and that shortest highway leads to the penitentiary. His excellent discourse and the inspirational discourses of the other brethren who have followed him have inspired us all. The spirit of the Lord is here, and what I am going to say in a few will be in harmony with t those addresses. That reference to the highway reminded me of something to which we should have called the attention of 31,000 men of the priesthood last evening. But now I am glad that I overlooked it, for here is a better time and place, I think, to mention it. It refers to a number of young people who get on that shortest of highways. For several years we have asked the bishops to help us to protect them from getting on that highway. For a while we received help, and then that help practically ceased. There are two members of the Council of the Twelve appointed to receive your suggestions and recommendations, but these two members are helpless without your suggestions. In brief, many of our young girls, particularly, and not a few of our young boys, leave their homes, with the consent of parents, sometimes without the consent, and they come to larger centers in hopes of bettering their financial conditions, probably social conditions; and without proper guidance, without help, not a few get on that one-way road. And so we have asked that whenever one of those girls or one of the boys leaves home to come to the city, the bishop will send word to Elder Spencer W. Kimball or Elder Mark E. Petersen giving the home town address, and, if possible, the address of the boy or girl in Salt Lake City, Ogden, or some other center. The ward teachers should know the name of that boy and the name of that girl, for it is his duty "to watch over the church always, to be with and strengthen them." (D & C 20:53.) If the teacher will notify the bishop that one of the members of his district is leaving home, and the bishop will inform the committee of the Twelve of the fact, safeguards can be put around the young person. They are not bad boys or bad girls, intrinsically, but there are traps into which they may fall here and be caught in sin, as we have heard. Bishops, wi you please do that? Ward teachers throughout the Church, will you please watch over the Church always--over those who are sick, those who need your help, and particularly some of these discouraged young people? I think the thought that I am trying to get over is well expressed by that poem which the Presiding Bishopric has put into the hands of the lesser priesthood of the Church. It is a follows: "He stood at the crossroads all alone The sunlight in his face; He had no thought for the world unknown, He was set for a manly race. But the roads stretched east and the roads stretched west, And the lad knew not which road was best. So he chose the road that led him down, And he lost the race and the victor's crown. He was caught at last in an angry snare, Because no one stood at the crossroads there To show him the better road. "Another day at the selfsame place, A boy with high hopes stood, He too was set for a manly race, He too was seeking the things that were good, But one was there who the roads did know And that one showed him which way to go. So he turned from the road that would lead him down, And he won the race and the victor's crown. He walks today the highway fair Because one stood at the crossroads there To show him the better way." We are just reminding you bishops of this safeguard. How effective the protection or guidance, though, depends upon you, and more upon the ward teacher. As this conference draws to a close, my heart is full of appreciation. This has been a great conference. Do you know how many have contributed to its success? I want to point out a few even at the risk of omitting merited names. I have mentioned those who beforehand wished to make attractive and beautiful the rostrum and express their love in flowers. Again we mention them. Throughout the sessions we have expressed our gratitude to the radio stations and television stations, making it possible for tens of thousands to hear the message of the gospel from these leaders, and how impressively, eloquently they have given their messages. We have said "thank you" to the members of the choirs, but let me mention them again: The Brigham Young University choruses, with Brother Ralph Woodward and Brother Crawford Gates conducting. Those young people--you will never forget that picture--filling the seats of the choir and overflowing into the galleries, young people with high hopes, young people with faith, young people of purity. We appreciate what they did. And even more impressive, if that could be, our Singing Mothers! I cannot mention the name "mother" without being overcome with emotion. Those mothers who furnished that singing were the mothers of 1600 children! Even their title, "Singing Mothers," tells a story of sacrifice, a story of love, a story of home. No wonder they could sing the songs of Zion so inspirationally under the masterful leadership of Sister Florence Jepperson Madsen. Then there was the Reno Latter-day Saints male chorus under Ladd R. Cropper, director--whose singing inspired 31,000 members of the priesthood last night. We thank them. And today the Tabernacle Choir, singing the songs which inspired thousands in Europe. And when t the closing song, try to picture yourself listening to them in London or in Glasgow or Paris, Switzerland, Holland, or East Germany, and see those audiences filled with enthusiasm, inspired, as this wonderful choir sang, "Come, Come, Ye Saints." It is said that our "echoes roll from soul to soul, and go forever and forever." Well, the echoes of those choruses are rolling in the souls of thousands over in Europe and will continue so to do for a long time to come. To Director Cornwall and the organists we again express appreciation. Not many of you, I think, have noticed how attentive, how considerate, how prompt have been the ushers under the direction of Bishop Isaacson. They have spent hours here since conference began--during meeting, between sessions--from morning till night. We extend to you ushers thanks for your courtesy, consideration, and the very excellent way in which you have directed the affairs put into your hands. I have often spoken about the attention given by our police department. I do not know that they have ever rendered greater service than they have throughout this conference. You who have had to travel around this block have noticed three of our policemen, courteously watching to see that no accident occurs: here on the south gate two men; at the west gate another; out at the north gate another; and others at crowded intersections throughout the city. To the mayor and city council, chief of police, and to all the members of that force we say 'thank you" this day. To the Red Cross who have been here faithfully to render any help to those in need, to the fire department, members of which have stood on guard in case of some accident, to the reporters who have reported the exercises so efficiently and accurately--to all of you, we express sincere appreciation. Now I should like to express appreciation for a group of workers not connected directly with this conference but who are energetically contributing to the advancement of the work of the Lord: the volunteer labor missionaries who are down in New Zealand, down in Hawaii, who will be in Mexico and other places where schools and temples are being built; we should like them to know that we have them in mind and that they have our blessing, able businessmen, skilled in carpentry, cement work, steel work. Not many in the Church know what they are doing. But it is a great force of skilled workmen contributing to the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. And we shall mention, too, the young men who accept one-year, two-year mission calls to lay bricks, or to drive trucks, repair machinery, etc. Young men, we appreciate what you are doing. It is a great school for you, and you learn much even while you contribute your time and effort. Finally, I wish to express gratitude to my beloved associates, the General Authorities, who so kindly and considerately made mention of my half century of service in the Council of the Twelve. It was most gracious of you to express your congratulations and particularly your loyalty. The words coming from your hearts as they did touched me deeply. Next to the affection we have for our home and loved ones, we prize the loyalty of friends, but even more precious is the true feeling of brotherhood in Christ. This choicest of all blessings in human association in the Church has been most manifest during this conference ever since our meeting referred to by Brother Kimball of the General Authorities in the house of the Lord last Thursday morning, and as expressed throughout this conference. Truly, we can sense more clearly than ever what John thee apostle had in mind when he wrote, We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." (1 John 3:14.) And I wish to tell you auxiliary workers and you members in the priesthood quorums of stakes and wards, that the brethren love you just that way. And what the Primary is doing--you could see by the reports of the great convention, and the high percentage of children that they have in attendance at their weekly meetings--they are doing just what you brethren ave asked them to do. The Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association has enrolled every girl in the Church. They will help you teacher--our local Young Women's Association and its officers--to find out when one of the girls is moving to another place, and they will be there to welcome them and to try to help them. The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association in their competitive games, in their cultural, inspirational meetings--what a wonderful work they are doing! So, also, the great Sunday School cause, and our mothers in Relief Society--where in all the world can you find so many groups working so efficiently--helps in government, as guides to your children--as you find in the Church of Jesus Christ! We are not boasting; we are just stating facts. We might not say it to you officers of these auxiliaries, but we love you, and in our hearts are prayers for your success. And the priesthood quorums, the deacons and the Aaronic Priesthood, the teachers and the priests--there again, every one enrolled, an opportunity for every boy to be active; instead of having the gang-spirit, where the members try to destroy or to interfere with the ease and comfort of others, we have them active and rendering service to others. And that means, as President Clark stated, over a hundred thousand of them, and the Presiding Bishopric bringing in the Senior Aaronic members; then the Melchizedek, the elders, seventies, and high priests--there is where we touch our home life. There are three parables to which I shall refer and close, all relating to lost ones. What I have said relates to preventing them from getting on the highway that leads to the detention home or to the penitentiary. Christ gave three parables which you will find in the 15th chapter of Luke. One is the parable of the Lost Sheep which wandered away from the flock; the second was the loss of one of Ten Pieces of Silver by a housewife; and the third was the Prodigal Son. The first referred to one that just simply wandered because it wanted to seek the best in sustenance of life; there was no sin involved. It became so engrossed in its own welfare that it wandered away from the flock. The second was largely due to carelessness, neglect; and the third was a determination to an abandonment to a life of indulgence and sin. Now you will find many in the Church of these and girls who drift from the Church because of other interests. They are not bad boys. Find them, bring them back into activity in the fold. In the second parable, the parents, through carelessness, let the girls go, or the girls defy parental interference or authority. Often the boys start out with wrong companions. You know how to deal with them--get them, too, into activity. The third, the prodigal son or the prodigal girl who goes down the line, who refuses the invitation to come back, refuses to enter into the activity of the Church--such a one, as did the prodigal son, will go, I suppose, until he comes to himself and then, as President Richards so eloquently expressed today, the spirit of repentance and the spirit of forgiveness will be operative. Brethren and sisters, may our Heavenly Father sanctify the instructions, admonitions, and testimonies that we have heard throughout this great and memorable conference. May he fill our hearts with love for one another in the true brotherhood of Christ. May that love in our homes, in our groups, in priesthood, and in the auxiliaries radiate so-effectively that others seeing our good lives may be led to glorify our Father in heaven, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 5, 1956 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY THE PASSING OF YEARS and the repetition of experience fail to lessen the great responsibility of addressing the congregation in this great tabernacle and others listening in over the radio. I have prayed and now pray for the inspiration of the Lord, that I may be able to perform this duty acceptably to him and to you, my brethren and sisters. What I have in mind I should like to associate with this passage of scripture taken from Matthew: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matt. 16:24Ä27.) Before emphasizing one or more particular points contained in that remarkable passage, I should like to give a brief report regarding some activities of the Church since our conference six months ago. During that interim the Church has been moving forward most encouragingly. Priesthood quorums have increased in number, particularly in the mission field, and, through the efficient efforts of the priesthood committees among the General Authorities, a greater enrolment in the quorums generally has resulted. There are today in the stakes and missions of the Church 237 high priests quorums; 449 seventies quorums and 17 units; 1,750 elders quorums and two units; 171 quorums and 1,725 groups of priests; 737 quorums, and 1,230 groups of teachers; 1,988 quorums, and 551 groups of deacons. Those are all organizations established by revelation for activity in spiritual things, as well as temporal, for boys, and for young men under nineteen years of age, most of them seventeen and eighteen. The general boards of auxiliaries are functioning efficiently, and local organizations are coÄoperating with them in earnest efforts to instil high ideals in the minds of childhood and youth. It is a sobering thought, my brothers and sisters, to realize that all quorums, all auxiliaries, all Church schools, seminaries, institutes, colleges, the Church university, all Church edifices, all preparations of lessons, the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly for the publication of books, equipment, illustrative material, and so forthÄÄall efforts of thousands of officers and teachersÄÄare for one purpose: namely, the education and proper training of your boys and girls and the edification of all members of the Church. Everything that has been and is now being done points to that one general purpose. Do you appreciate it by cooperating with these forces and sending your young children, and your young men and women to these various organizations in the Church? If not, you are shirking part of your duty. We have only words of commendation to the Twelve, the Assistants to the Twelve, and other General Authorities, including the Presiding Bishopric; to the general boards, the members of the general Church building committee, the stake and ward officers, each and all working for the good of the individual to bring to pass the Lord's purposes, who declared: ". . . this is my work and my gloryÄÄto bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (P of G P, Moses 1:39.) You will be interested to learn that since the first of the year there have been 136 Church edifices dedicated. It is estimated that in the final quarter of 1956 there will possibly be added to this number fortyÄfour more buildings, making a total of buildings dedicated in EnglishÄspeaking wards and stakes and missions of 180. In foreign missions it is estimated that there will be somewhere in the neighborhood of fifty to sixty houses of worship dedicated in this year 1956, making a total in all of approximately 240. A means to an end! From the standpoint of numbers and material prosperity, therefore, the Church has every reason to be encouraged. All these things, I repeat, are means to the perfecting of the soulÄÄthat is the end. The great question is: Have we progressed spiritually as well as in these physical and teaching organizations? The answer is yes. The accomplishments before mentioned, the efforts put forth, are in themselves really expressions of spirituality, and here we offer in our hearts a prayer that God will bless the total membership of the Church who have contributed of their means, talents, and efforts to the accomplishment of the purposes named, the means, and structures and Church edifices especially. It is marvelous what you have done. "Every noble impulse, every unselfish expression of love, every brave suffering for the right; every surrender of self to something higher than self; every loyalty to an ideal; every unselfish devotion to principle; every helpfulness to humanity; every act of selfÄcontrol; every fine courage of the soul, undefeated by pretense or policy, but by being, doing, and living of good for the very good's sakeÄÄthat is spirituality." And our text emphasizes the fact that the human being consists of spirit and body: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26.) Indeed, man's earthly existence is but a test, whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to his comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make as his life's purpose and aim the acquisition of spiritual qualities. The spiritual road has Christ as its ideal, not the gratification of the physical, for he that would save his life, yielding to that present gratification of a seeming need, will lose his life. If he would seek the real purpose of life, the individual must live for some thing higher than self. He hears the Savior's voice saying: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6.) Following that voice, he soon learns that there is no one great thing which he can do to attain happiness or eternal life. He learns that "life is made up not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things in which smiles and kindness and small obligations given habitually are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort. Spirituality, our true aim, is the consciousness of victory over self and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimest experiences. Would that all might so live as to experience that ecstasy! Being "honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men" are attributes which contribute to spirituality, the highest acquisition of the soul. It is the divine in man, the supreme, crowning gift that makes him king of all created things. The spiritual life is the true life of man. It is what distinguishes him from the beasts of the forests. It lifts him above the physical, yet he is still susceptible to all the natural contributions that life can give him that are needful for his happiness or contributive to his advancement. "Though in the world, not of the world." (See John 8:23.) Jesus taught that men and women fail to live truly, unless they have spirituality. In Jefferson's Life and Teachings of Jesus, we read that the spiritual force underlies everything, and without it nothing worthwhile can be accomplished. And I quote: "Spiritual needs can be met only by spiritual means. All government, laws, methods, and organizations are of no value unless" spirituality guides them. All "men and women are filled with truth," with this spiritualityÄÄand "righteousness, and mercy. Material things have no power to raise the sunken spirit. Gravitation, electricity, and steam are great forces, but they are all powerless to change the motives of men and women." "Except a man be born again, lie cannot see the kingdom of God." (See John 3:3.) Spirituality and morality as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ are firmly anchored in fundamental principlesÄÄprinciples from which the world can never escape even if it would, and the first fundamental is a beliefÄÄand among the members of the Church who are truly converted, a knowledgeÄÄof the existence of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Children of the Church are taught, at least should be taught, to recognize him and to pray to him as one who can listen and hear and feel just as an earthly father can listen and hear and feel, and they have absorbed into their very beings, if taught rightly, from their mothers and their fathers, the real testimony that this personal God has spoken in this dispensation. Inseparable from the acceptance of the existence of God is an attitude of reverence, to which I wish now to call attention most earnestly to the entire Church. The greatest manifestation of spirituality is reverence; indeed, reverence is spirituality. Reverence is profound respect mingled with love. It is a complex emotion made up of mingled feelings of the soul." Carlyle says it is "the highest of human feelings." I have said elsewhere that if reverence is the highest, then irreverence is the lowest state in which a man can live in the world. Be that as it may, it is nevertheless true that an irreverent man has a crudeness about him that is repellent. He is cynical, often sneering, and always iconoclastic. Reverence embraces regard, deference, honor, and esteem. Without some degree of it, therefore, there would be no courtesy, no gentility, no consideration of others' feelings, or of others' rights. Reverence is the fundamental virtue in religion. It is "one of the signs of strength; irreverence, one of the surest indications of weakness. No man will rise high," says one man, "who jeers at sacred things. The fine loyalties of life," he continues, "must be reverenced or they will be foresworn in the day of trial.' Parents, Reverence, as charity, begins at home. In early childhood children should be trained to be respectful, deferentialÄrespectful to one another, to strangers and visitorsÄdeferential to the aged and infirmÄreverential to things sacred, to parents and parental love. Three influences in home life awaken reverence in children and contribute to its development in their souls. These are: first, firm but Gentle Guidance; second, Courtesy shown by parents to each other, and to children; and third, Prayer in which children participate. In every home in this Church parents should strive to act intelligently in impressing children with those three fundamentals. Reverence in the houses of worship: Churches are dedicated and set apart as houses of worship. This means, of course, that all who enter do so, or at least pretend to do so, with an intent to get nearer the presence of the Lord than they can in the street or amidst the worries of a workaday life. In other words, we go to the Lord's house to meet him and to commune with him in spirit. Such a meeting place, then, should first of all be fitting and appropriate in all respects, whether God is considered as the invited guest, or the worshipers as his guests. Whether the place of meeting is a humble chapel or a "poem in architecture" built of white marble and inlaid with precious stones makes little or no difference in our approach and attitude toward the Infinite Presence. To know God is there should be sufficient to impel us to conduct ourselves orderly, reverently. In this regard, as members of the Church in our worshiping assemblies, we have much room for improvement. Presiding authorities in stake, ward, and quorum meetings, and especially teachers in classes, should make special effort to maintain better order and more reverence during hours of worship and of study. Less talking behind the pulpit will have a salutary effect upon those who face it. By example and precept, children should be impressed with the inappropriateness of confusion and disorder in a worshiping congregation. They should be impressed in childhood, and have it emphasized in youth, that it is disrespectful to talk or even to whisper during a sermon, and that it is the height of rudeness, excepting in an emergency, to leave a worshiping assembly before dismissal. One of the most pronounced outbursts of Jesus' indignation was caused by the desecration of the Lord's temple. As he overturned the tables of moneychangers and ordered out those who were bartering and trading in the holy sanctuary, he gave a warning admonition that has come down through the centuries: "...make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." (John 2:16.) Making and spending money, even in conversation, faultfinding, and particularly gossiping about neighbors in a house of worship, are essentially violations of this command given nearly two thousand years ago. If there were more reverence in human hearts, there would be less room for sin and resultant sorrow; more capacity for joy and gladness. To make more cherished, more adaptable, more attractive this gem among brilliant virtues, is a project worthy of the most united and prayerful efforts of every officer, every parent, and every member of the Church. I repeat now: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, [physical desires, gratification of appetites, money, wealth] ÄÄgain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matt. 16:24Ä27.) In these words of the Savior we have designated either by direct statement or implication four eternal truthsÄÄ First, the existence of God our Eternal Father. Second, the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ. Third, that man has a spirit as well as a body, and he may direct his life to serve him, Fourth, that soul development results from complete control of physical desires and passions. With that scripture in conclusion I desire to call attention to another fundamental truth: ". . . a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. "Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; "For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; "And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. "Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. "Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (D & C Sec 4.) That this work has come forth and is now established by divine revelation testifying to the existence of God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and that through Jesus Christ and his gospel mankind will be brought back into his presence, I bear witness to you, and to the world, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 6, 1956 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY THIS AFTERNOON at the height of a most inspirational meeting I saw two young men on my left in the gallery rise from their seats and walk out of the building. I hastily put on my long distance glasses to see more definitely who they were. They impressed me as being teachers, about the age of 15. That little act emphasized one of the points to be mentioned at this Priesthood Meeting, and that is the attitude of our young men bearing the Aaronic Priesthood who are asked to administer the emblems of our Lord's death and life. No more sacred ordinance has been given to us by the Lord than the administration of the Sacrament. I shall not dwell long upon its significance, the principal one of which is a covenant that we make with the Lord. We give our word of honor to do certain things, which as the Brethren said today, are contributive to our spiritual growth and happiness if kept, but which weaken our characters if we violate them. Say over in your mind briefly just what that covenant is. Those two men who are representing the audience appeal to the Lord in the name of the Redeemer, and ask him to bless and sanctify that bread or water to the souls of all those who partake of it. That is a sacred approach. "That they may do it in remembrance of the body (or blood) of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them," then the result, "that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." That is one of the prayers given to us word for word. Young men who are given the Priesthood, the importance of which we have heard tonight, are asked to give the congregation the opportunity to make that covenant, and the two priests who are to bless it, or the four who are to participate, should be instructed regarding the importance and sacredness of their calling. No whispering should be engaged in by those boys. All preparation should be carefully made before the hour of the sacrament meeting, and those young men should at least refrain from conversation, even if they do not contemplate the responsibility which is theirs. I am not going to say much about the dress. We are not a people who look to formality, certainly we do not believe in phylacteries, in uniforms, on sacred occasions, but I do think that the Lord will be pleased with a bishopric if they will instruct the young men who are invited to administer the sacrament to dress properly. He will not be displeased if they come with a white shirt instead of a colored one, and we are not so poor that we cannot afford clean, white shirts for the boys who administer the sacrament. If they do not have them, at least they will come with clean hands, and especially with a pure heart. I have seen deacons not all dressed alike, but they have a special tie or a special shirt as evidence that those young men have been instructed that "you have a special calling this morning. Come in your best." And when they are all in white I think it contributes to the sacredness of it. Anything that will make the young boys feel that they have been called upon to officiate in the Priesthood in one of the most sacred ordinances in the Church, and they too should remain quiet, even before the opening of the meeting. That is just preliminary. I said I saw these two boys leave the building this afternoon, and it reminded me that in some of our wards, these young men who have been appointed to administer the sacrament, and who have officiated in the order of the Priesthood, start for the door and leave the worshiping assembly. I will not say it is sacrilege, but I will say that it is not in keeping with the order and sacredness of the service which they have rendered by virtue of the Priesthood. Instruct them, bishops. When they accept that duty, they accept the responsibility of remaining throughout that entire meeting hour. They are part of it. A bishop would not think of leaving. His counselors would not. Neither should your representatives who administer the sacrament. There should be more order in the administration of the sacrament. A keener sense of the promise, the covenant, we make will add much to the spirituality of the membership of the Church, and will entitle us to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Indeed that is a principal end of our existence. I like that parable Jesus gave when he said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: "And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Matthew 6:28-29.) "Consider the lilies, how they grow," with their roots down in the ground seeking for sustenance, and all that sustenance and vitality going up through the stem for one purpose, until that flower blossoms in the sunshine in fulfillment of its life, receiving the glory of the sunshine, and the completion of pistol and stamens. So we, with our tentacles in the earth, our hands, our brains, which God has given us physically, seek life and sustenance in subduing matter. Why? That we might realize the ideal, that our souls too may blossom in the sunshine of God's Holy Spirit, "that thy Spirit may be always with us.' Brethren, let us have the Lesser Priesthood remain and participate in that administration in sacredness, in reverence, and contribute to the order of the worshiping assembly. There is one other principle to which I wish to call attention tonight, and that is the observance of the Sabbath Day. I was grieved, recently, and probably you were, to receive an invitation to attend the opening of a new multi-million dollar runway at the Hill Field Air Force Base. All our service boys will want to be there. Thousands of loyal citizens will want to be there, but why should it be on Sunday? We have our boys of the Air Force here tonight. They are loyal. Our boys are bringing honor to our Country. Their Captains, their officers, write to us and tell us how proud they are, and that goes for the boys particularly who are maintaining the ideals of the Church. Most of them areÄÄGod bless them. Well, among those ideas is worshiping on the Sabbath Day, keeping it holy. I wish that they, in order to be loyal to their troops and associates, would not have to go up there on Sunday. I understand that possibly the State National Guard here in our own State may ask the members of the National Guard to go out and drill on Sunday. I hope not. Sunday is worship day. It is holy. This is a Christian nation, and the Lord has promised that as long as we keep him in mind and worship him this Country will standÄÄthis Government will stand. No other nation can take it or destroy it. But if we forget Him, God's promises are not binding. Why should Sunday be observed as a day of rest? First, Sunday is essential to the true development and strength of body, and that is a principle which we should proclaim more generally abroad, and practice. I know that you men who have sedentary occupations, as we do in the Church, say it is good to go out and have exercise. That will be better for us. But there is something more than just that. Sunday is a day when we change our clothes, put on clean linen. It is truth that "cleanliness is next to godliness," and the Lord said, "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." Bacon, the great philosopher, said, "Cleanliness of body was ever esteemed to proceed from a due reverence to God. The consciousness of clean linen is in and of itself a source of moral strength, second only to that of a clean conscience." The farmer who makes his boys go out and haul hay, even when a storm is coming, is doing his boys an injustice. It would be much better to let that hay be destroyed than to deprive those boys of a sense of coming nearer to the Eternal Spirit, and partake of the sacrament, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. A second purpose for keeping holy the Sabbath Day is: "That thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world." Contemplation during that sacred hour, self communion, and higher than that, communion in thought and feeling with the LordÄÄthe realization that He is near enough to be aware of what you are thinking. What you think aboutÄÄis really what you are. "Nae treasures, nor pleasures, Could make us happy lang; The heart ay's the part ay That makes us right or wrang. Keep thyself unspotted from the world, and ask God to forgive you if you have in mind injuring anyone who trusts youÄÄI mean morallyÄÄor if you have in mind wronging anybody, cleanse it from your mind. Read Doctrine and Covenants Section 59. There is a third reason. Keeping holy the Sabbath Day is a law of God, resounding through the ages from Mt. Sinai. You cannot transgress the law of God without circumscribing your spirit. Finally, our Sabbath, the first day of the week, commemorates the greatest event in all history: Christ's resurrection and his visit as a resurrected being to his assembled Apostles. His birth, of course, was necessary, and just as great, so I say this is one of the greatest events in all history. "The Sunday," says Emerson, "is the core of our civilization, dedicated to thought and reverence. It invites to the noblest solitude, and to the noblest society." We have other instructions and suggestions, but I will add no more than to commend the excellent admonitions given by Brother Petersen, President Clark, and President Richards. I will conclude with reference to an incident as a missionary in Scotland in 1898. After having been in Stirling only a few weeks, I walked around Stirling Castle with my senior companion, Elder Peter G. Johnston of Idaho. We had not yet secured our lodging in Stirling. I confess I was homesick. We had spent a half-day around the castle, and the men out in the fields ploughing, that spring day, made me all the more homesick, and took me back to my old home town. As we returned to the town, I saw an unfinished building standing back from the sidewalk several yards. Over the front door was a stone arch, something unusual in a residence, and what was still more unusual, I could see from the sidewalk that there was an inscription chiseled in that arch. I said to my companion: "That's unusual! I am going to see what the inscription is." When I approached near enough, this message came to me, not only in stone, but as if it came from One in whose service we were engaged: "Whate'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part." I turned and walked thoughtfully away, and when I reached my companion I repeated the message to him. God help us to follow that motto. It is just another expression of Christ's words: "He that will do the will of God shall know of the doctrine, whether the work is of God, or whether I speak of myself," and that testimony leads us all to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in life. I humbly pray that the Priesthood assembled this night (the number we will give you tomorrowÄÄthe greatest, probably, in the history of the Church) will take upon themselves the responsibilities which God has placed upon them, and do their duty wherever it may be, and I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 7, 1956 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY JUST A WORD about our obligation as citizens: When the Apostle Paul was being bound with thongs for a scourging, he said to the centurion that stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?" Then the chief captain came and said to Paul: "Tell me, art thou a Roman?" and Paul answered that he was. "And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom." I fancy that Paul straightened up when he said: "But I was free born!" (See Acts 22:25Ä28.) I wonder if we freeborn Americans appreciate what it is to have the right to vote, to express by our vote our choice of those who are to rule over us. No, thank heaven, not to rule over usÄÄto serve us in the service of the government. For you, the electorate, are the rulers in this great Republic. Those who have taken out their citizenship I think appreciate it even more than some of us who have it by birth. We have an election in November, in which you have the right to state who will fill the offices that are now to be filled in the nation, in the state, and in our local affairs. We ask, we plead that every member of the Church go to the polls in November and cast your vote for the men and women whom you wish to occupy the offices named. Now you choose, and choose wisely and prayerfully, but cast your vote. We have a moment left in which to express appreciation and gratitude for those who have quietly and effectively rendered service in making these three days of conference so memorable. Undoubtedly I shall overlook some, but our hearts go out to everyone, and to all groups who have contributed to the success of this, probably the greatest, the most inspirational conference we have held. I can just merely name them. First, we thank the public press, especially our leading newspapers who have been so fair and generous in letting the public who could not attend conference understand and to a degree partake of the inspiration that radiated not only from the words but also from the hearts of the speakers. We express appreciation to the reporters who have daily taken notes and so fairly and accurately reported each session of the conference. We express appreciation for the cooperation of the city officials, including Chief Cleon W. Skousen and the traffic officers. I have noticed, as have many of you, that officers in uniform have been constantly at posts of duty protecting, as far as they could, pedestrians from any possible danger. We express appreciation to the ushers who have rendered service early and late in seating the great audiences. They have been quiet, but effective, in their services. We have already expressed appreciation for these beautiful flowers, "prophets of beauty and song," among the sweetest of God's blessings to men, to life. How beautiful is God's world if we but stop to listen and to look. We express appreciation for the assistance rendered by the various radio and television stations, here in our own city and state, and in other states named in the various sessions of the conference. Truly, their service has been the means of permitting tens of thousands of people to hear the proceedings of this, the one hundred twentyÄseventh semiÄannual conference of the Church. We have been greatly blessed throughout the conference with musicÄÄthe first day the "Singing Mothers," conducted by Sister Florence J. Madsen; the second, by the combined Scandinavian choirs under the direction of Brother R. Hulbert Keddington; and today, the inspirational singing of our own Tabernacle Choir under the leadership of Brother J. Spencer Cornwall. How their singing, so willingly and spiritually rendered, has uplifted our souls! We have always had good singing in previous conferences, but I feel somehow that these three group of singers throughout this conference have reached superior heights, and we say thank you, and God bless you! I wish to express gratitude for the support, blessing, and strength always of Presidents Richards and Clark and for the spirit of unity that Pervades the Quorum of the Presidency. The wisdom of these able men is ever directed to the furtherance of the kingdom of God. May the Lord continue to bless them. Likewise, these members of the Council of the Twelve: You can feel that in these quorums (and I include now the Assistants to the Twelve, the First Council of the Seventy, the Presiding Bishopric, and the Patriarch)ÄÄyou can feel radiating from these men that for which Christ prayed when he offered that great intercessory prayer. Among other things he said: "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.' (John 17:11.) These brethren prove daily, as was particularly evidenced in a sacred meeting in the temple last Thursday, that they have that spirit of oneness, and we are united in praying that you presidencies of stakes, bishoprics of wards, presidencies of quorums, presidencies and superintendencies of auxiliaries, may be so blessed that you too may say: We strive to be one as the Father and Son are one. God bless you that this may be true. Just preceding the opening of this conference, the Relief Society held dedicatory services of the new Relief Society home. They have been crowded, and have had to work in the congested hallways, stacked with boxes, to prepare sacred clothing. They have been forced to store away mementos and gifts because they had no room for themÄÄgifts presented to them by lovers of the truth. Now they have a home in which these gifts may be properly displayed. What is more, the dedication of this home has given room now to the other auxiliaries who are crowded, inconvenienced in their efforts to serve the Church. The removal of the Relief Society from their old quarters to the new will relieve the congested quarters of the other auxiliaries. We suggest to these auxiliaries that they continue as best they can. Committees are now working on plans to help you that you may have more room. In the meanÄtime, work as best you can until the opportunity comes to give you also more room. There are some others to whom I wish to express gratitude. We have not heard from them. They are the men and women throughout the entire Church who are contributing of their time and means to the advancement of the truth, not just in teaching, but in genuine service in many ways. Some of these are struggling to make their own living. Some of them are wealthy men and women who have retired, who count their wealth in millions. It means something when a man of means will give to the Church his contribution of a million, and then say, "All my time is yours." It means something to leave your vocation, cross the ocean, and render service to the building of schools and temples. God bless those who are rendering this service, and bless you all, for I think we can say for the Church, "We are striving to be one, Father, as thou and thy Son are one. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," said our Lord and Savior. (Matt. 25:40.) We are grateful to the Lord for the guiding influence of his Holy Spirit throughout this conference. There is a saying that "My soul rejects the use of words; Lord, look at my heart." We can sincerely say, as unitedly we express gratitude to him for his presence during this conference: "Lord, look at our hearts!" God help us all to serve one another in his name for the good and advancement of the kingdom of God, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Salvation, an Individual Responsibility by President David O McKay PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERÄDAY SAINTS (Opening address at the first session, April 5, 1957.) MY BELOVED brethren and sisters, this is one of the most humbling experiences of my life. In anticipation of this moment I have spent many hours of thought and many hours of prayer. I think there is no experience in the world that makes one of the General Authorities, or any man who holds the priesthood, feel so dependent upon inspiration, as standing before a Vast audience of members of the Church. I do pray for your sympathetic attention, and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a joy to meet with you, notwithstanding the sense of responsibility. I have chosen as a text, to indicate a line of thought: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21.) The thought is, as expressed by James: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22, italics added.) That applies particularly to each individual. Salvation is an individual affair. We are not saved as congregations, nor as groups, but we are saved as we come into the world as individuals, and the Lord's purpose is to save the individual, each being precious in his sight. Before commenting further upon the theme, I desire to express commendation for the progress made by the Church and individual groups during the last six months and during the past year. This has been another prosperous year for the Church. Increased faith and more active participation in Church activity are evidenced almost weekly by the reports of the General Authorities of their assigned visits throughout the stakes and missions. Some illustrative facts follow: 1. Regarding Sacrament Meetings: Attendance at Sacrament meetings during 1956 is the highest yet attained in the ChurchÄÄ15,000 more people attended last year than in 1955, and that was the highest percentage of attendance to date. From 1945 to 1955 there has been a gradual increase of attendance at Sacrament meetings of eleven percent. 2. Regarding Tithes and Offerings: Greater devotion is evident, also, in the increase of tithes and offerings. It appears that a larger proportion of the members are contributing a larger proportion of their incomes, the result being that tithes and offerings have increased during recent years substantially more than the growth in membership and the indicated increase in average incomes of the Saints. Those two items point to increased spirituality, the very object of our organization. 3. Regarding the Welfare Plan: We are grateful for the progress that has been made in the welfare plan. Hundreds of projects have been established, and bishops' storehouses equipped to supply in a helpful and dignified manner the needs of the poor. The priesthood generally and the Relief Society sisters have responded to this important work. We are especially grateful to the members of the general Church welfare committee, who have given direct supervision to this program for a period of over twenty years. The basic concepts of the welfare program have been tested and proved to be sound. Nevertheless, we must constantly remind ourselves of the primary purpose of the plan, which isÄÄFirst, to supply in a helpful and dignified manner food, clothing, and shelter to every person so in need. Second, to assist men and women who, through misfortune, illÄluck, or disaster, find themselves without gainful employment, to become once again selfÄsupporting. Third, to increase among the members of the Church the true spirit of the brotherhood of Christ, having in mind in all their service the divine saying, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.) 4. Missionary Work: In 1956 there were 23,923 baptisms performed in foreign and stake missions, which is an increase of nine percent over the previous year. 5. Schools in Polynesia: I am sure you will be interested in the progress of the schools in Polynesia. The New Zealand College will be finished and ready for opening in February 1958. It is composed of an administration building, a student center building, which is made up of two fullÄscale gymnasiums, cafeteria, kitchen, student center, lounge, swimming pool, locker rooms, and an auditorium combined with the gymnasium which will seat 4500 people. There are five classroom wings which will accommodate 1000 day students, three girls' dormitories and three boys' dormitories, accommodating 600 students. I will not go into further detail, but I do wish to express a word of commendation to those who are working down there. I should name them, but there is one man and his wife, particularly, who deserve commendation, and that is Brother George R. Biesinger and his sweet wife. He has left his business here and devoted years to this project, and will continue to do so until the completion of the temple and the completion of these schools. In Samoa, there are new additions to the Pesega School in Western Samoa. The school is completed also at Vaiola, Savaii, Samoa, and one at Sauniatu, Samoa, Another is now under construction at Mapusago, Samoa. In Tonga at the Liahona College, two large wings to the boys' and girls' dormitories, a new classroom wing, a new dining hall with kitchen facilities combined, and dormitories for the men and women teachers are under construction. In Hawaii, the new Junior College now being built at Laie, Oahu, will accommodate not fewer than 750 students. The large shop building and the main building are already nearing completion. All of these school buildings of the South Pacific are being built by labor missionaries called from America, and local labor missionaries called from their respective homelands. The work is going forward in a completely satisfactory manner, and in all areas is on schedule. Commendation and appreciation are extended to the local labor missionaries and to the Saints who contribute to the sustenance of these labor missionaries in this vast building program, as well as to our labors missionary supervisors called from America. 6. Regarding Our Temples: Near Auckland, New Zealand, on December 22, 1956, another milestone in Church history was passed. Elder Hugh B. Brown, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, under appointment from the First Presidency, conducted the services and officiated at the cornerstone laying ceremonies for the New Zealand Temple. Cornerstone laying ceremonies for the London Temple will be held at Newchapel, Surrey County, England, May 11, 1957. Elder Richard t. Evans of the Council of the Twelve will officiate at the ceremonies. The ground for this temple wash broken August 27, 1955. Brethren and sisters, to partake of the spirit of faith and activity in the Church is inspiring. Membership therein is at once a privilege and a blessing. Looking around us, we are convinced that we are living in an era of great progress, embracing wonderful inventions and scientific discoveries. Man's search for the unknown has led him out of the world of matter literally into the realm of space. He splits the atom, sets off horrifying hydrogen explosions, flies through space at a speed faster than sound, is taking steps to build satellites to accompany the earth in its revolutions. Many of the imaginations of Jules Verne are now commonplace realities. Flying to the moon is an achievement now considered possible. The earth itself, figuratively speaking, is shrinking. The railroad, automobiles, airplanes, have made New York and San Francisco nextÄdoor neighbors, and Greenland and the South Pole only a few days apart! But with all these things comes increased responsibility to every individual, man, woman, and child. New inventions bring greater Opportunities, but demand more activity, more strength of character. Many years ago you and I read the following comment by Roger W. Babson, the great statistician: "Although the airplane opens up boundless opportunities, it also threatens limitless perils. All depends upon whether we can match this flood of new material powers with an equal gain in spiritual forces. The coming generation can see in a minute more than the former generation could see in a week. The coming generation can out-hear and out-travel the former generation. Horsepower has expanded beyond all dreams. But what about manpower? What about spiritual power, and the power of judgment, discretion, and selfÄcontrol? Unless there is a development of character equal to this enlargement of physical forces there is sure trouble ahead. TwentyÄfive years ago an intoxicated man might tip the buggy over, but commonly the old horse would bring him home. Today a driver under the influence of liquor maims and kills. Tomorrow, therefore, is something to ponder over. Without moral progress in pace with physical progress the airplane will merely make dissipation more disastrous, immorality more widespread, and crime more efficient. One result of the automobile has been to put hell on wheels; the airplane will put hell on wings unless righteousness, too, is speeded up. On the development of character depends whether the airplane shall bring prosperity or calamity." Along this same line also are the comments of Mr. A. Cressy Morrison, eminent scientist who, fearing "a period of regression for true civilization," says: "If we have read the signs of the times correctly, or even if we have exaggerated some of the symptoms, the only salvation for mankind will be found in religion. However, it must be a sound Christian religion, vitalized by its own primitive ideals; aware of the progress of science, rid of prejudice against fair speculative intelligence, and soaring high above frontiers. Never in her two thousand years has the Church had a more urgent call and a nobler opportunity to fulfill her obligations as the comforter and guide of humanity." That is from Man Does Not Stand Alone (p. 264), a book I commend to all earnest seekers after truth. Well, as our text says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21.) Too many people in the world are sitting and giving only lip service to God; too many have forgotten him; too many are denying him; too many are crying, "Lord, Lord," but fail to follow his principles. Many of us through selfishness are lingering near the edge of the animal jungle where Nature's law demands us to do everything with self in view. SelfÄpreservation is the first law of mortal life, but Jesus says, "He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Ibid., 10:39.) The first experience of our Savior after his baptism, and after having been acknowledged by his Father as his Only Begotten Son, was to triumph over selfishness on the Mount of Temptation. Applicable today is Paul's admonition to the Philippians, given over nineteen hundred years ago: "Wherefore, my beloved . . . [and that branch in Philippi was the first branch in Europe] work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Phil. 2:12Ä15.) An outstanding doctrine of the Church is that each individual carries the responsibility to work out his own salvation, and salvation is a process of gradual development. The Church does not accept the doctrine that a mere murmured belief in Jesus Christ is all that is necessary. A man may say he believes, but if he does nothing to make that belief or faith a moving power to do, to accomplish, to produce soul growth, his professing will avail him nothing. "Work out your own salvation" is an exhortation to demonstrate by activity, by thoughtful, obedient effort the reality of faith. But this must be done with a consciousness that absolute dependence upon self may produce pride and weakness that will bring failure. With "fear and trembling" we should seek the strength and grace of God for inspiration to obtain the final victory. To work out one's salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine. I am not unmindful of the scripture that declares: "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8.) That is absolutely true, for man in his taking upon himself mortality was impotent to save himself. When left to grope in a natural state, he would have become, and did become, so we are told in modern scripture, "carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature." (Alma 42:10.) But the Lord, through his grace, appeared to man, gave him the gospel or eternal plan whereby he might rise above the carnal and selfish things of life and obtain spiritual perfection. But he must rise by his own efforts and he must walk by faith. "He who would ascend the stairway leading upward to eternal life must tread it step by step from the base stone to the summit of its flight. Not a single stair can be missed, not one duty neglected, if the climber would avoid danger and delay and arrive with all safety and expedition at the topmost landing of the celestial exaltation." The responsibility is upon each individual to choose the path of righteousness, of faithfulness and duty to fellow men. If he choose otherwise and as a result meets failure, misery, and death, he alone is to blame. President Brigham Young, speaking on this thought, once said: "If Brother Brigham should take a wrong track and be shut out of the kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be blamed. This will equally apply to every LatterÄday Saint. Salvation is an individual operation. I am the only person that can possibly save myself. When salvation is sent to me, I can reject or receive it. In receiving it, I yield implicit obedience and submission to its great Author throughout my life, and to those whom he shall appoint to instruct me; in rejecting it, I follow the dictates of my own will in preference to the will of my Creator." In thus emphasizing individual effort, I am not unmindful of the necessity of coÄoperation. "There is a destiny which makes us brothers, None lives to self alone; All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own." ÄEdwin Markham (Used by Permission.) A single, struggling individual may be stalled with his heavy load even as he begins to climb the hill before him. To reach the top unaided is an impossibility. With a little help from fellow travelers, quorums, or wards, he makes the grade and goes on his way in gratitude and rejoicing. This is in harmony with the teachings of Jesus, "who sought to perfect society, not by popular agitation or by reorganization, but by perfecting the individual. He recognized the fatal fallacy in the dream of those who hoped to make a perfect state out of imperfect individuals. The ideal social state, which he described as the kingdom of God, is a commonwealth in which all men are united and governed by a commanding love both for God and for their neighbors." The presentÄday turmoil and bitter strivings threaten to undermine basic foundations of Christian relationship. Liberty, freedom of speech, selfÄgovernment, faith in God, and particularly faith in the efficacy of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, are facing a bombardment from the ranks of error such as the world has seldom if ever witnessed. Too many men quail under the impending onslaught, and cry vainly, "What can we do?" To members of the Church, to men everywhere, the Church answers, "Keep the commandments of God," as named specifically, for example, by the Prophet Nephi: " . . . God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. . "And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish." (2 Nephi 26:30, 32.) I commend this chapter to you. Avoidance of Intoxicating Liquor: In this dispensation the Lord has warned mankind against the use of intoxicating liquors. In violation of that warning alcoholism is now a national problem. Americans spend the staggering sum of more than nine billion dollars every year for alcoholic beverages. In addition, lost wages, crime, and accidents traced to alcoholism cost Americans another $667,000,000 a year. (Facts given by Dr. Chester A. Winyard in "Alcohol and Human Tissues." See Deseret News, February 10, 1954.) "Alcoholism has become a major public health problem, for it is 155 times more prevalent than polio, 11 times more prevalent than tuberculosis, and 6 times more prevalent than cancer. If the number of alcoholics continues to increase during the next ten years as it has during the past ten years, alcoholism will soon affect every family in the United States." So says a pamphlet published by the National Committee for the Prevention of Alcoholism, Washington, D. C., July 22ÄAugust 2, 1956. Over a hundred years ago the Lord said through the Prophet Joseph Smith that "tobacco . . . is not good for man. (D & C 89:8.) Luther Burbank in the "Dearborn Independent" says: "How much would you know about tobacco if, upon the tombstone of everyone killed by it were inscribed, 'Killed by tobacco'? "You would know a lot more about it than you do now, but you would not know all, because tobacco does more than kill. It halfÄkills. It has its victims in the cemeteries and in the streets. It is bad enough to be dead, but it is a question if it is not sometimes worse to be halfÄdead, to be nervous, irritable, unable to sleep well, with efficiency cut in two and vitality ready to snap at the first great strain. This seems like exaggeration. It isn't! It is well within the truth. "Let me tell you how tobacco kills. Smokers do not all drop dead around the cigar lighters in tobacco stores. They go away and, years later, die of something else. From the tobacco trust's point of view, that is one of the finest things about tobacco. The victims do not die on the premises, even when sold the worst cigars. They go away, and when they die, the doctors certify that they died of something else, ÄÄpneumonia, heart disease, typhoid fever, or what not. "In other words, tobacco kills indirectly and escapes the blame," confirming what the Prophet Joseph said before, "tobacco . . . is not good for man." "Approximately 38,000,000 Americans are regular cigarette smokers, although a million and a half have quit smoking entirely in the last eighteen months, according to estimates based on a survey made by the US Bureau of the Census for the National Cancer Institute of the Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The 38,000,000 cigarette smokers include 25,000,000 men and 13,000,000 women." (See "America's Smoking Habits," THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, April 1957.) In the Church no teacher who indulges in smoking should be permitted to teach our children in Primary and Sunday School. Through the Prophet Joseph the Lord gave the Word of Wisdom to all. It is time, in the light of revelation and the discoveries of science, that this Church upholds its principles regarding, these things. The best way to prevent indulgence in these harmful habits is to refuse to tamper with them. Let each youth decline the first invitation to indulge, remembering that "The soul that Is worth the honor of earth, is the soul that resists desire. "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. "He that is slothful shall not, be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand." (D & C 107:99Ä100.) The Church is thriving, as indicated in my opening remarks. Let us rejoice in her progress. To see the discoveries of science and to be the recipients of inventions and new appliances as they relieve daily life of former drudgery give hope and encouragement; but to overcome difficulties, to control temper, to subdue and conquer passion, in whatever form, to feel in one's heart a growing love for truth and for one's fellowÄmen, to sense a nearness to God our Father, and to recognize the whisperings of his voice through the Holy Spirit, fill the soul with joy and make life worth living. That obedience to the principles of the restored gospel gives to man these blessings, I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. President McKay's General Priesthood Address for April 1957 is missing from this collection. April 7, 1957 General Conference President David O. McKay TO KNOW GOD by President David O. McKay AT THE CONCLUSION of this great conference, I am sure you would have me express appreciation to all who have contributed to it, including those who have so inspired us with their upÄlifting sermons. I shall repeat, of course, some expressions which we have already given directly at the time of service. You have been blessed by the sight of these beautiful flowers, so profusely displayed before youÄÄthe call a lilies from the high priests' quorum of the OaklandÄBerkeley Stake; the daffodils from Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, Inc., sent here through the Tacoma Stake; the spring flowers here from the Phoenix and the East Phoenix stakes; the bird of paradise flowers from the Los Angeles Temple Grounds. We express appreciation for the thoughtfulness of all who have desired to make pleasant these gatherings through these "messengers of love." We thank representatives of the public press for their fair and accurate reports throughout the sessions of conference; the city officials, Chief W. Cleon Skousen, and traffic officers for their coÄoperation in handling the increased traffic here in the city. We express appreciation to the fire department and to the Red Cross for being on hand to render any service that might be needed. To the Tabernacle ushers, who have rendered service early and late in seating the great audiences! For assistance rendered by the various radio and television stations, here in our own city and state, and other states named in the various sessions of the conference, we are grateful. This truly has been the means of permitting tens of thousands of people to hear the proceedings of the 127th annual general conference of the Church. We appreciate the choirs. Never have we had better service than the choral groups have rendered during these three days, beginning Friday with the Brigham Young University combined choruses, with Norman Gulbrandsen and Newell B. Weight conducting; the Institute of Religion chorus from the University of Utah, with David Austin Shand conducting; the Tabernacle Choir male chorus last evening under the direction of J. Spencer CornwallÄÄall these choir seats filledÄÄa larger group, I think, than we have ever had before. It was appropriate, too, because it was the largest priesthood meeting ever held in the Church. And now, today, we appreciate the singing of the Tabernacle Choir under the direction of Brother Cornwall. We express appreciation, also, to the organists, Alexander Schreiner and Frank W. Asper, and Brother Roy M. Darley, assistant organist. I should like to say just a word in conclusion. I do not know how many of you heard Brother Marion G. Romney this morning. I hope all of you listened to his excellent address over the ChurchÄofÄtheÄAir broadcast, speaking about the reality of inspiration from God to individuals. I was reminded of what Peter said. (My fellow workers know that I am rather partial to Peter, the chief Apostle of the Meridian of TimesÄÄa practical man, a successful fisherman.) But as I have read his life, I find that he rose from a seeming indifference to religion to the heights of spirituality, and I find confirmation of that in the following reference in his First Epistle General. He refers to an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled," and that inheritance the "lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," a hope that "fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:" (See 1 Peter 1:3Ä6.) Then he continues in his Second Epistle, referring to the sacredness of the priesthood, "that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature;. . ." (2 Peter 1:4.) Happy is the man who has experienced that relationship to his Maker, wherein we are "partakers of the divine nature." That is a reality, and I so testify to you here in this sacred hour. Then Peter says that we must go on from that. . . ". . .giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; "And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." (Ibid., 1:5Ä7.) Note those virtues from that practical man who had experienced the relationship, the real relationship to his Creator. And you have had that experience, many, and I hope all may have it. It is glorious. And then the promise: "For if these things [virtues] be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ibid., 1:8.) And you have heard in this conference what that knowledge means; to know God and Jesus Christ, his Son, is eternal life. Or, in the exact words, as recorded in the 17th chapter of John: "And this is life eternal [this is Jesus praying to his Father, two distinct personages], that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3.) That, my brothers and sisters, is the highest purpose of life. It has been put in one sentence that the whole purpose of life is "to subdue matter" (conquer everything physical, our passions, enmity, selfishness, and all that), "to subdue matter that we might realize the ideal," and that is the idealÄÄ"life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." With all my soul, at the conclusion of this highly spiritual conference, I bless you that you may attain that testimony, that high spiritual state, which will make all who attain it ready to enter through the veil into the presence of God, our Eternal Father. Thank you, Brethren and our fellow workers of the General Authorities, for the messages you have given during this conference. You have been blessed. Thank you, brethren and sisters, here especially in this great Tabernacle, for your reverent attitude in every session. May you go home now with your children to your neighbors, and radiate that high spirit of love, brotherhood, virtue, integrity, which will lead them to investigate the gospel of Jesus Christ and eventually accept those principles, that they too, someday, may realize what it is to be "partakers of the divine nature," I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. There was no October 1957 General Conference April 4, 1958 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY May I say to these students that their presence and especially their inspiring singing add much to the sacredness of this assembly. It is glorious to have several hundred students sing with such spirit and devotion. We are proud of them and of the university from which they come. We appreciate the coÄoperation of President Wilkinson, members of the faculty, and the students in postponing their regular day's work in school to join in this worship. It is over fifty years since I stood here for the first time as one of the General Authorities of the Church. I remember well then my trembling and humility at facing such an audience and accepting a position as one of the leaders. The passing of a half a century has made it no easier to face this vast audience and to realize the responsibility that one holds in discharging such a responsibility. This morning, as then and during the intervening years, I solicit your sympathy and your prayers. A year has passed since we met on such an occasion. In behalf of the First Presidency I bid you welcome, not only those who are here in the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and other surrounding halls, but also the vast audience listening in over radio and television. We are very happy indeed that you are taking time out to participate in the general conference of the Church. We extend welcome especially to the 31,817 converts of the Church during this past year. That group alone will constitute six stakes of five thousand each. We bid you welcome and trust that you, with all others listening in, will realize the added responsibility which is yours as you assume the responsibility of membership in the Church of Christ. We wish to commend the missionaries in the stakes and in the field who have been instrumental in bringing these added numbers to the Church of ChristÄÄsix new stakes, more than that if we limit the number to three thousand each. "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (D & C 18:15.) And as you bring many souls, how much joy you will experience. We commend those who have been diligent during the past year in carrying the message of glad tidings to so many people. I shall not take time to report the advance in priesthood work, in auxiliary work, and other phases of the Church, but you may feel gratified indeed with the work of the past year. It has been difficult for me to put even in outline the message that I have had in my heart for the people of the Church and the people of the world. There is a saying by Paul, that "to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Rom. 8:6.) Carnal relates, as you know, to the physical. It includes sensual. But we have in mind this morning the physical surroundings and our animal instincts, the anger that comes to us, the unpleasant words that are spoken, making life unpleasant, rather than emphasizing the spiritual side, the real side of our nature. The text was suggested several weeks ago, particularly emphasized at that time, by a report that came to me of unpleasantness in a home, and I wondered why we cannot emphasize spiritual attitudes in our homes instead of unpleasant attitudes; why, having before us all the admonitions of the the Lord, all the opportunities offered by the Church, we cannot express spiritual attitudes every day of our lives. What good is religion if it does not make our daily lives better? Why need there be emphasis put upon the carnal side of our natures? True, that is the natural reaction for all animals. But having in our possession the high principles of the gospel as revealed through Christ, why cannot members of the Church at least in the home, in school, in all their associations, emphasize the spiritual side of their natures instead of the carnal side? I learned through a letter of a condition which I think, so far as members of the Church are concerned, is absolutely inexcusable. A husband and wife quarrelingÄÄthe husband demeaning himself to such an extent as to curse his wife, and in a mad fit of anger overturning a table spread with dishesÄÄa creature in the form of a man harboring the nature of an animal! A man in such a mental state that the anger itself does him more harm than the condition which aroused his anger, and in reality, brothers and sisters, he suffers more from the vexation than he does from the acts that aroused that vexation. I wonder how long it will take us to realize that in matters of temper nothing can bring us damage but ourselvesÄÄwe are responsible for what helps us and for what injures usÄÄthat the harm that each one sustains he carries about with him, and never is he a real sufferer but by his own fault. I think you get that thought, and yet the tendency of each one is to blame somebody else, the wife blaming the husband, the husband blaming the wife, children finding fault with the parents when the fault lies with themselves. If in the dignity of manhood such a man would cease to magnify his troubles; would face things as they really are; recognize blessings that immediately surround him; cease to entertain disparaging wishes for another; how much more of a man he would be, to say nothing about being a better husband and a more worthy father! A man who cannot control his temper is not very likely to control his passion, and no matter what his pretensions in religion, he moves in daily life very close to the animal plane. Religion is supposed to lift us on a higher level. Religion appeals to the spirit in man, the real person, and yet how often notwithstanding our possessing a testimony of the truth, we yield to the carnal side of our nature. The man who quarrels in his home, banishes from his heart the spirit of religion. A mother in this Church who would light a cigaret in the home is yielding to the carnal side of her nature. How far below the ideal of the Church! Any quarreling in the home is antagonistic to the spirituality which Christ would have us develop within us, and it is in our daily life that these expressions have their effect. Man is making great progress in science and invention, greater perhaps than ever before, but is not making comparable progress in character and spirituality. I read awhile ago of a remark of General Omar N. Bradley, formerly Army's Chief of Staff, who on one occasion said: "With the monstrous weapons man already has, humanity is in danger of being trapped in this world by its moral adolescence. Our knowledge of science has clearly outstripped our capacity to control it. "We have too many men of science; too few men of God. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. Man is stumbling blindly through a spiritual darkness while toying with the precarious secrets of life and death. "The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living." Our living comes hourly and daily in the home, in our association in business affairs, in our meeting strangers. It is the attitude of the person during the daily contacts by which we show whether we are appealing to the carnal or to the spiritual within us and within those with whom we associate. It is a daily matter. I do not know whether we can get the thought over or not. And it is within the power of each one, especially members of the Church who make such pretensions. You cannot imagine a real, true Christian, and especially a member of the Mormon Church, swearing at his wife. Why, it is inconceivable that such a thing as that could be in a home and especially with children around. How can anyone justify parents quarreling in front of children! In the instance to which I have referred the man (I should say the brute) even struck his wife. Such a thing should never be. That is out of the life of Church members. Christ has asked us to develop the spiritual within us. Man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical nature or whether he will make as his life's purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities. "Every noble impulse, every unselfish expression of love, every brave suffering for the right; every surrender of self to something higher than self; every loyalty to an ideal; every unselfish devotion to principle; every helpfulness to humanity; every act of selfÄcontrol; every fine courage of the soul, undefeated by pretence or policy, but by being, doing, and living of good for the very good's sakeÄÄthat is spirituality." The spiritual road has Christ as its idealÄÄnot the gratification of the physical, for he that will save his life, yielding to that first gratification of a seeming need, will lose his life, lose his happiness, the pleasure of living at this present time. If he would seek the real purpose of life, the individual must live for something higher than self. He bears the Savior's voice, saying: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6.) Following that voice he soon learns that there is no one great thing which he can do to attain happiness or eternal life. He learns that "life is made up not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things in which smiles and kindness and small obligations given habitually are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort." Spirituality, our true aim, is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding, and truth expanding in the soul, is one of life's sublimest experiences. "The thing a man does practically lay to heart," says Carlyle, "and know for certain concerning his vital relations to this mysterious Universe, and his duty and destiny there, that is in all cases the primary thing for him, and creatively determines all the rest.... And, I say, if you tell me what that is, you tell me to a very great extent what the man is, what the kind of things he will do is." The man who sets his heart upon the things of the world, who does not hesitate to cheat his brother, who will lie for gain, who will steal from his neighbor, or, who, by slander, will rob another of his reputation, lives on a low, animal plane of existence, and either stifles his spirituality or permits it to lie dormant. To be thus carnally minded is to be spiritually dead. On the other hand, keeping in mind our daily vocations, the man who tills the soil, garners his fruit, increases his flocks and his herds, having in mind making better the world in which he lives, desiring to contribute to the happiness of his family and his fellows, and who does all things for the glory of God, will, to the extent that he denies himself for these ideals, develop his spirituality. Indeed, only to the extent that he does this will he rise above the plane of the animal world. Years ago we read in school the following from Rudolph Eucken: "I cannot," he says, "conceive of the development of a powerful personality, a deepÄrooted, profound mind, of a character rising above this world, without his having experienced a divinity in life above, beyond the world of sensible reality, and as surely as we create in ourselves a life in contrast to pure nature, growing by degrees and extending to the heights of the true, the good, and the beautiful, we may have the same assurance of that religion called universal." Paul, you will remember, expresses it more specifically: "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. "Now the works of the flesh," he says, "are manifest, which are these; Adultery...." The young man who leaves his home at night having in mind anything that would injure either the character or the life or the reputation of a young woman with whose company he is entrusted, is carnalÄminded instead of spiritualÄminded. "....fornication, uncleanness,... "....hatred, variance, emulations...strife, seditions.... "Envyings... drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit," daily, hourly. (Gal. 5:15Ä25.) It can be done, and it should be done in every home of the LatterÄday Saint Church. With all our boasted civilization there never was a time when spiritual awakening and spiritual ideals were more needed. Civilization has grown too complex for the human mind to visualize or to control. Unless mankind come to a speedy realization that the higher and not the baser qualities of man must be developed, the present status of civilization is in jeopardy. Life on the animal plane has as its ideal the survival of the fittest, crush or be crushed, mangle or be mangled, kill or be killed. For man, with his intelligence, this is a sure road to anguish and death. About fifty years ago, Lord Balfour, Prime Minister of Great Britain, delivered a lecture in the McEwen Hall of the University of Edinburgh on the subject, "The Moral Values Which Unite the Nations." In an interesting and convincing manner, the gentleman presented four fundamental ties that unite the different nations of the world: (1) "Common Knowledge"; (2) "Common Commercial Interests"; (3) "The Intercourse of Diplomatic Relationship"; (4) "The Bonds of Human Friendship." The audience greeted his masterful address with a great outburst of applause. As the presiding officer arose to express his appreciation and that of the audience, a Japanese student who was doing graduate work at the University stood up, and leaning over the balcony, said, "But, Mr. Balfour, what about Jesus Christ?" Mr. Robin E. Spear, to whom Professor Lang related this incident, writes: "One could have beard a pin drop in the hall. Everyone felt at once the justice of the rebuke. The leading statesman of the greatest Christian empire in the world had been dealing with the different ties that are to unite mankind, and bad omitted the one fundamental and essential bond. And everyone felt, too, the dramatic element in the situationÄÄthat the reminder of his forgetfulness had come from a Japanese student from a farÄaway nonÄChristian land." Life, brethren and sisters, is an everÄflowing river on which one embarks at birth and sails, or is rowed, for fifty, seventy, eighty, or more years. Every year that passes goes into an eternity, never to return; yet each carries with it into the past no personal weakness, no bodily ailment, no sorrow, no laughter, no thought, no noble aspirations, no hope, no ambition: all these with every trait of character, every inclination, every tendency remain with each individual. In other words, our lives are made up of daily thoughts and actions. We may resolve to let all our sorrows and weaknesses go with the passing time, but we know that every thought, every inclination has left its indelible impression upon our souls, and we shall have to deal with it today. So live, then, that each day will find you conscious of having wilfully made no person unhappy. No one who has lived a wellÄspent day will have a sleepless night because of a stricken conscience. Daniel Webster once said that the greatest thought that had ever occupied his mind was the realization of the fact that, and I quote, "there is no evil we cannot face or flee from but the consequences of duty disregarded. A sense of obligation pursues us ever. It is omnipresent like the Deity. If we take to ourselves the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, duty performed, or duty violated is still with us, for our happiness or our misery. If we say that night shall cover us, in the darkness as in the light, our obligations are yet with us. We cannot escape their power nor fly from their presence. They are with us in this life, will be with us at its close, and in that scene of inconceivable solemnity which lies yet farther on, we shall find ourselves followed by the consciousness of dutyÄÄto pain us forever if it has been violated, and to console us so far as God has given us grace to perform it. Weighed against conscience the world itself is but a bubble. For God himself is in conscience lending it authority." Mankind needs a spiritual awakening, brethren and sisters; the carnal minded are causing heartaches and threatening the extinction of the race. But the sun of hope is rising. Thinking men and women are recognizing the need of man's looking up towards the heavens instead of groveling in response to the animal instinct. One man, commenting upon this, said that if all the destroyers of civilization could be eliminated, and the traits of the rest of us that come from destructive strains could be eliminated, an approach to the millennium some hundred years hence is by no means inconceivable. "Can you imagine," he continues, "what this country would be like if ten or twenty billion dollars a year" (that is the amount expended to take care of our criminals) "were added to our national income? That would mean five hundred dollars, or one thousand dollars per family; but the average today, even if we include Henry Ford, is only twentyÄfive hundred, or three thousand dollars. What would happen if that sum were increased by twenty or even forty percent all around? Even if you cannot imagine the result, do you realize what it would be like to feel no need of locking doors and windows, no fear of leaving your car unprotected, no danger that your wife or daughter would be insulted, or you yourself sandbagged if you went out at night, no fear that you would have any uncollectable bills except through accident or unpreventable misfortune, no fear that in political election there would be any bribery, or in politics any graft, and no fear that anyone anywhere was trying to `do you'ÄÄcan you imagine all that? It would almost be heaven on earth. Of course, it cannot happen" (someday it will have to happen) "...and yet if all the destroyers of civilization could be eliminated, and if the traits of the rest of us that come from destructive strains could be eliminated, an approach to such a state some hundred years hence is by no means inconceivable." Spiritual awakening in the hearts of millions of men and women would bring about a changed world. I am hopeful, my brethren and sisters, that the dawning of that day is not far distant. I am conscious, as I hope all of you are, that the responsibility to try to bring about such a day rests upon the priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ and upon the membership and upon husbands and wives and upon children in Mormon homes. May that message be felt throughout the conference that we are now holding. We cannot just come and meet and talk about good things and then go home and express our feelings, the feelings of our carnal nature. My faith in the ultimate triumph of the gospel of Jesus Christ assures me that a spiritual awakening must come. It will come through the acceptance of Jesus Christ and obedience to his gospel and in no other way completely. I believe there never was a time in the history of the world when there was such a need for a united, determined stand to uphold Christ and the restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith as there is today. God bless you here assembled that we may sense as never before the efficacy of the restored gospel and that we hold as a duty our application of spiritual traits in our daily association with one another in home, in business, in society, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 5, 1958 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY I hold in my hand the number of the men of the Priesthood in the quorums of this fraternity to which President Richards has referred, Melchizedek and Aaronic: In round numbers, in the Melchizedek quorumsÄÄHigh Priests, Seventies, EldersÄÄHigh Priests, 41,552; Seventies, 20,649; Elders, 120,230ÄÄapproximately 190,000 men; 150,000 Aaronic Priesthood members. As I have listened to the wonderful messages given tonight, there came to my mind the words of the Savior: "...whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine. and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matt. 7:24Ä27.) Over three hundred thousand men holding the Priesthood, carrying the responsibility of exemplars as well as proclaimers. Exemplars! If we could get but half of these men to apply in their lives every practical suggestion given tonight what a mighty influence for good would be accomplished! May I take, for example, some suggestions from the theme of Brother Lowell Bennion? Young people, young girls in high school, going daily in courtship with young boys of their age, of the girls' age, in their early 'teens, depriving themselves of becoming better acquainted with other companions; and in that daily courtship in their early age, becoming so intimate as to arouse their passions for an hour's pleasure, bringing misery upon themselves through life. And that is not imagination! You men in the Presidencies of Stakes and Bishoprics of Wards, and you fathers and mothers of some of them, know that that is not imagination. What practical suggestions Brother Bennion has given us in regard to this early association! The Mutuals are trying to work out Saturday night dances to entertain these young people. They merit entertainment, and we must furnish it for them. In our own wards, young men and young women come to those dances, and the young man and his girl spend the entire time they are there in that social in each other's company, dancing together hour after hour. Years ago we did not use to do that. Now, they say, "Well, I pay my ticket; I bring my girl, and I have the right to dance with her." I wonder if we can do something, Bishops, to help our Mutuals make more effective their plans to have all the young people become well acquainted with one another as suggested by Brother Bennion. That is just one means. We have young people who go out in society, our young boys and girls; they are not quite strong enough to say no when the cigarette and wine glass are passed around. They look upon father and mother and some of us teachers as oldÄfashioned. They erroneously think that it is all right to participate in the "wine cup" in the social ethics of the crowd, out in the canyon and other places. Some of our boys and girls are so eager to be the "hale fellow, well met" that they go to an extreme, and disappoint, not to say disgust, visitors from outside who look upon the Mormon boys and girls as abstainers from these things. Can we go from this great Priesthood Meeting with just a little more determination to put into effect the suggestions given by Brother Bennion at the request of the Authorities? They were excellent and you are now expected to carry out those suggestions. "Whoso ever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man. . ." I think this has been a wonderful meeting. We shall get the number who are in attendance later. But now the question is, what shall we do about it? Two hundred and fifty thousand members in this fraternity. Are we equal to holding up the standards? Take just the number we have assembled here tonightÄÄlet us hold to the ideals given. We know they are right. There are many, for example, who be come addicted to tobacco. We know it is wrong. Those who use it know it is wrong and injurious. Those who advertise it know it is wrong, and we sit in our homes and hear of the safety of one kind of cigarette over another, indicating that those who manufacture those cigarettes know they are injurious, and yet we go on violating the Word of God who a hundred years or more ago said, "tobacco . . . is not good for man." Many who are listening to us to night use it. You will not be excommunicated for using it, but the use of tobacco is not good. It is so stated in the Word of Wisdom, given by revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Do not you think that it is time, brethren, just man to man, that we unite now in this brotherhood of Christ, this great, this most sacred fraternity in all the world, to stand by one another, helping one another and set an example to the world, if only from a social standpoint? All within the hearing of our voices tonight, and all who belong to the Priesthood quorums should realize in all earnestness that here are four hundred thousand men in the world who hold the Priesthood, who should be exemplary as fathers, as sons, as brothers, and each one has the responsibility of being an exemplar. What an influence throughout this world! Let us decide to do it. We will not condemn you, brother by our side, who does not do it; you have your free agency. We extend the hand of fellowship to you, and we shall help you. What an influence for good if we could have a hundred, two hundred, three hundred thousand men who say, "We are going to stand for the principles of our group!" We can do it! "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Brethren, the Church of Jesus Christ, as you know and I know, is the mightiest force in the world, but you and your companions constitute the source of that force. The Lord cannot use his quorums without you; and every one has the responsibility of doing his best to maintain the standards of life. And our boys and girls in high schools, in universities, junior colleges, need our help. Their parents need our help. Let us try to follow the suggestions given tonight to aid them when they go to their socials. It is time now to put forth extra effort to maintain the standards of right, the Word of Wisdom, and to pay attention as we have never done be fore to the efforts sent out by our Church Committee under the caption, "Be Honest With Yourself." These records that will be sent out, will you please use, make them effective in directing the boys and girls in the right way. We are facing conditions which demand the highest intelligence, the deepest spirituality, the greatest effort that the Priesthood of God can possibly put forth. Tonight in the Salt Lake Tabernacle we have 7,478 men of the Priesthood; in the Assembly Hall and in Barratt Hall and on the grounds, 3,600; in the one hundred and twentyÄeight groups that have reported in, 34,076; a total of 45,154 men holding the Priesthood. President Clark was right when he said that the time will come when we shall be able to reach every part of the world. This is the largest attendance ever assembled in the Church. Last year we had 37,180; an increase this year of 7,970 people in Priesthood meeting. With all my heart I say, God bless you. Thank you, brethren, who have taken part tonight, Brother Lowell Bennion, Brother Mark Petersen, and those who are associated with him and those who are sending out these standards of action, appealing to our young folks in a way which we hope will be more impressive than just sending printed matter to them. I conclude, that ". . . whosoever heareth these sayings of mine," said the Savior, "and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." I like to think in that connection that here are several hundred thousand married men in the Melchizedek Priesthood, not even counting some of the Aaronic Priesthood, several hundred thousand men, every one of whom should be an exemplary husband. If that one thing were true, what an example to the civilized world! And that is not imagination, it really should beÄÄSeveral hundred thousand men, fathers, to whom every son should be respectful and obedient, especially those sons who hold that Priesthood. Several hundred thousand men, fathers, to whom their daughters should be respectful, whose wives should be cooperative with them; no quarreling in the homeÄÄhomes in which you would never hear the name of God taken in vain. And it should not be. Several hundred thousand homes in which prayers are offered, children participating, the blessing asked on the food. Suppose that were published as a fact, as it should be, what an example to the civilized world! We need not worry about going out into space, we can bring evolutions right here in our own towns, in our own cities, and in our own communities. Is this saying too much, fellow members of Priesthood quorums? I can feel your spirit; that is just how you feel. You feel mine. We feel our neighbor's. Let us realize that we are members of the greatest fraternity, the greatest brotherhoodÄÄthe brotherhood of ChristÄÄin all the world, and do our very best each dayÄÄall dayÄÄto maintain the standards of these quorums, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1958 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY And now another annual conference of the Church has become history. In conclusion, none of us should leave this conference, first, without a resolution in his or her heart to live a better life. True religion cannot be worn only on Sundays, laid aside as you put aside your Sunday clothes, and left to lie in mothballs during the week. True spirituality should be expressed in daily activity. That has been a theme of this great conference. No father, no mother, no husband, no wife, and no children who have been here in attendance with them should return home without going into a better home than that which they left when they came. No fathers and mothers who have listened in can be true to their ideals as members, and to the noble thoughts inspired by the remarks of these Brethren of the General Authorities, without living tonight and in the future in a more spiritual home than heretofore. That is our duty. No man or woman who has listened in can be true to himself or to herself without doing something to make life sweeter and better in their home than it was. That is our responsibility. Secondly, the great theme has been that salvation and peace, contentment of the human family, not only in the home but also in community life, will come through obedience to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been the season of Easter, and every speaker has referred to the salvation, glorified life, the eternal gospel of the Resurrected Christ. We cannot be true to ourselves and to our loved ones and our associates, without being determined to live more in accordance with those divine principles. I mean in daily life, in our speech, in our selfÄcontrol, in home associations, with business associates, in political fieldsÄÄthat is the obligation we have taken upon us by participating in the high ideals of the messages given by these speakers. We cannot be true to ourselves and to our loved ones, to our associates, without feeling a determination to know more about this great truth to which testimonies have been borne. The spirit within bears testimony that truth exists in this old world, and the spirit feeds upon that truth. I have much to say, but I shall summarize it, because of the lateness of the hour, by applying to the truth of the gospel what Mr. Jordan says about truth We cannot truly believe that we are the children of God and that God exists without believing in the final inevitable triumph of truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And as we leave this conference we shall have less worry about the destruction of the world and the present civilization because God has established his Church, never to be thrown down or given to another people, and as God lives and his people are true to him and to one another we need not worry about the ultimate triumph of truth. If you have that testimony of truth on your side, you can pass through the dark valley of slander, misrepresentation, and abuse, undaunted as though you wore a magic suit of mail, that no bullet could enter, no arrow could pierce. You can hold your head high, toss it fearlessly and defiantly, look every man calmly and unflinchingly in the eye, as though you rode, a victorious king returning at the head of your legions, with banners waving and lances glistening and bugles filling the air with music. You can feel the great expansive world of more health surging through you as the quickened blood courses through the body of him who is gladly, gloriously proud of physical health. You will know that all will come right in the end, that it must come, that all must flee before the great white light of truth, as the darkness slinks away into nothingness in the presence of the sunburst. So, brethren and sisters, with truth as our guide, our companion, our ally, our inspiration, we may tingle with the consciousness of our kinship with the Infinite, and all the petty trials, sorrows, and sufferings of this life will fade away as the temporary, harmless visions seen in a dream. That is our privilege through God's blessing and guidance if we apply in daily activity the spiritual blessings and privileges of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God help us all to do so and to enjoy such blessings I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 11, 1958 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY When this vast congregation responded to Brother Condie's baton on the first note of "Do What Is Right," I was thrilled. The strength of your voices expressed a spirit which is sublime, and strangely enough, I was reminded of a statement that a leading businessman in the United States made to me on the plane that carried us to South Africa a few years ago. There were three businessmenÄÄone who was president of the Board of a mining company there on the Coast of Africa; another who was a member of the Board going down to a Board meeting; and this gentleman who was head of a national Drug Store chain. When he found out we are Mormons, be said, "Whenever I can find a young Mormon boy to take charge of running our drug stores, I tell my men to give him a position. I have many of them in my employ." He has found integrity in them. I thought I felt the strength and source of that integrity tonight. I thought when the gentleman bade that statement, that any young member of this Church who gets a position in that chain of stores may cast a reflection upon the entire body if he failed in upholding the standard of the Church. That is what he would do. Whenever anyone, any husband in this Church, treats his wife unfairly, or stoops so low as to strike her, as I heard only recently a man did, he disgraces his Priesthood, casts reflection upon the whole Church. That would be true if he were only a member, but if he holds a prominent position in the Church as this man does, he disgraces his Priesthood, and proves himself untrue to his fellows. He disgraces his quorum, and proves himself unworthy of membership in it. It is an inspiring sight to see this body in the Tabernacle, and to realize that assembled in 139 other houses there are members of the Priesthood, from the high priests to the deacons, meeting tonight and feeling the power of tee Priesthood. One principle emphasizes itself in my mind tonight, and that is the virtue of self-control. When a man accepts the Priesthood, he accepts the obligation of controlling himself under any circumstances. That is the first lesson that the Savior gave to us after his baptismÄÄthe power of resistance. Arising from the plain through which the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, near the spot of Christ's baptism, there is a precipitous cliff called the Mount of Temptation. People point to it and say, "It is on that Mount that Jesus went alter he was baptized in the River Jordan." Those three temptations which were given to Him are given to us. The first was an appeal to his appetite after 40 days of fasting, which temptation is really an appeal to the appetite. Second, an appeal to his vanity. 'Cast thyself down. I dare you this; and I dare you that.' And third, 'the kingdoms of the world and all the wealth thereof will be yours if you follow me.' When Satan reached that point he was not challenging, he was pleading. 'All these I will give thee if thou wilt bow down and worship me.' As Christ resisted the temptation of appetite, of passion; as he resisted the appeal to his vanity and pride, he grew in power. I had better put it this way: that Satan's bombastic attitude, his challenging attitude, "If thou be the Son of God," is changed to one of pleading, and when Christ said, 'Get thee behind me Satan, for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve,' we glimpse what it means to be the victor over temptation, and we understand also how temptation loses its power and leaves us. As Satan slunk away, angels came and administered to Christ. Well, the temptations come to every man who holds the Priesthood. One of the bishops who spoke to us tonight referred to the relationship of self-control, self-mastery, and reverence. That is one of the great lessons in this matter of reverence. Both bishops, who gave us some excellent suggestions, and 'whom I thank at this time, referred to the necessity of reverence in the home, control of presiding authority in conducting meetings, controlling their own tongues. I know of no attribute, no quality, more conducive to peace in the home than self-control. If the husband sees something in the wife about which he could find fault, it would be better for him to say nothing, to control his tongue. That is an excellent thing to do, say nothing about it. And if the wife would practice that same thing, how many disputations and quarrels would be stopped, quenched at their beginning. Parents who suddenly become angered or hurt or injured at some act of a child innocently committed might hurt the child's feelings. Parents should manage to exert control of themselves, control of their hands, control their tongues particularly, then the child's feelings would not be hurt. Every Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament we covenant that we will do just this one thing at least, wherever we are. Read what James says about controlling the tongue, an unruly member, and you will see that this is one of the fundamental principles. We covenant on that Sunday that we will take upon us the name of the Son, we witness that we will do it. It takes some control to keep that promise. We witness that we will always remember him. We should be always dignified, self-possessed. When Pilate said, "Behold the man," he asked all to behold the perfect man. He was just that. We covenant that we will keep the commandments which he has given us. One reason why nonmembers, disbelievers in Christianity and in religion, so express themselves against it is because of the inconsistency between the Christian who pretends to do these things, and then in business affairs and in his home life he does just the opposite, and I apply to him that terrible title, "hypocrite," a sin condemned more vehemently by the Savior than any other excepting the great sins of adultery and murder. I plead with the members of the Priesthood throughout the Church to practice self-mastery. That applies to prospective missionaries and to missionaries who are in the field. Be master of yourselves, master of your appetites, master of your passions. Husbands, wives, be as a light set upon a hill, that men seeing your good deeds and your good lives will glorify our Father in Heaven. What was it that made the president of I suppose the greatest Drug Store chain in the United States say, "I choose the Mormon boys wherever I can get them." He has confidence in you. You will resist the temptation of taking any of his money. You will represent him in his business in giving returns for his investment. The poet has said: It is easy enough to be pleasant When life flows by like a song, But the man worth while is the one who will smile, When everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, And it always comes with the years, And the smile that is worth the praises of earth Is the smile that shines through tears. It is easy enough to be virtuous, When nothing tempts you to stray, When without or within no voice of sin Is luring your soul away; But it's only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire, And the life that is worth the honor on earth Is the life that resists desire. By the cynic, the sad, the fallen, Who had no strength for the strife, The world's highway is cumbered today; They make up the sum of life. But the virtue that conquers passion, And the sorrow that hides in a smile, It is these that are worth the homage on earth For we find them but once in a while. -"Worth While," by Ella Wheeler Wilcox Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. I commend Bishop Wirtlilin and Bishop Richards for their excellent messages to us on reverence, and as one of them said at the base of it all is this virtue of self-control, self-mastery. There is no whispering by parents during the administration of the Sacrament when they exercise this virtue. There is no whispering after entering the House of God. There is communion between the spirit, and the Spirit of the Lord. There is no whispering on the rostrum, because all preparation is made beforehand. And children should know, though they want to play, that they have to resist it during the worshipping hour so they will not intrude upon the concentration and the spiritual communion of others. God bless us that we may be true to the responsibilities given us directly from heaven. There is no use excusing it or modifying it, that is the truth, and the body of Priesthood listening in tonight, representing the hundreds of thousands who hold the Priesthood, carry the responsibility of setting an example to the whole world. May God give us power to discharge our duties honorably and well-Äin our homes, in our business relationships, and especially in our association with leaders in the world who, seeing our characters, our leadership, may be influenced to lead many others of their members nationally under their control to favor acts and laws necessary that the missionaries, representatives of this Church may carry the Gospel to all the world. That is our duty-Äto teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever he has commanded, and he says, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." I leave my blessing with you, my dear fellow workers. Our hearts are full of pride-Ärighteous prideÄ-for the brotherhood exemplified last night by those young boys of the Aaronic Priesthood, and tonight by the tens of thousands of men holding the Melchizedek Priesthood. I pray God to give us power, to enlighten our minds, quicken our understandings, give us good judgment under all conditions, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 12, 1958 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My brethren and sisters, please believe me that never before have I felt so keenly the need of your sympathetic co-operation, and particularly the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord. I have in mind and in my heart the feeling that the religious influence, sincere religious influence in the heart, or the life of the individual, is the most refining influence in the world. That spirit has actuated each one, I am sure, who has spoken to us in previous sessions of this conference, and I should like to emphasize that with your help and the inspiration of the Lord in the few remarks that I make on this occasion. It is a wonderful influence-to see this vast audience, to realize that the Assembly Hall and Barratt Hall are also crowded, and that tens of thousands are listening in by television and radio this morning. Jesus, in a wonderful prayer-I think it must have been the most impressive ever offered in this world-said these words: "And now I am no more in the world, but these [referring to the members of the Twelve who knelt with him] are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.... "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:11, 15.) A number of years ago, a stake president upon being honorably released from his position in which he had served well, made the remark: "Now I am reduced to just a humble member." Because he had been released, he felt , that he had lost something. Well, he had. He had lost the privilege of serving the members of his stake as president, for to be a stake president, or to hold any other position in the Church is an honor as well as a great responsibility. But to be a lay member is also a great obligation as well as a great opportunity. Membership is obtained by baptism, which is at once a burial and a birthÄÄa burial of the old person, with all his frailties, faults, and sins, if any, and a coming forth to walk in a newness of life. Backbiting, faultfinding, slander, profanity, uncontrolled temper, avarice, jealousy, hatred, intemperance, fornication, lying, cheating, are all buried. That is part of what baptism by immersion signifies. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom God," (Ibid., 3:3) said Jesus to Nicodemus. He comes forth to walk in a newness of life, signifying that in the new life ahead there will be an effort to maintain honesty, loyalty, chastity benevolence, and of doing good to men. Wordsworth once said of Milton: "Thy soul was like a star and dwelt apart." That is what membership of the Church does to those who keep the ideals they profess. James said that, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27.) It is in this sense of keeping ourselves "unspotted" from the world that the lay members, as all officers, are obligated. Speaking of the apostles, Jesus prayed, ". . .these are in the world, . . . "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:11, 15.) In the Book of Mormon, in the forty-second chapter of Alma, we are told why the children of God are here in the world-Änamely, to mingle with the sons of men, to gain an experience that will bring them back to God, but not to partake of the sins of the world. Thee Savior said to his apostles on the same evening that he offered that beautiful prayer: ". . . be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) Going soon to meet his Father, he admonished them to follow his example, praying that God should not take them out of the world, but should keep them from evil. I have never met a member of the Church who would not express himself, and, if occasion arose, who did not so express himself as being willing to defend his membership if this Church were attacked. I have seen boys apparently indifferent to Church interest on occasions stand out and express defiance of an attack upon the Church. All very commendable, but perhaps at the very moment of that gallant defense there were encroachments upon their souls which weakened their power to defend the truth. Trees that can stand in the midst of the hurricane often yield to the destroying pests that can scarcely be seen with the microscope, and the greatest foes of humanity today are those unseen microscopic microbes that attack the body. So there are influences at work in society which are undermining the manhood and womanhood of today. It is these unseen influences which come from the world that influence us when we are least prepared to defend ourselves. When we do not withstand the encroachments of these evil influences, we weaken the possibility of defending the Church of Jesus Christ. This is an individual work. What the individuals are, that the aggregate is. Jesus influenced individuals, knowing that if the individual is pure, strong, a thousand individuals would make a strong community, and a thousand communities would make a strong nation. Individual responsibility! Some time ago, a party of friends were driving over a beautiful valley not far from Salt Lake City. They passed a wheat field. It was an impressive sight to see that dry farm of wheat, and one of the party expressed his admiration at the luxuriant growth in the field, and looked at it in general. There it stood, apart from the sagebrush and barren surroundings. But another member of the party was not satisfied with looking at it in the aggregate. He asked the conveyance to stop. Getting out, he looked at the individual heads of wheat, and exclaimed: "What large heads!" He cut an individual stalk which gave him that impression. But that was not enough. He broke the head, shuffled it in his hands, blew the chaff away, and examined each kernel. "The kernels," continued he, are plump and solid." After all, the test of that wheat field was the individual kernel of wheat, and so it is in a communityÄÄso it is in the Church. The test of the efficiency of God's people, is an individual one. "What is each one doing," one should ask, "to foster the group known as the Church of Christ in the world? Is he living so that he is keeping unspotted from the evils of the world?" God wants us here. His plan of redemption, so far as we are concerned, is here, and we, my fellow workers in the Church of Christ, are carrying the responsibility of testifying to the world that God's truth has been revealed; that men and women can live in this world, free and uncontaminated from the sins thereof, following as nearly as humanly possible, Jesus as he walked about two and a half years in his day. Now, what do we mean by the world? I take it that the world refers to the inhabitants who are alienated from the Saints of God. They are aliens to the Church, and it is the spirit of this alienation from which we should keep ourselves free. We are told by Paul not to conform to the fashions of the world. Timothy was warned not to partake of the evils of the world. One or two I quote: "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22.) Zion is the pure in heart, we have been told, and the strength of this Church lies in the purity of the thoughts and lives of its workers. Then the testimony of Jesus abides in the soul, and strength comes to each individual to withstand the evils of the world. Temptations come in our social gatherings. They come to us at our weddings. They come to us in our politics. They come to us in our business relations, on the farm, in the mercantile establishments, in our dealings in all affairs of life. In our home associations, we find these insidious influences working, and it is when they manifest themselves in the consciousness of each individual that the defense of truth should exert itself. There may never come a great opportunity to defend the Church. We sing: "It may not be On the mountain height, Or over the stormy sea; It may not be at the battle's front My Lord will have need of me; But if, by a still, small voice he calls To paths that I do not know, I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine: I'll go where you want me to go." When that still, small voice calls us to the performance of duty, insignificant though it may seem, and its performance unknown to anyone save the individual and God, he who responds gains corresponding strength. Temptation often comes in the same quiet way. Perhaps yielding to it may not be known by anyone save the individual and his God, but if he does yield to it, he becomes to that extent weakened and spotted with the evil of the world. Let me cite an instance: A young missionary was invited to a wedding in a foreign country, at which two of his acquaintances were joined together in bonds of matrimony, the ceremony being performed by a minister of another church. This young man was the only member of the Mormon Church present amidst the one hundred or more guests at the table in the hotel. By each plate was a wine cup, filled to the brim, and also a glass of water. After the ceremony, as the guests were all in their places, the minister arose and said: "Now I propose that the company drink to the health of the newly married couple." They all arose. Now propriety suggested that this young man take up the wine in his wine cup. But he was a missionary. He belonged to a Church that preaches a Word of Wisdom. Science since has proved it to be indeed a Word of Wisdom. He was preaching that, and he was pretending to live it. Here was a time when he could indulge. No one would knowÄÄindeed, it seemed to be the act of propriety, but he resisted. Now was the opportunity to defend his Church, and that is what he did. He took the glass of water. Some of his immediate friends by him, dropping their wine cups, followed his example, and at least half a dozen wine glasses remained untouched. Others saw it, and the circumstance furnished an excellent opportunity to converse with those guests upon the Word of Wisdom. Now, was he humiliated? No. He was strengthened. Were the guests embarrassed? No. Did they feel to condemn him? No. Condemnation was replaced by admiration, as it always is in the hearts of intelligent and God-fearing men and women. Converts to the truth walk out of the waters of baptism with a glow upon their countenances, especially after confirmation which they have never had before. They realize that they leave taken upon themselves the name of Christ, and covenant to walk in accordance with the ideals of his gospel. During Sunday School and Sacrament meetings they are permitted to make a covenant, as does every lay member. In the presence of his fellow members of the Church, he covenants before God that he is willing to take upon him the name of the Son, always to remember him and keep his commandments which he has given him, and by so doing to always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with him. That is true religion. What a covenant for every lay member! Is he virtuous in thought and action? Is he dealing honestly with his neighbor in the horse and cattle trade, in the purchase of property, in any business transaction? If he believe in the covenants he has made, if he is true to the covenants he has made, if he believes in the efficacy of the Church to which he belongs, he has obligated himself to do these things. If called to a prominent position, it is his duty to be true, and he is more obligated than ever to set an example to others. He may not be called, however, but his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ obligates him to these high ideals. Only in that way can religion become the most influential and potent power in life. It is generally understood that every member of the Church should be a missionary. He is probably not authorized to go from house to house, but he is authorized, by virtue of his membership, to set a proper example as a good neighbor. Neighbors are watching him. Neighbors are watching his children. He is a light, and it is his duty not to have that light hidden under a bushel, but it should be set up on a hill that all men may be guided thereby. Here is a good example of how a lay member may preach by example: Over a hundred years ago a man in his early forties who had already won distinction as a great writer heard of a company of Mormons who would be sailing from the docks in London on a certain day in June 1861. In charge of those Mormons was Elder George Q. Cannon. It was an emigrant ship. This great writer, Charles Dickens, was then writing what afterwards became known as The Uncommercial Traveller. He took his pad and paper, walked down to the docks. You who have read this book will remember how he describes those docks and the various characters around them. He got permission from the captain to go aboard the vessel which had been chartered to carry eight hundred Mormons across the sea on their journey to Great Salt Lake. He recognized the passengers as some coming from Wales, some from Scotland, some from Yorkshire, and others from near London. He listened to the inspector call their namesÄÄJesse Jobson, Sophronia JobsonÄÄlay members of the Church. Next group: Susanna Cleverly, William Cleverly, etc.ÄÄlayman after layman passed on board the vessel. Dickens went down to the lower deck and then he came up on the higher deck to investigate. He studied each group and each individual carefully. Among other things he said: "Nobody is in an ill temper. Nobody is the worse for drink. Nobody swears an oath or uses a coarse word. Nobody appears depressed. Nobody is weeping, and down upon the deck in every corner where it is possible to find a few square feet to kneel, crouch, or lie in, people in every unsuitable attitude for writing letters, are writing letters." Then he says: "Now I have seen emigrant ships before this day in June, and these people are so strikingly different from all other people I have seen in like circumstances whom I have ever seen that I wonder aloud, 'What would a stranger suppose these emigrants to be?"' Then he adds: "What is in store for the poor people on the shores of the Great Salt Lake? What happy delusions they are laboring under now. On what miserable blindness their eyes may be opened then, I do not pretend to say. But I went on board their ship to bear testimony against them if they deserved it, as I fully believed they would. To my great astonishment, they did not deserve it; and my predispositions and tendencies must not affect me as an honest witness. I went over the Amazon's side feeling it impossible to deny that so far some remarkable influence had produced a remarkable result, which better known influences have often missed." My dear fellow workers, lay members of the Church of Jesus Christ, what would have happened to this one hundred-year-old testimony by a world-renowned author if those members of the Church, Brother Jobson, Sister Jobson, and those other humble people from Wales, had not observed the principles of good conduct in the Church? What would have happened if they had taken the Lord's name in vain? If they had taken an oath? If Charles Dickens had seen them quarreling? Instead, not an oath did he hear. He saw no quarreling, heard no bickering. He was compelled to say: 'Some remarkable influence had produced a remarkable result in the lives of these English people, which better known influences have often missed." In other words, some influence had changed men's lives and made women and children better than they had ever been before. That is the mission of the gospel of Jesus ChristÄÄto make evil-minded men and women good, and to make good men and women better; in other words, to change men's lives, to change human nature. Beverley Nichols (and I repeat what I have said before), author of The Fool Hath Said, writes impressively on changing of human nature: "You can change human nature. No man who has felt in him the Spirit of Christ, even for half a minute, can deny this truth, the one great truth in a world of little lies. You do change human nature, your own human nature, if you surrender it to him. To deny this is only to proclaim yourself as an uneducated fool. "Human nature can be changed, here and now. "Human nature has been changed, in the past. "Human nature must be changed, on an enormous scale, in the future, unless the world is to be drowned in its own blood. "And only Christ can change it. "Twelve men did quite a lot to change the world nineteen hundred years ago. Twelve simple men, with only the wind to bear them over the seas, with only a few pence in their pockets, and a shining faith in their hearts! They fell far short of their ideal; their words were twisted and mocked; and false temples were built over their bones, in praise of a Christ they would have rejected. And yet, by the light of their inspiration, many of the world's loveliest things were created, and many of the world's finest minds inspired. "If twelve men did that nineteen hundred years ago, what might not twelve men do today? For God has now given us the power of whispering across space, of transmitting our thoughts from one end of the earth to another. What shall we whisperÄ-what shall we think? That is the question!" To be just a lay member of the Church means that every man is a Christian gentleman, that every husband is true to the ideals of chastity, that every young boy and every young girl refrains from indulgence in tobacco, in strong drink, and keeps himself or herself free from the sins of the world. That is what Mormonism means in daily life. If you are called upon to render service in any position, render it. If you are released, you will accept your release, always remembering that the Church is established for your benefit, and the benefit and happiness of your children and your children's children. If you will live in accordance with those humble principles under the covenants you made at the water's edge, and since that time in Sacrament meetings, and many of you in the House of God, you will fill a noble mission, and God will reward you. May every member of the Church experience this transformation in this life, and so live that others, seeing his good deeds, may be led to glorify our Father in heaven, I humbly pray in in name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 13, 1958 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My brethren and sisters, we have come to the closing exercises of a great conference. My soul, with yours, has been filled with thanksgiving and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the outpourings of his Holy Spirit. We have heard some great messages from the leaders of this Church, and what I have noticed with great satisfaction, are the receptive audiences, showing that the messages were received graciously, with gratitude. At noon today, there came to me the memory of something I had read years ago in a book entitled, The Simple Life, written by Charles Wagner. He said: "Your religion is goodÄÄfirst, if it is vital and active; second, if it nourishes in you confidence, hope, love, and a sentiment of the infinite value of existence; third, if it is allied with what is best in you against what is worst, and holds forever before you the necessity of becoming a new man; fourth, if it makes you understand that pain is a deliverer; fifth, if it increases your respect for the conscience of others; and sixth, if it renders forgiveness more easy, fortune less arrogant, duty more dear; the beyond less visionary. The gospel when obeyed does all that and more. To this every true member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can bear witness. I love these associates of the General Authorities, and love them in the spirit of the true meaning of that word, the love of the brotherhood of Christ. God bless them and bless their wives and their children that the ideals that make for the dignity of manhood, that lead into the presence of our Heavenly Father may eventually continue to be perpetuated in our homes, in our association with our business fellows, and in all our travels. God bless Zion, the pure in heart. God bless our friends with whom we associate, who are contributing, too, to the advancement of this great Church. We appreciate their fellowship. God bless those who speak evil against us because they do not know us, and give us charity in our hearts for them, and may he enlighten their minds and open the vision of their souls that they may see Christ's Church as it is and that for which it stands. Hasten the coming of our Lord when peace shall reign and the kingdom of God be established, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1959 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Associated with the temple work, dwelt upon tonight by the two brethren appointed, and corroborated by the two counselors in the First Presidency, is the little simple ordinance of baptism. Many Christians do not believe that it is essential to salvation. I was but a boy when a minister visiting Huntsville shocked me by saying it was not essential, and especially by immersion. I knew of no other way but by immersion. Baptism is essential to salvation and Christ gave the first real view of it to a member of the Sanhedrin when Nicodemus called upon him by night. I think that he was not ashamed of calling upon Jesus by day, but he was a busy man. I like to interpret that phrase, "by night," because, Nicodemus with his work in the Sanhedrin and other ways, could better spend an hour or two with the Savior at night. A great conversation took place, and they dwelt upon salvation, and Christ's first statement was, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." That is a sentence well worthy of consideration and contemplation. It is easier to see the temporal things, it is easier to see the lascivious things, it is easier to indulge in anything physical and animal-like. It is the animal world. But to be born out of that world into a spiritual world is advancement that the Lord requires of us, and the example that Jesus set for us. Except a man be born again, out of that world, he cannot see that spiritual light where love, kindness, selfÄdenial, self-mastery, self-controlÄ-all of the spiritual virtuesÄÄcontribute to the development of the real man. Nicodemus could not understand that, and he spoke literally. "How can a man enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born again?" See the physical interpretation? Then the Savior was more explicit. He said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5.) There is the essentiality of baptism, whether the world thinks it merely a form or not. In those two sentences we have the purpose of life the overcoming of the physical, the animal life, the striving and the living in the spiritual realm. There you have the threefold purpose of baptism. First, it is an entrance into the kingdom of God. It is the doorway, and it is significant that that doorway is by immersion. Sprinkling will not give it. It spoils the symbol. Pouring will not give it. Only by immersion can that birth mentioned by Jesus be properly carried out. There are three elements in which we are buriedÄ-the air, which is our natural element; the earth, in which we can be buried, which takes the physical and ends it; we can be buried in water and come out, and the typical comparison of birth is complete because it means when you get a glimpse of the spiritual you want to leave off the animal life, with its appetites, indulgences, and to develop the spiritual instead of the physical side of your nature. So we are buried in that element, burying the old man with his appetites, passions, enticements, and coming forth anew. We are born again, buried with Christ in baptism, said the Apostle, for like as Christ was buried, and came forth in a newness of life, so we also all come forth in a newness of life with all our bad habits, our enmities, our hatreds, buried in the water. Christ thought it was so essential that he came to John the Baptist. John protested, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it cometh us to fulfil all righteousness," said the Savior. And then we are told that John suffered him. Fulfilling all righteousness is a command of God, so there you have the entrance into his kingdom. You have obedience to a command of God, and you have the beautiful, the most applicable figure that can possibly be given in fulfilling all righteousness. You bury yourself, you bury your bad habits, you bury your sins, and you come forth in newness of life, just as Christ came forth the resurrection. It is a good thing, bishops, to tell this simply to the little boys who are going be baptized. They can remember it. You remember when you were eight years of age when you were baptized. If your father did not talk to you properly, or your bishop, they failed in their duty. Of course the sins of an eight-year-old boy will be telling "fibs," probably, or taking what does not belong to him, a lot of little things, but they are important, and the boy or girl can understand that those things now are buried beneath the water, and they are going to start to be a better brother or better sister, etc. That can explained. My point tonight is that there is no salvation without that baptism. "Suffer to be so now to fulfill all righteousness." What about the hundreds of thousands of people who have not had opportunity for it? And that baptism, that burial and that birth must done by proper authority. You can't become a citizen of the United states without complying with certain laws, certain requirements. Christian divines will tell you it does not matter what road you take. They will all lead to Rome just the same. They will lead to the United States, too, so you may enter the country; but if you want to become a citizen of the United States you have to obey certain laws, and so you do in the Church of Christ, and baptism is the one door. Now, what about those who have never heard of the GospelÄ-choice people? You travel anywhere in the world and you meet true gentlemen, lovely people everywhere, many honest people. It is surprising how many honest upright people are living in the world. I will illustrate it with an instance that I have quoted before. A Chinese student was on a ship going from the United States back home a graduate of one of our universities. On the vessel was a minister who was advancing Christianity. Well, the young student knew a good deal about it. He knew also about the high ideals of the Chinese. During the conversation the necessity of believing in Jesus Christ was emphasized. The Chinese student said, "Well, what about my ancestors who never heard of Jesus?" The answer was rather flippant, but it is in keeping with the false ideas of Christianity generally. "Oh, they are lost." Rightly that young student said, "I will have nothing to do with a religion so unjust." If you had been there you would have given them the ideals of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the revealed word, the true Christianity, that the work will be done for them, but they will have to accept baptism, just as Jesus and all others must accept it. They must be born again before they will glimpse even the high spirituality required of a true Christian. They have to be born of the water and of the spirit before they can enter into the kingdom of God. Brethren, God bless you, you messengers of the gospel, you authorized servants of the Almighty, you true representatives of the Son, the Savior of men! God give you power to live in the spirit, walk in the Spirit. How frequently we hear those phrases from the scriptures. That means that those who make covenants for their loved ones and participate in the highest ideal of marriage ever given to man will walk in the spirit and not indulge in the flesh. You will be true to the covenants you make in the House of God. So will your wives walk in the spirit, resisting temptation, keeping conscience clear and feeling by so doing that you can go to the Lord in prayer and ask him for strength and guidance just as Jesus did when he was in the flesh. He knew his Father. He could go to him. He went to him just before he performed the great miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. He said, "I know that in the past thou hast heard me," and he exercised the power of his Father, the power of his GodÄ-creative power. He was always with his Father. He was God himself, and he said to one of the disciples when they said to show them the Father, "Have I been with you so long and ye ask Show us the Father? If ye have seen me ye have seen the Father." Spirituality at its highest. I was thrilled when we came in here tonight and saw this crowd and realized that hundreds were listening in. To be one with you is one of the greatest blessings of mortality. We all prize a friend and know the value of a friend. Next to wife and loved ones, the sweetest thing in life is a friend, true and loyal. But even more than that is the brotherhood of Christ which makes us partakers of the divine nature. Peter used that phrase. That rough old fisherman realized what it was, and yet he had only a few years' experience. But we have that brotherhood which we feel tonight until it becomes intimate to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that the sense of responsibility of Priesthood will increase and make us feel the mission before usÄÄworldwideÄ-and then make us go beyond the veil and realize that in some way we may help the Lord to bring about this great purpose, which has been repeated here tonight, to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man, for all his children, and all of them will have an opportunity some way, somehow, somewhere to say, "Yes, I accept it," or "No, I reject it." I pray that the blessings of the Priesthood will be ours in our homes, in our business, in our associations with the world, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. April 5, 1959 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Frequent reference has been made throughout this conference by previous speakers to the importance of training youth. Several messages have been directed specifically to the young people of the Church. I should like to say a few words on this important theme. Our children are our most precious possessions. They are treasures of eternity. None of them should be lost. Our Father's glory is in their salvation. As a Church we have great opportunity to reach these young people, and as individualsÄÄteachers and officersÄ-we have a great responsibility in teaching them correct principles. Emphasizing the opportunities of the Church in this regard, Paul wrote to the branch at Corinth: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers; "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13.) Fitness of American Youth On November 21, 1957, the President of the United States appointed the Presidents Council on Youth Fitness, composed of the Secretary of the Interior as Chairman, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Agriculture, Ezra Taft Benson, who sits here with us this afternoon, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. He said it was the duty of this council to promote the efficacy of existing programs and the launching of additional programs which will enhance the fitness of American youth. He also established at that time the President's Citizens Advisory Committee on the Fitness of American Youth. That was in 1957. On the thirty-first day of January of this year, the President issued another proclamation: "Whereas the ongoing strength of our Nation depends upon the health of our young people; and "Whereas we must always strive to improve the fitness of our youth by determined and coordinated efforts; and "Whereas, in this challenging world, it is essential that our young people recognize their obligation to themselves, to their families, and to the Nation, to endeavor to keep themselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and physically fit; and "Whereas the President's Council on Youth Fitness has recommended that a National Youth Fitness Week be designated: "Now, therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 3, 1959, as National Youth Fitness Week. "I request officials of the Government, and I urge parents, young people, and interested local and national organizations, to use all appropriate means during that week to promote programs and activities demonstrating the importance of youth fitness to the end that we may assure the continuing strength and well being of our people." Over a quarter of a century ago another President of the United States made the following significant reference to the importance of training childhood and youth (I quote from President Hoover's address to the White House Conference on Child Health and Protection, November 1, 1931, Washington, D. C.) "These questions of child health and protection are a complicated problem requiring much learning and much action. And we need have great concern over this matter. Let no one believe that these are questions which should not stir a nation; that they are below the dignity of statesmen or governments. If we could have but one generation of properly born, trained, educated, and healthy children, a thousand other problems of government would vanish. We would assure ourselves of healthier minds in more vigorous bodies, to direct the energies of our Nation to yet greater heights of achievement." President Eisenhower's council has as its scope not only "muscle making" and "tendon stretching," as set forth by Shane McCarthy, Executive Director, but also the mental, moral, emotional, and spiritual development of youth. This youth program is most timely and fitting. I am glad that two of our General Authorities are connected with itÄ-Elder Ezra Taft Benson, of the Council of the Twelve, and Elder Marion D. Hanks of the First Council of the Seventy. Recently one of my sons called attention to an address delivered by Major Mayer of the Brook Army Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, San Antonio, Texas. It was delivered to the officers and supervisors of the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, and the Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory on the fourth of October, 1956. The major pointed out that the communists have gained control over many people in this world by the well-known devices of wars, purges, Siberian war camps, mass executions, etc. But he says more significant is the fact that for every person brought under the Russian banner by violence, many hundreds have been controlled without violence, and yet such control has been absolute. Then he gives the result of his study of 4000 returning prisoners of war from Korea, and he finds a technique which has been termed "brainwashing." Before the communists could put their plan into effect they had to segregate these prisoners, which they did very simply by putting them into what was called "reactionary" camps. Note whom they put into these "reactionary" camps. First, people who tried to be leaders or who showed what the communists called "poisonous individualism." If the soldier had the temerity to try to organize anything, off he went to the "reactionary" camp. He was obviously hopeless. Second, those "reactionaries" or people with a higher education, who were considered automatically pretty reactionary unless they volunteered to cooperate, and some of these did. Third, overtly religious people. The communists felt that they could not do much with them. Out of these 4000 prisoners, what percent do you think they put in the "reactionary" camp? Five percent, and after getting rid of those, they began the process of "brainwashing." It is surprising how many soldiers knew so little about our way of lifeÄ-the American way of life. Once they had the leaders segregated they invoked the techniques which have become universal throughout the communist world. Youth's Responsibility We are living in an age of gadgetry which threatens to produce a future generation of softness. Flabbiness of character more than flabbiness of muscles lies at the root of most of the problems facing American youth. The youth of yesterday are carrying the responsibilities and directing the affairs of the world today. The youth of today will contribute to the destiny of the world tomorrow. Never a day passes but gives some reminder of the fleetness of time and the brevity of lifeÄ-childhoodÄ-youthÄ-maturityÄ-old age. In childhood there is no pastÄ-no futureÄ-happy in the presentÄ-heaven lies about him, and it is all for him. YouthÄ-beautifulÄ-sweetÄ-rashÄ-inexperienced! In the words of Longfellow: "How beautiful is Youth! How bright it gleams With its illusions, aspirations, dreams! Book of Beginnings, Story without End, Each maid a heroine, and each man a friend!" Then comes manhood with all its responsibilities, duties, failures, successes, each spending his time and worry on how much he can get, instead of how much he can give to this world and make it better. Before he knows it old age is upon him. "The easiest thing for our friends to discover in us, and the hardest thing for us to discover in ourselves is that we are growing old." But of one thing we are keenly awareÄ-that "Years rush by us like the wind We see not whence the eddy comes, Nor whitherward it is tending, And we seem, ourselves, to witness their flight Without a sense that we are changed. Yet time is beguiling man of his strength As the winds rob the trees of their foliage." (Sir Walter Scott's "Woodstock") The President's Council on Youth Fitness should be commended in recommending that a National Youth Fitness Week be designated. By so doing they recognize that in this challenging world it is essential that our young people be aware of their obligations to themselves, to their families, and to the nation. In this recognition they endeavor to keep themselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and physically fit. I. Responsibility of Parents Parents have a responsibility in this education. Youth needs guidance, direction, and proper restraint. "Let thy child's first lesson be obedience, and the second will be what thou wilt," said Benjamin Franklin. A child learns this lesson early at his mother's kneeÄÄsometimes across his mother's knee. The child should learn early that the world is not created for him alone; that he has an obligation to others; that he owes his parents, particularly, a debt unpayable except in only one wayÄ-in living a life that will honor his name and bring joy to them in their old age. He should learn that "He ought to be true for the sake of the folks who think he is true. He should never stoop to a deed that his folks think he would not do. If he is false to himself, be the blemish but small, He has injured his folks, he has been false to them all." (Paraphrased from Edgar A. Guest.) It was old King Lear who cried in his anguish, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child." He is recreant, indeed, who for selfish indulgence would bring disgrace upon his parents, and upon the good name he bears. Parents, too, have a responsibility in this training not to provoke children to wrath. They should be considerate not to irritate by vexatious commands or place unreasonable blame. Whenever possible they should give encouragement rather than remonstrance or reproof. II. The Obligation of the Church The obligation of the Church is to spend not just one week this coming month on Youth Fitness, but fifty-two weeks every year. Quorums and organizations have been set up in the Church, as our text says, for the "perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:12-13.) Now, let us just take a glimpse of the completeness of the Church organizations, and we shall find it discloses the fact that in the auxiliary organizations, quorums, and other groups, there is an army of officers and teachers ready to guide and direct youth in the proper way. In the Sunday School for example, there are 82,449 officers and teachers, having under their charge 664,750 people. Primary: 51,053 officers and teachers, having under their charge 290,789 children. YMMIA: 24,754 officers and teachers, and 178,766 youth under their direction. YWMIA: 32,988 officers and teachers, and 194,094 girls under them. Aaronic Priesthood: 28,837 officers and teachers, having 86,176 youth. Foreign missionaries: 5,512, and stake missionaries, 5,934, or 11,446 missionaries. Or a total of 231,527 officers and teachers in the Church who first of all should be exemplars. "Children have more need of models than of critics." No officer or teacher should be continued in office who persists in the obnoxious use of tobacco. The elder who hesitates to teach the Word of Wisdom is shirking his duty. He who fails to live it robs himself of strength of body and strength of character to which he is entitled. Resisting Temptation Truth is loyalty to the right as we see it; it is courageous living of our lives in harmony with our ideals; it is always power. With the ideals of right living before him, no member of the Church can continually violate the Word of Wisdom with impunity. In this old world, the easiest way seems to be the indulgent way. If a person has the least desire or inclination to drink tea and coffee or to smoke cigarets, temptations to indulge the appetite are on every hand. At parties, during social calls, at chance introductions or friendly visits, in restaurants or trains, indulgence in these stimulants and narcotics is not only encouraged but also too often urged. Under such influence and environment, the easy way is to yield and become one of the crowd. But not one of these officers, 231,527 of them, should ever yield to that easy way. One never develops character by yielding to wrong. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life...." (Rev. 2:7.) Strength comes by resisting! We are living not only in a commercial age, but also in a nicotine age, and viciously the cigaret habit is fastening itself upon the human race. Government, medical, and other statistics are constantly warning us of the enormous strides that this insidious enemy to health and morals is making; but we little realize how active and potent are the forces at work to foster this and kindred vices, and all for commercial gain. In "Habits that Handicap," Charles B. Towne, a quarter of a century ago, explains how "salesmen and demonstrators a few years ago were employed by manufacturers to go throughout China `to show the people how to smoke cigarettes.' It is estimated that as a result of this campaign, one half of the cigaret consumption in the world is in China. It is little wonder, when we learn that because of cheap labor twenty cigarets could be sold for a penny!" The author also makes this remarkable statement: "I consider that cigarette smoking is the greatest vice devastating humanity today because it is doing more than any other vice to deteriorate the race." Think of the effect of an army of officers and teachers, with hundreds of thousands of youth under their care, not one of whom should ever put a cigaret in his or her mouth! What a potent example! The voice of the Church will ever be raised against the increasing tendency among men and women to stain their lives with nicotine. Especially does it deplore this growing evil among women. Heretofore, virtuous Anglo-Saxon womanhood has been above this indulgence, and has therefore been a restraining and uplifting influence on men. Now, this influence is being subjected to the insidious lure of the cigaret; and mothers of men, around whom center the sweetest, purest, noblest sentiments of our lives, are contaminating their sweetness and purity by indulgence in one of man's vices. The more woman becomes like man, the less he will respect her; civilization weakens as man's estimate of woman lessens. That it is woman's right to indulge in this habit, we do not question, yet, we lose some of that sweet respect and admiration for women when we see them walk deliberately into mire holes that have heretofore besmeared only men. It is difficult to conceive that any mother would arrogate to herself the thought that staining her lips with tobacco would add to her dignity as mother, or increase the admiration and pride that children hold for true motherhood. The mission of the Church is to proclaim the truth of the restored gospel to uplift society that people may mingle more amicably one with another; to create in our communities a wholesome environment in which our children may find strength to resist temptation and encouragement to strive for cultural and spiritual attainment. It is the binding duty of leaders of youth and particularly mothers, by example to make ineffective the influence of designing men who would make profit out of their fellows who have fallen so low as to be slaves to vice and passions. The restored gospel is a rational philosophy that teaches men how to get happiness in this life and exaltation in the life to come. The mission of the Church is to establish the kingdom of God upon the earth, "which is not a mythical but a real kingdom," says a prominent writer not of the Church. "It is a body of people dominated by ideals of productivity, which is mutual service. We do not strive for the things which satisfy but for the moment and then leave a bad taste. We strive for the things which build us up, and enable us and our children to be strong, to flourish, and to conquer. We strive to make ourselves worthy to receive the world by fitting ourselves to use the world more productively than others. We believe that obedience to God means obedience to the laws of nature which are but the manifestations of his will; and we try by painstaking study to acquire the most complete and exact knowledge of that will in order that we may conform ourselves to it." (Thomas Nixon Carver.) 111. Power of Example To live an upright life, to conform to high ethical standards, is the responsibility and duty of every teacher of the land. Greater than this is the responsibility of the religious teacher for in addition to his belief in the efficacy of ethical and moral precepts, the religious teacher assumes the responsibility of leading the youth into the realm of spirituality. Example is the best and most effective way of teaching. Let us be exemplary in our speech. No true leader of the Church will ever profane the name of God or his Beloved Son, especially in the presence of his sons, or in the presence of any other young people. Profanity is a vice. We can set a proper example also by speaking well of others. The Lord has admonished us not to engage in backbiting. Another worthy example is exercising selfÄcontrol, controlling our temper by not speaking angrily in the home. Let calmness be characteristic of our home life. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord:" said Paul, "for this is right. "Honour thy father and mother which is the first commandment with promise; "That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:1-4. Italics added.) To this admonition of Paul, we add the word of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph as follows: "And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. "For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.... "And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord." (D&C 68:25-28.) The training of youth is an obligation, first, upon the parents; next, upon teachers in the Church, in auxiliaries and quorums, in the missionary field proclaiming the gospel wherever they may be called, and upon all the citizens whether in the Church or out of the Church. It is one of the obligations to which our attention is now called by the President of the United States who has placed the responsibility upon his cabinet, who have appointed a citizens' committee, and asking the entire nation to combine in this great educational campaign. Fellow workers, may inspiration from on High be given each of us to discharge our responsibilities throughout this Church in training the youth, not only during Youth Training Week throughout this land but always, having in mind God's saying found only in this revealed Church: "For behold, this is my work and my gloryÄ-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) God help us to be true instruments in his hands in accomplishing this divine ideal, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1959 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY And now we come to that moment when we should like to express our thanks and appreciation. We have had a glorious conference. Many have contributed to its inspiration and success. Will all who have participated in the inspiration of these gatherings please accept of the gratitude of our hearts. The singing for this session, as we have already informed you, has been furnished by the Ricks College choir under the direction of Chester W. Hill, with Frank W. Asper at the organ. We wish to express appreciation to these young men and women of the Ricks College for the hours they have spent in practice in weeks that have gone by, resulting in the inspiration of their singing to this congregation today. The Lord bless you young people. We are proud of you! We have enjoyed your presence as well as your inspirational singing. May the Lord's protecting care be with you as you go back to your homes, and may this experience ever be a happy memory for you, as it will be for all of us. I should like to express again our appreciation to the Brigham Young University combined choruses. They occupied these seats last SaturdayÄ-another choice group of young people. We cannot help feeling confident that the Church is in good hands when we see such representatives of youth as have participated in this conference. We wish to express appreciation to the Tabernacle Choir, and the Tabernacle Choir men's chorus for their participation during the various sessions of our annual conference. FortyÄfive thousand two hundred eighty-seven men of the priesthood were moved by the inspirational singing of those young men from the choir last Saturday night. We are not unmindful of the public press and you reporters for your fair and accurate reports throughout sessions of the conference. We want the city officials to know that we are not unmindful of the help they have rendered during the last five days, to Chief W. Cleon Skousen, and his associates, the traffic officersÄ-in handling increased traffic, for the fire department, and the Red Cross, who stood on hand ready for an emergency; for you tabernacle ushers who have rendered service early and late in seating the great audiences. We are grateful for the radio and television serviceÄ-twenty-seven television and twenty radio stations throughout our own city and the nation have carried the messages of this conference to untold thousands of people who have listened to the proceedings of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Annual Conference of the Church. We have already named those who have sent these lovely flowers, sweet messages of their love, and best wishes for a successful and inspirational conference. The closing prayer of this session will be offered by Elder Alfred E. Rohner, formerly president of the Southwest Indian Mission. Now I should like to say, brothers and sisters, the Lord bless us with a desire to live better than we have ever done before. No individual can go away from this conference, even as a listener, without a heavier responsibility upon him. One of the happiest experiences that I have had has been to meet young people, and hear the young man or young woman say, as he or she introduced his or her companion, "I want you to meet my friend who is an investigator." And that has happened frequently during this conference. In 1923 in the British Mission there was a general instruction sent out to the members of the Church advocating what Brother Gordon B. Hinckley has emphasized today. We did not spend money advertising in the press. The feeling in England was quite bitter at that time, but we said: "Throw the responsibility upon every member of the Church that in the coming year of 1923 every member will be a missionary. Every member a missionary! You may bring your mother into the Church, or it may be your father; perhaps your fellow companion in the workshop. Somebody will hear the good message of the truth through you." And that is the message today. Every memberÄ-a million and a halfÄÄa missionary! I think that is what the Lord had in mind when he gave that great revelation on Church government, as recorded in the 107th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. He describes the Melchizedek Priesthood and the men who stand at the head of that priesthood, and the Aaronic Priesthood and the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, those who are active in the priesthood quorumsÄ-both the Melchizedek and the Aaronic. He then goes into detail about the duties of members and concludes: "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. "He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen." (D&C 107:99-100.) I think that includes the father of a little girl who sent a letter to me this week. She first gave her age. She loved her father and mother, she said, but "Father doesn't take Mother to the temple. I wish he would. I love them both, and I want to be sealed to them." "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty and walk in the performance of it in all diligence." That is the responsibility of every man and woman and child who has listened to this great and wonderful conference, to the inspiring messages of the Council of the Twelve and other General Authorities. God help us to be true to our responsibility and to our callings, and especially to the responsibility we bear as fathers and mothers of the children of ZionÄ-heaven's treasures given to us. O Father, bless those who hold this priesthood, who have been married in accordance with thy instructions, and God help all to take advantage of this eternal blessing, that we may be united together and with thee forever, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 9, 1959 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY "I charge thee therefore before God," Paul wrote to Timothy, "and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; "Preach the word; be instant in season out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist make full proof of thy ministry." (2 Timothy 4:1-5.) Those are among the last words written by Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy, who was ordained bishop of the Ephesians. When Paul wrote those words, he was a prisoner under Nero. Two charges were pressed against him: one, that he had conspired, so it was alleged by Nero's partisans, to set fire to Rome; second, he was accused of introducing a novel and unlawful religion. That was Paul's second imprisonment. Many of his friends had left him. Demas, who had been in the Church, had forsaken him and gone home. Alexander, the coppersmith, an apostate, had testified against him; but Luke remained by his side. Evidently Peter, Paul, and other leaders of the Church were troubled in their day by apostate groups even as leaders today are troubled by apostates who usurp authority, misinterpret scripture and preach false doctrine. In the spirit of charity perhaps we should say, troubled by apostates who are mentally ill. It seems that every age in the world has been afflicted with just such apostates and such perverted truth, and with incorrigible youth, degenerate groups, who make every age seem worse than those which preceded it. For example listen to this: "The world is passing through troublous times. Young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone know everything. As for girls, they are forward, immodest, and unwomanly in speech, behavior, and dress." No, that was not for todayÄÄthat was written in 1274 A.D.ÄÄ685 years ago! Here is another: "President Frederick C. Perry of Hamilton College, expressing distrust of gloomsters who view the world with alarm, has cited these writings taken from an Assyrian tablet dated 2800 B.C. as proof that political prophecy for a dismal future has always been prevalent: "`The earth is degenerating in these latter days. There are signs that the world is speedily coming to an end. Bribery and corruption abound. The children no longer obey their parents. Every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is speedily approaching.'" That was written 2800 B.C.! Well, the era through which we are passing is no exception. On the flyleaf of the book, The Naked Communist, by W. Cleon Skousen, we find this quotation, (and I admonish everybody to read that excellent book of Chief Skousen's): "The conflict between communism and freedom is the problem of our time. It overshadows all other problems. This conflict mirrors our age, its toils, its tensions, its troubles, and its tasks. On the outcome of this conflict depends the future of mankind." Elaborating that statement, I should say that the most urgent problem of our day is a spiritual problem. I agree with one leading educator who said, and I quote: "Unless the spiritual problem is solved, civilization will fail; indeed we already have a foretaste of that failure in many parts of the world: "The Nazi creed presents a new conception of civilization. It is the supposition, advanced with fanatical zeal that civilization consists primarily in material achievements, and can reach its goal without ethical considerations. It accents power, authority, and obedience, denies human equality and the worth of the individual." The False Teachings of Communism In their false teachings the Communists accept the doctrine of Marx who denies the existence of God, and repudiates man's immortality. Second, they deny the divinity of Jesus Christ and of course, his resurrection. They challenge the free agency of man. In that first sentence that I read from Paul to Timothy, Paul declares the existence of God, and we shall see how authoritatively he supports that. He declares the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the reality of his resurrection. I read again what he said to Timothy, and this is almost his farewell message to that boy, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom." (2 Timothy 4:1.) The United States recently entertained the leading man of the ideology that denies the God, Jesus Christ, and the right of free agency and dignity of man. Even while he was here we could hear echoing his own words: "We remain the atheist that we have always been' we are doing as much as we can to liberate those people who are still under the spell of this religious opiate." Those are his words. He said further: "Those who expect us to abandon communism will have to wait until a shrimp learns to whistle." A number of years ago, Lord Balfour, Prime Minister of Great Britain, delivered a lecture in the McEwen Hall of the University of Edinburgh on the subject, "The Moral Values Which Unite the Nations." In an interesting and convincing manner, Lord Balfour presented the following fundamental ties that unite the different nations of the world: l. Common Knowledge. 2. Common Commercial Interest. 3. The Intercourse of Diplomatic Relationship. 4. The Bonds of Human Friendship. The audience greeted his masterful address with a great outburst of applause. As the presiding officer arose to express his appreciation and that of the audience, a Japanese student, who was doing graduate work at the University of Edinburgh stood up, and leaning over the balcony, said, "But, Mr. Balfour, what about Jesus Christ?" Mr. Robert E. Spear, to whom Professor Lang related this incident, writes: "One could have heard a pin drop in the hall. Everyone felt at once the justice of the rebuke. The leading statesman of the greatest Christian empire in the world had been dealing with the different ties that are to unite mankind, and had omitted the one fundamental and essential bond. And everyone felt, too, the dramatic element in the situationÄÄthat the reminder of his forgetfulness had come from a faraway non-Christian land." "Preach the word," Paul admonishes Timothy. What "word"? That ". . . Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (Ibid. 1:10.) Those words were named in that letter. Let us consider that. "Behold the man," said Pontius Pilate Roman governor of Judea, as Jesus, mockingly bedecked with a purple robe, his hair plaited with a crown of thorns, stood before the mob who cried, "Crucify him; crucify him!" As on the occasion of that historic trial, so through the ages men have beheld Christ from different viewpoints. Some who reject him as venomously as did the rabble, see in him and in his disciples "investors of a Christian moral system that has undermined and sapped the vigor of the European world." Others with clearer insight, begotten by experience, behold him as the originator of a system that "promotes industry, honesty, truth, purity, and kindness, a system that upholds law, favors liberty; is essential to it, and would unite men in one great brotherhood." Others behold him as the "one perfect characterÄÄthe peerless personality of history," but deny his divinity. Millions accept him as the Great Teacher, whose teachings, however, are not applicable to modern social conditions. A fewÄÄO how few!ÄÄof the approximately two billion inhabitants of the globe accept him for what he really isÄÄ"the Only Begotten of the Father; who came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness." Today civilized nations are sitting on a mountain of explosives, accumulated in defiance of Christ's teachings. Let the heat of hatred, suspicion, and greed become a little more intense, and there will be such an international explosion as will greatly retard, if not forcibly drive from the midst of mankind, the hoped-for peace heralded by the heavenly hosts when Christ as a babe was born in Bethlehem. Prove it as a fact, and it is, that Christ did appear after death as a glorified resurrected Being, and you have the answer to the question of the ages: "If a man die, shall he live again?" Let us look at the deep significance of the testimony of the disciples of Jesus, which may be better understood when we realize that with Jesus' death the apostles were stricken with gloom. When he was crucified, their hopes all but died. That his death was a reality to the disciples is shown in their intense grief, in the statement of Thomas, in the moral perplexity of Peter, and in the evident preparations for a permanent burial of their Master. Notwithstanding the assurance of Christ, often repeated during the two and a half years he was with them, that he would return to them after death, the apostles seemed not to have accepted, or at least not comprehended the statement as a literal fact. What was it, we ask the world, that suddenly changed these disciples to confident, fearless, heroic preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It was a revelation that Christ had risen from the grave his promises had been kept, his Messianic mission fulfilled. "The final and absolute seal of genuineness had been put on all his claims, and the indelible stamp of a divine authority upon all his teachings. The gloom of death had been banished by the glorious light of the presence of the risen, glorified Lord and Savior." On the evidence of these unprejudiced, unexpected, incredulous witnesses the resurrection has its impregnable foundation. There was one young man among them. I do not know whether we know about his life, but I like to think of him as a sort of independent thinker, not paying much attention to his mother's religion--his mother had joined the Christian Church, but he did not pay much attention to it until he was disturbed one night by his mother's voice asking him to rise quickly, "don't stop to dress, throw a cloak around your body and rush to Gethsemane and tell Jesus that Judas and soldiers are coming to arrest him." I think that young man who fled naked from the men who snatched the sheet from his body, was John Mark, the author of one of the four Gospels. We know he did join the Church, later, and that he labored with Peter. We know that Paul, in that letter to Timothy, said: "Bring Mark with you. He is profitable to our ministry, and let us hear his testimony." (See 2 Timothy 4:11.) We know he went on a mission to the northern part of Africa, and you travelers today can walk over ruins built to his memory. Testimony of Mark We have no evidence that Mark joined the Church while the Savior was on the earth. Undoubtedly the Savior was in Mark's home. At any rate we are justified in assuming that he was acquainted with the Master. Mark does not himself recount any appearance of the Risen Lord, but he testifies that the Lord would meet his disciples. From Mark we hear the glorious proclamation of the first empty tomb in all the world. For the first time in history the words "Here lies" were supplanted by the divine message, "He is risen." No one can doubt that Mark was not convinced in his soul of the reality of the empty tomb, and if my inference is right, he knew about the trial, the humiliation to which Jesus was subjected, and the crucifixion, and he became a minister of the gospel. To the proclaiming of this truth he devoted his life, and if tradition can be relied upon, he sealed his testimony with his blood. Testimony of Luke The text we read said that Luke stood by Paul's side at the jail. It was not long after that before Paul, according to tradition, was beheaded. Luke was a physician. He spent many years of his life studying about this man, Jesus, who was crucified. He experienced the darkness that spread over that country when Jesus was crucified. According to all trustworthy testimony we have the gospel of Luke as it came from his own hand. In chapter 24 Luke testifies to the divine message: "Why seek ye the living among the dead? "He is not here, but is risen." (Luke 24:5-6.) With equal assurance as to their accuracy we can accept his statement and witness in regard to Peter's and Paul's and other apostles' testimony regarding the resurrection. "To whom also he [Christ] shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3.) Who can doubt Luke's absolute confidence in the reality of the risen Redeemer? Contrast his testimony, his life with that of upstarts who deny the existence of God and laugh at the claims of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer. It is true that neither Mark nor Luke testify as to having personally seen the Risen Lord, and therefore some urge that their recorded testimonies cannot be taken as firsthand evidence. That they do not so testify, and yet were convinced that others did see him, shows how incontrovertible was the evidence among the apostles and other disciples that the resurrection was a reality. Testimony of Paul Fortunately, however, there is a document which does give the personal testimony of an eyewitness, a witness to an appearance of Jesus after his death and burial. This personal testimony also corroborates the testimony not only of these two men, Mark and Luke, but of others also. I have in mind Saul, a Jew of Tarsus, educated at the feet of Gamaliel, a strict Pharisee, and before his conversion a bitter persecutor of all who believed in Jesus of Nazareth. And there is a quotation from the oldest authentic document in existence relating or testifying to the resurrection of Christ, in which we find Saul's (Paul's) words, sent back to people who had joined the Church, whom he loved and who loved him, saying: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; "And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: "And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: "After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. "After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. "And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. "For I am the least of the apostles that am not meet to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Cor. 15:3-9.) Testimony of Modern Revelation In addition to the ancient apostles we have the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith who gives in an unequivocal description the following stirring testimony in relation to his first vision: ". . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages . . . standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the otherÄÄThis is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (P. of G. P., Joseph Smith 2:17.) These words were spoken nearly two thousand years after the events to which I have already called your attention! The Latter-day Saint Belief Thus, my dear fellow workers and my friends in the world, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands with Peter with Paul, with James, and with all the other apostles in accepting the resurrection, not only as being literally true, but also as the consummation of Christ's divine mission on earth. Other great religious leaders among the nations of the world since history began have taught virtue, temperance, self-control, service, obedience to righteousness and duty; some have taught a belief in one supreme ruler and in a hereafter; but only Christ broke the seal of the grave and revealed death as the door to immortality and eternal life. If Christ lived after death, so shall men, each one taking his place in the next world for which he is best fitted. Since love is as eternal as life, the message of the resurrection is the most comforting, the most glorifying ever given to man; for when death takes a loved one from us, we can look with assurance into the open grave and say, "He is not here; he will rise again." My dear fellow workers, it is just as easy for me to accept as a divine truth the fact that Christ preached to the spirits in prison while his body lay in the tomb as it is for me to look at you from this pulpit. It is true! It is just as easy for me to realize and note thisÄÄthat one may so live that he may receive impressions and direct messages through divine inspiration. The veil is thin between those who hold the priesthood and divine messengers on the other side of the veil. Let us say today as Paul wrote to Timothy: "Preach the word . . . do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (2 Timothy 4:2, 5.) ". . . The Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior. "Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out. "His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand. "From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail. "For thus saith the LordÄÄI, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end. "Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory." (D&C 76:1Ä6.) God help us in this age so threatened with an ideology of benighted people of disbelief in God our Father and in his Son Jesus Christ and in the restored gospel through those divine Personages, to preach the Word and to be true to our callings no matter what or where they may be, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 10, 1959 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY This is an historic occasion. The young men of the Aaronic Priesthood in attendance will remember this, as we all shall. We have just received a report of the attendance as follows: In the Salt Lake Tabernacle 7,563; in the Assembly Hall, Barratt Hall, and grounds, 2,285; in the 204 groups reporting in, 38,516; making a total reported to this moment of 48,364, every one of whom holds the Priesthood, which is an authorization to represent our Father in Heaven in whatever position or assignment each may be placed, and to do it authoritatively. It is a humbling experience, even to have the privilege of being one of those 48,000 men of the PriesthoodÄ-a power in the land and a power never so greatly needed in the history of the world to thwart the plans and schemes of the Adversary as today. God grant that we may have wisdom and knowledge and most of all, divine guidance as we perform our duties assigned to us. There are a few details that we should like to mention, and ask for the Bishops' cooperation in making more effective the work. But before so doing, I wish to say a word about our servicemen mentioned in the beginning, twenty-one of whom flew in to attend this meeting tonight. I said we should have something more to say. A short time ago we received a letter from a group of service boys, a part of which I wish to read. They are aboard the United States steamship "The Pine Island." "On behalf of the group aboard the U.S.S. Pine Island we would like to take this time to write to you with humbleness and sincerity in our hearts.... "We a few of the Lord's servants striving to do the work that we have to do before the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through your words, guidance, and leadership and the help of our Father in Heaven, and if we live worthy we will be able to do this work which is here for us to do.... "We are now touring the Pacific Ocean for six months, visiting different lands and people. We learn a lot of the ways of other people. How they live and what they do, their religion. We find out personally how important missionary work really is and how much has to be done yet. Most of these people do not even know that there is a Father in Heaven." "We do our very best, especially over here to set examples of the Church and to live as righteously as we possibly can, to live the commandments of the Lord and the teachings of our Church; to give unto all of those desiring to attend our meeting of worship, to let them partake of the spirit and blessings we receive at our little group meetings. "We hope that we have not kept you from some important task with the time spent reading our letter. We just wanted to write to you to let you know that we are always thinking of you and our prayers are with you. We thank you for your time. May God bless and help you in all things you are in need of. Very Humbly Yours, (signed) Edwin E. Bigler, Elder L. D. S. Group Leader U. S. S. Pine Island (Pacific Ocean) Elder Danny G. Davis Secretary" It is not easy for the boys in the service to live up to the ideals of the Priesthood, especially if they have been tempted before they went into the service. It is not easy for the Elders who are in the missionary field, either, especially if they have been tempted before they go into the mission field and I emphasize that exception. Young men and young women who grow up through their teens and keep themselves unspotted from the world can resist temptation in the field and in the service, or wherever they are. It is not difficult when they meet temptation. But some of our young men and our young women fail to live up to the standards of the Priesthood and they slip and fall. They ask forgiveness and go into the field and are tempted, and they are tempted, and they fall again. It is just as necessary for young men and young women to live up to the principles in their high school training here at home, and some of them are narrow in their training and teaching as it is for them to keep themselves pure and unspotted when they go into the field. You cannot tamper with the Evil One. Resist temptation, resist the Devil and he will flee from you. The Savior on the Mount gave us the greatest example in all the world and the 48,000 men tonight must ever have him in mind as their ideal. Just after the Savior's baptism, he was led up to the mount that is known now as the Mount of Temptation. I do not know whether that is where he stood, where he fasted for forty days, or not. But it was on some mount that he went, and after fasting forty days, the Tempter came to him, so we are told, and as the Tempter always does, he struck at him in what the Tempter thought was his weakest point. After having fasted, the Tempter thought he would be hungry, and the first temptation, you will remember was, "If," and he said it sarcastically "If thou be the Son of God," referring to the testimony of the Father when he said, "This is my beloved Son,"Ä-"If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." And there is a stone there in that area which is not unlike a Jewish wheat-loaf, so that would make the temptation of it appeal all the stronger. Christ's answer was: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:3-4.) The next temptation quoted scripture also. It was an appeal to vanity, an appeal to gain ascendancy over our fellows: "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down . . . " (from a pinnacle of the temple) ". . . for it is written . . . " (and the Devil can cite scripture for his purpose) ". . . for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone." And the answer was, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." (Matt. 4:6-7.) The third temptation was of love, of wealth and power. The tempter took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him the things of the world and the power thereof. He was not sarcastic in this temptation. He was pleading, for the resistance of the Savior had weakened the Tempter's powers. He showed him the things of the world. "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." Rising in the majesty of his divinity, Jesus said: "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." And the Tempter slunk away; and we are told that angels came and administered to the Lord. (Matt. 4:8-11.) There is your story, young man. Your weakest point will be the point at which the Devil tries to tempt you, will try to win you, and if you have made it weak before you have undertaken to serve the Lord, he will add to that weakness. Resist him and you will gain in strength. He will tempt you in another point. Resist him and he becomes weaker and you become stronger, until you can say, no matter what your surroundings may be, "Get thee behind me Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8.) Now, I mention this because there are too many broken hearts in our Church, because men, some of whom hold the Priesthood and prominent positions, are tempted right wherein they are weak, and they forget that they have made covenants with the Lord and step aside from the path of virtue and discretion and will break their wives' hearts because of foolish indulgence and because of their yielding. We have one of the most sacred covenants in all the world pertaining to the happiness of the home, and there are men within the sound of my voice who have forgotten how sacred that covenant is. The Brethren of the Twelve, the General Authorities of the Church, the stake authorities, are urging youth everywhere to go to the temple to be married. Don't you go to that temple unless you are ready to accept the covenants that you make. Marriage in the temple is one of the most beautiful things in all the world. A couple is led there by love, the divinest attribute of the human soul. A young man looks upon that bride, rightfully, who will be the mother of his children, as being as pure as a snowflake, as spotless as a sunbeam, as worthy of motherhood as any virgin. And I will tell you that it is a glorious thing for a woman thus to bear the robes and be the pride of a young Elder's heart, one who trusts her to be the head of his household. And she trusts him as being as worthy of fatherhood as she of motherhood and rightfully, too, because on his shoulders are the robes of the Holy Priesthood, testifying to his young bride and to all, that he is as worthy of fatherhood as she of motherhood. And together they stand in the House of the Lord and testify, covenant before him that each will be true to the covenants they make that day, each keeping himself or herself to the other and none else. That is the highest ideal of marriage ever given to man. If those covenants were kept as sacred as sacred covenants should be kept, there would be fewer broken hearts among wives and fewer among the husbands, when wives forget. A covenant is a sacred thing, and a man who is married in the temple, has no right to be looking at young women, whether they are in the choir or in the Relief Society or on the General Board, or doing any of the duties of the Church. You have a covenant to be true to that wife. Brethren of the Priesthood, keep it true, be true to it. "It's easy enough to be prudent, When nothing tempts you to stray, When without or within no voice of sin Is luring your soul away. But it's only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire, And the life that is worth the honor of earth, Is the life that resists desire. By the cynic, the sad, the fallen Who had no strength for the strife, The world's highway is cumbered today; They make up the item of life. But the virtue that conquers passion And the sorrow that hides in a smile, It is these that are worth the homage of earth For we find them but once in a while." Ä-Ella Wheeler Wilcox I plead with the army assembled tonight in this Priesthood meeting, to keep true to the covenants made in the House of God. You have no right to neglect your wives and go and seek the company of others who seem to be more attractive to you because you are thrown with them in daily life, in your business affairs, or in Church affairs. This may seem general, but while I speak to you a wife with her tears and her pleadings comes to me now, asking, "Won't you just say a prayer, won't you offer a prayer to try to bring my husband back?" Well, she may have been to blame for the trouble she said she was partly to blameÄ-but I know he was to blame, for he is a man who holds the Priesthood and he has no right to break his covenants. We have too many divorces in the Church, and men, I think we are to blame for most of themÄ-not all, but most of them. With regard to temple work, bishops, be more careful about issuing recommends. First, in the details: Many persons come to the temples with recommends incompletely prepared, lacking essential information, often without indication as to the purpose of the ordinance. Next: Missionaries not infrequently come to the Mission Home without temple recommends. That should never be, bishops. Most of them, not having received their endowments, must go to the temple, and the program at the Mission Home provides for at least two temple sessions. Please be careful, bishops and stake presidencies, for we ask that you give special attention to the correction of these two matters and save much inconvenience, expense, and time to temple and general office staff and the people of the Church as well. I see that the time is gone and I must not detain you longer. If you will have your testimonies strengthened, to have it revealed to you now individually that Christ is aiding you in your work, guiding his Church, well the best way to do that is to follow the admonition of my brethren who have spoken to you tonightÄ-doing your duty, as President Moyle urged, attending to missionary work, no matter what the cost may be or how many hours you have to spend. There is an old saying that "man's extremity is God's opportunity." You remember the story I have told about James McMurrin, who had to fill an appointment in Falkirk, Scotland, on Sunday. He was in Burntisland Saturday night and he had a sixpence or a shilling in his pocket to pay for his boat ride across the Leith Walk to Edinborough. When that was spent he was alone. The only way he could get to Falkirk was by the one train that was then running between Edinborough and Glasgow. He had an appointment with the Branch in Edinborough from ten to twelve. He filled that appointment. When they asked him to go to lunch he said, "No, thank you, I have to be in Falkirk and I have to take the train that leaves at one o'clock"ÄÄor thereabouts. One by one the Saints bade him goodbye, all but Brother Robertson, who was president of the Branch. "Why," he said, "Well, if ye canna go hame with me, I'll gae ye Scotch convoy," and together they walked across Princess Street down to Waverly Station, and crossed under the glass covered canopy, over to the gate from which the train was to leave. The only possible way that Brother McMurrin could have kept his appointment that night was to get that train. He had faith that the Lord would open up his way. He did not ask anyone for a shilling, nor for sixpence, nor for twopence, nor for two and six, and as the time approached, Brother Robertson said "Well, Brother McMurrin, it is time just to get your ticket, so I will say good-bye." "Goodbye, Brother Robertson," and Brother McMurrin was left alone. There was his extremity. "Father,"Ä-I will give you his words as he gave them to me "Father, I have come just as far as I can in fulfilling my duty. Open up the way that I may get on this train and go to Falkirk." He had in mind, he said, that the gatekeeper would probably let him go through. He did not think of the fact that the gatekeeper was a Scotchman. He would never do that. What happened? Brother Robertson had just returned to the steps leading up to Princess Street and the thought came to him, "I wonder if Brother McMurrin has enough money." Quickly retracing his steps, he walked across the station, pulled out of his pocket a two and six piece, and said "Here, Brother McMurrin, perhaps you need this." "Thank you, Brother Robertson, I need that to get my ticket." "Man's extremity is God's opportunity." You brethren in the Church will come against the wall. It seems to be across your path. It may be morally. You cannot overcome it, or you cannot get through it, you cannot see. You can walk from here to that wall, having faith that God will give you a ladder, or show you a hidden ladder or an opening and he will do it, if you will walk just as far as you can in the performance of your duty. No matter what it is or how difficult your duty, do it; walk that distance, and then say in all sincerity and faith, "Father, help me. Open up the way for me. Give me strength to do my duty, give me strength to overcome temptation." God help us as men representing him through the Priesthood, the Holy Priesthood, to do our duty and do it well, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 11, 1959 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY And now, my brethren and sisters, just a word in parting. This has truly been a great conference. We have met during a critical time in the history of our own great country and the history of the world. I have been impressed with the answer that you have given through the Brethren here and through your acceptance, to some of the false ideologies and teachings that are rampant in the world. One of those is, that man is not a spiritual being, but that he is just as any other animal, subject to his passions, subject to his yearnings, desires, and justified in achieving his ambitions no matter how many others may suffer in that achievement. You have said today and yesterday and the day before, in your testimonies that man is a dual beingÄ-he is physical, has his appetites, passions, desires, just as any animal has, but he is also a spiritual being, and he knows that to subdue the animal instincts is to achieve advancement in his spiritual realm; that a man who is subjected to his physical appetites and passions only, who denies any reality of a spirit, is truly of the animal world; that man is a spiritual being, and his real life is the spirit that inhabits his body. Ex-President Adams was right, when he was accosted on the streets of Boston one day and was asked, "How is John Quincy Adams today.?" and he answered, as he tottered along with his cane, "John Quincy Adams is well thank you, quite well. But the house in which he lives is tottering on its foundations, the windows are shaking, the roof is leaking, the doors are not hanging straight, and so on, and I think that John Quincy Adams will have to move out of it soon. But John Quincy Adams himself is quite well, I thank you, quite well." He sensed that the real John Quincy Adams was an immortal being, a son of a Father in heaven. That is one great truth to which you have borne testimony in this conference that man is spirit, the son of his Father, and has within him that which will cause him to yearn and to aspire to become dignified as a son of God should be dignified. The dignity of man, not the degradation of man, has been emphasized throughout this conference. Another false ideal which has been mentioned as rampant by a small group of men, controlling millions now, is the denial of the existence of a Creator, that there is no God. The man who represents that group was recently entertained in this nation. Just before he came he declared over his own signature that he is still an atheist and will continue to be, and will fight religion as an "opiate" to the human mind. Every man who stood at this pulpit, I think without exception, has borne witness that God lives, and he knows that he lives. And there has been quoted the evidence of men who have lived through the ages who have borne that same testimony. And they are honorable men. They are honest men. They would not lie. They sent their written messages to people whom they loved, as you and I love our loved ones, our children, our husbands, and our wives. Paul sent his letter saying, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; "And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: "And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: "After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present," [as much as to say "You can see them and converse with them"] "but some are fallen asleep. "After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. "And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Cor. 15:3-9.) But he bore his testimony and gave his life for this testimony and was happy in doing it. One of the Brethren quoted him today, from his last letter to Timothy: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Tim. 4:7-8.) Thank heaven there are hundreds and thousands who believe that testimony and repudiate the claims of the atheists who boast that man is his own god, and have already poisoned the minds of a generation of young men and women. They started this, as some of you will remember, forty years ago, and during that forty years they have poisoned those young boys and girls with the thought that there is no God. At the conclusion of this session today, I wish to emphasize the fact that this great conference has testified to the hundreds of thousands listening in, and all the worldÄ-for these testimonies will be printedÄ-that God lives and furthermore, that Jesus is his Beloved Son, the Savior of the world, and those who have seen Jesus, who walked with him, who testify of him, as I have narrated, heard him say, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father." You remember during the Last Supper Philip said to Jesus, "Lord shew us the Father." And his answer was, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? . . . and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-9.) We have given an answer to the world. I think it is glorious. Furthermore, you have given an answer to the false teachings that man is not a free individual, that he is a creature of the state, that the state is supreme that the state can tell what you should do, what you should not do. Man is a spiritual being and has within him as a gift from God, his Creator, the power of choice. Part of man's divinity, part of his spirit-being, is the power to chooseÄÄthe only creature on earth that has that power. It is God-given. Men who will deny him that, take from him part of his divinity. You have answered that. Your testimonies are now on record. Another thingÄ-you have borne testimony throughout this conference to the right of the family, its influence and fundamental contribution as a unit to the state. The family is the foundation of the state and should not be broken up. In China where they love their children and where they train them and teach them to be obedient, where the children respect their parents and obey their parents, the family is broken up now, and they have to meet in communistic groups. They will not stand for that very long; they will break away from it. You, during this conference have borne testimony to the sacredness of the family, the father and the mother and the children. You have borne testimony of the responsibility of the father and the mother to train those children in the ways of the Lord, teach them baptism and repentance, or the responsibility will be "upon the heads of the parents." Furthermore, you have borne testimony to the world that man is not living for himself, that his selfish desires should be overcome and controlled, and he should render service to others. One of the greatest sayings of Jesus when he was among the Twelve during his twoÄand-a-half years here, was the one that touched upon that same principle: "He that findeth his life shall lose it...." [that is the selfish part] "and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 10:39.) A paradoxical statement, but oh, how true. You have had an evidence of it here today when Elder Hunter said, "I give my life now for the service," the same with these other apostles, the same with all the General Authorities of the Church, with all the congregation, with thousands and hundreds of thousands throughout the world who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are willing to lose your lifeÄÄthat is, to devote your time and your talents and your strength for his sake; and in so doing you will find your life. I often quote a man who was impressed with that great principle, who wroteÄÄ "Supposing today were your last day on earth, The last mile of the journey you've trod; After all of your efforts, how much are you worth? How much can you take home to God? "Don't count as possessions your silver and gold; Tomorrow you leave these behind; And all that is yours to have and to hold Is the service you've given mankind." Anon. Quoted from Gospel Ideals, page 58. That is true, but to you it is not all that you take home to God, because you take home to him your character, and he will judge you accordingly, and you will take home to him, if you have been through the temple worthily, your loved ones. Now these are just some of the thoughts that came at the conclusion of this great conference. Yours is a great mission. Our thanks to God our Father for it. Our membership in his Church, and our privilege of association in the brotherhood of Christ cannot be overstated. Morning noon, and night, all through our lives our souls are filled with gratitude for the blessings that are ours in our associations in the Church of Jesus Christ. It is a glorious opportunity! Now, my brethren and sisters, I bless you with increased testimony of God's existence, increased testimony of the divinity of Christ's mission, his life, his death, his establishing of the gospel, with increased testimony of the value of the individualÄ-oh, how important and how gloriousÄ-how full of significance are the glorious words, "For behold, this is my work," said the Lord, "and my gloryÄ-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) Is not that wonderful? What would this old earth be if there were no human beings on earth, even if there were no animalsÄ-only rocks, the barren shores, the rolling seasÄ-no life, no human beings? What a wonderful statement, what a wonderful religious revelation to the human family: "This is my work and my gloryÄ-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life" of each individual. God help us so to live that we may be found worthy to hear from him the whisperings of his Spirit, the whispering of his voice, as he guides us and warns us and tells us what to do in order to come back and help him crown his glory. That is a wonderful saying of Peter's, the rough old fisherman, when after two years and more, after he had a testimony in his heart that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, he wrote to the people over whom he was presiding and used the phrase, which I wish all of you would think about and cherish, that God has made us "partakers of the divine nature." Read it in his epistle. And I hope you brethren, presidents of stakes, bishops of wards, and you who preside over missions, auxiliaries, priesthood quorums, will some day appreciate, every one of you, just what that means, to be in touch with that divine nature through the Holy Ghost. God bless you in your homes. Do not be cross. Be courteous. Have the same courtesy in your homes that you have when you are out in society. Thank your wives, thank your children, say, "if you please," "excuse me,"Ä- those little things which make life sweet. Let us be kind in our homes. The gospel is the spirit of kindness. Let us be considerate. Let us be true. "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men;... If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." I pray God to sanctify to our good and to the good of all who have listened in this day and to the Church everywhere, the blessings and testimonies of this great conference, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 2, 1960 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY There are present tonight in this great Conference, as reported from the various groups, 53,265 men, the largest attendance ever. There are a number of service men present, and as the theme of this meeting began with reference to service men and our duty to them, will all the service men present in the Tabernacle and the Assembly Hall please rise. Thank you, and we come. "If I were a voice--a persuasive voice That could travel the wide world through, I would fly on the beams of the morning light, And speak to men with a gentle might, And tell them to be true. I'd fly o'er land and sea, Wherever a human heart might be, Telling a tale, or singing a song, In praise of the Right and in blame of the Wrong." --Charles MacKay The poet who wrote that had but one thought in his mind, and that was that men should be true to each other and true to their ideals. To the fifty thousand and more men of the Priesthood tonight, that is what I should like to say, and I should like to say it in the inspired words of Joseph Smith recorded at the end of that marvelous revelation on Priesthood: "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. "He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen." (D&C 107:99-100.) Two things mentioned in that revelation point out important elements in the Priesthood. First, learning one's duty, and that means learning what kind of life a man who holds the Priesthood should live being true to himself, to his loved ones, to the Church, to God. Every individual has that duty, and particularly every individual who holds the Priesthood. If he is honest to himself he is honest with the brethren; he is fair in his dealings in business circles, in politics he speaks the truth; he merits the confidence of his associates in business, civic areas, and particularly he should live so as to merit the confidence of members of the Church who trust him. But the Lord was not content when he gave to the individual the Priesthood. He organized those men who were true in upholding the ideals of the Priesthood into groups that they might render group service to their fellow men. I hope that the fifty thousand men listening tonight caught that emphasis in the message illustrated so impressively by Brother Lee. The duty of quorum Priesthood members to keep in touch with their members who are out in the service is a very practical idea. I heard of a very successful group of men who were dealing with the Senior Aaronic Priesthood. I wrote to a man who I know has been very active in that work, and if he and his associates can obtain the success he reports, so can every quorum of Priesthood in the Church. He and his group were formed into a ward committee. Listen to a paragraph or two from his interesting report: "We had a fine group of men on our ward committee and we remained together with only a few changes until recently. We held our planning and [page 23] ward meetings for an hour every Sunday morning where we reviewed our activities. We kept books on our members, reviewing the details of our visits so that we were all aware of the problems in each home. This was interesting work for all of us, discouraging in many ways and often a challenge, one which has not as yet been met to our satisfaction. However, as we go over the records we find that forty members in our ward have been advanced to the Melchizedek Priesthood, all, so far as we can determine, with satisfactory results. Many have moved away, but we have made contact with most of them." One of the reactivated members "has had a fine influence on many of the other members of the league to which he belongs, and many of them are now active in the wards in which they live. On their Golden Wedding day, he and his wife took the entire family to the temple for the necessary sealing work." The other instances result with equal satisfaction. "After a while," he says, regarding one with whom they worked, "it was not long until there was no smell of either liquor or tobacco about him, and nothing had ever been mentioned about his use of them. He was ordained a Priest later and made secretary of the Senior Aaronic Priesthood group. He began attending classes at Weber College and has continued to take three or four classes each year ever since. This man was ordained an Elder and soon afterwards was selected as President of his quorum. He chose one of his Senior Aaronic Priesthood associates as a counselor and both are doing fine work as officers at this time. He is a wonderful leader." It is the duty of leaders in Priesthood quorums to watch over their members, to teach them their duty. They can do that independently of the Ward bishopric. They do it because it is their own responsibility, it is their duty to have their members fit to be called into ward activity, stake activity, missionary activity, as already explained. "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" "And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (D&C 18:15-16.) Quorums of the Priesthood throughout the world: Keep in touch with your members who are away, especially in the armed forces, surrounded by temptations. Keep in touch with your members here at home, some of whom are negligent, who need the spiritual food you can give them, and you will find as did this eminent physician who made the report I have given you, that there is much joy in bringing one soul, twenty souls, forty souls, into activity. God bless all who are assembled in this great meeting tonight. May the spirit of the occasion govern their hearts, first, awakening a desire to live righteously, to keep their own souls free from the temptations that surround us in our wards and stakes, and second awakening a determination to contribute of their earnestness and their purity of living, to the strength of the quorum, thus making it a power for good, not only in the stake or in the ward, but throughout the entire world, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 3, 1960 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY In behalf of the First Presidency, members of the Council of the Twelve, and all the General Authorities of the Church, with all my heart I bid you welcome--you, who are crowding into the Tabernacle, the grounds, Assembly Hall, and all who are listening in--welcome to this, the first session of the One Hundred Thirtieth Annual Conference of the Church. I pray that the request offered in the invocation may be granted, and that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell with those who speak at this session and throughout this conference, and inspire those who listen, that we may have indeed a spiritual uplifting--a spiritual feast. "Except a man be born again, he cannot [page 25] see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3.) "We are living in perilous times." That is what they said when I was a boy. That is what people thought and said in the days of the apostles, following the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That is what people thought and said three thousand years before the Savior came to the earth, if we can rely upon writings taken from an Assyrian tablet dated 2800 years before Christ. Hayden gives a similar warning: "Today, as seldom if ever before, human society is threatened with disintegration, if not complete chaos. All the ancient evils of human relationships, injustice, selfishness, abuse of strength, become sinister and terrible when reenforced by the vast increase of material power. The soul of man cowers, starved and fearful in the midst of a civilization grown too complex for any mind to visualize or to control. Joy and beauty fade from human living. Yet life abundant, beauteous, laughing life, has been our age-long labor's end. What other conceivable worth has the mastery of the material world, the exploitation of the resources of nature and the creation of wealth, except as a basis for the release of the life of the spirit? We are witnessing either the crumbling of civilization under the weight of its material mechanism or the birth of a new organization with a spiritual ideal." The daily press gives ample evidence that there seems to be a general distrust of our young folk. The great majority of them want to know what is right. I have confidence in our young people. It is our duty to show them a proper example. Most of them today will follow it, notwithstanding the fact that they are living in an age full of mysteries and discoveries never before known in the world. Man holds dominion over earth, sea, 'and air, and now is intent upon conquering space. Just recently the United States sent a new messenger out among the planets. Pioneer Five, a 94.8-pound sphere only 26 inches in diameter, was the first interplanetary traveler with a far-ranging and long-lasting voice. "If all goes well, scientists will be hearing from Pioneer Five steadily for the next five months, then sporadically for years to come, as it swings back within range." What a glimpse of the starry heavens! While increasing admiration for man's ingenuity, it should not surprise members of the Church who have been singing for years W. W. Phelps' hymn: "If you could hie to Kolob In the twinkling of an eye, And then continue onward With that same speed to fly, D'ye think that you could ever, Through all eternity, Find out the generation Where Gods began to be? "Or see the grand beginning, Where space did not extend? Or view the last creation, Where Gods and matter end? Methinks the Spirit whispers, 'No man has found "pure space,"' Nor seen the outside curtains, Where nothing has a place. "The works of God continue, And worlds and lives abound; Improvement and progression Have one eternal round." The more man learns of infinity, the more convinced he should become of the possibility of rising above a mere animal existence. Wernher Von Braun, Director of Development Operations Division, United States Army Ballistic Missile Agency, a man who has dedicated his life to the conquest of space, in a recent article explains simply and fully what space means to our future, and then concludes as follows: "We need not fear that future space explorers on their heaven-storming journeys will lose their humility. The heavens will surround them as an eternal reminder that there is a force greater than the thrust of their rocket ships, a spirit greater than the cold logic of their computers, a power greater than that of their own nation." Yes, we are living in an interesting world. There is another side, too. We are told that 120,000 young people from Asia and Africa each year are indoctrinated with the false ideology of Communism -- 120,000! There are now 400,000 trained communist missionaries [page 26] in southern Asia and Africa saying to the hungry masses: "We are here to liberate you. In Russia and China we have found the way--liquidate the rich classes, take all they have; the land and the machinery will be owned by the government. Then everybody will have enough, and nobody will be oppressing the poor. Communism holds a tremendous fascination for the illiterate, hungry, desperate people of Asia and Africa." (Frank C. Laubach in a speech given in Chautauqua, N. Y. 1958.) I was very much interested, as you were undoubtedly, at a press dispatch recently about Ardeshir Zahedi, the new Iranian Ambassador to United States, who spent five years between 1945 and 1950 earning a degree in agriculture at the Utah State University in Logan Utah. He credits Dr. Franklin S. Harris, former president of the Agricultural College (Utah State University), and one of the founders of Point Four in Iran, with doing a major job in cementing United States-Iran ties. Mr. Zahedi remembers Utah and Utahns with fondness, according to a report from Deseret News Washington Bureau correspondent, Warren Zimmerman. I thought as I read that how important it is for members of the Church, particularly the leaders who are sent out to these various missions, to exemplify the one source of peace--the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. How important it is to teach them to support themselves, but at the same time to point out that there is a force higher than themselves higher and greater than man, greater than the whole universe--that is that God is the Creator of it all. The duty of the Church is to teach and practise the fundamental principles of the good life. Obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, no matter what the financial or physical conditions may be will bring peace in the soul. When Nicodemus called upon Jesus about two thousand years ago, a notable conversation took place, during which undoubtedly they spoke about eternal salvation, the real development of man. It is implied in the scripture that the purpose of membership in the kingdom of God is for the fostering of the spiritual life, and the achievement of moral and charitable ends. "Except a man be born again," said Jesus, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3.) He told Nicodemus that before he could solve the question that was troubling his mind, his spiritual vision would have to be changed by an entire revolution of his "inner man." His manner of thinking, feeling, and acting with reference to spiritual things would have to undergo a fundamental and permanent change with reference to spiritual matters. It is easy to see temporal things. It is easy to yield to lascivious things. It requires little or no effort to indulge in anything physical and animal-like. But to be born out of that world into a spiritual world is advancement that the Lord requires of each of us. It is implied in the scriptures that the purpose of membership in the kingdom of God is for the fostering of spiritual life--I repeat--and the achievement of moral and charitable ends in other words, for the developing of the religious sentiment, the true religious spirit. This may be done in two ways: first by seeking the truth and living in harmony with it; and, second, by resisting every influence, every power that tends to destroy or to dwarf in any way the religious sentiment. When an applicant for baptism stood at the water's edge, before being buried with Christ in baptism, he possessed an implicit faith that the Church of Jesus Christ is established upon the earth, and that this organization is the best in the world today for the fostering of spiritual life, for the attaining of true religious development, for the salvation of the soul. I repeat that this implicit faith was within him; and with that, there was a true repentance, and that repentance carried with it a desire to leave off everything in the past life that was contrary to the teachings of the gospel or the Church. His old life, and the sins, if there were any connected with it, he truly repented of. He looked forward to the time when he would be born anew in the kingdom of God. He was about to go through the ordinance of baptism, typical of the burial of his old life, and with it all the imperfections, the frailties, the evils, the sins that accompanied [page 27] that old living. He was to be buried by baptism, that as Christ was raised from the dead by the power and the glory of the Father, so he might come forth in newness of life, a member of the Church of God, a child of the Father, a citizen in the kingdom of Christ. By baptism he was born again, and became a fit recipient of the Holy Spirit. His body came forth anew, and the Holy Ghost was bestowed upon him; he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. That is where we all stood at one time. Those were our feelings, our faith, our hope. We stood that day forgiven of past evils and follies. Now, the whole mission--the life, if you please, of soul development--was before us, and we had thus bestowed upon us the light that emanates from the Father, to lead us that our feet might not stumble, that the truths of his holy gospel might sink into our hearts--the truths that will give us knowledge that our souls might be saved in intelligence. The Holy Ghost was to bring all things to our remembrance, to show us things to come, to testify of the Father, and as we seek that light, and live in accordance with the duties that are placed upon us by that obligation, we are seeking the true religious development we are fostering the true religious growth. But what is the other element which we must consider? Along with this new life, with this seeking for truth, there should be a strong power of resistance. Though being born anew, and being entitled to new life, new vigor, new blessings, yet the old weaknesses still remained with us. The Evil One was eager and ready to attack and strike us at our weakest point, and he has been striking at it ever since. Why? That he might thwart the very purpose for which we entered the Church of Jesus Christ. Our mission, then, is to resist evil as well as to seek that which is high. Our Savior is our Divine Exemplar. After he passed through the ordinance of baptism to "fulfil all righteousness," after he had received the commendation of the Father and the testimony from on high that he was the Son of God, the "Beloved Son" in whom the Father was well pleased, Satan was there ready to thwart his mission. Jesus went forth in fasting and prayer preparatory to the great mission resting upon him, and when in his weakest moment, as Satan thought, when his body was weak and exhausted by long fasting, the Evil One presented himself in temptation. And what was the temptation? An appeal to his bodily weakness: "If thou be the Son of God"--(note the taunt, the very testimony on the bank of the Jordan was "This is my beloved Son" [Matt. 3:17.])--"If thou be the Son of God command that these stones be made bread." (Ibid., 4:3.) In a moment of weakness and hunger that temptation would be strongest, other things being equal. There was the moment of resistance on Jesus' part. His seeking had been manifest in prayer and fasting. His resistance came at the moment of bodily weakness. Though the body was weak the Spirit was strong, and Christ answered: "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Ibid., 4.) Then, as you recall, Satan tried him on another point. Failing in that, the tempter tried him still on a third point. He tempted him, first) on his love for physical comfort; second, he tempted him on vanity; and third, he tempted him on love for worldly wealth, and the power to rule the world. I say "tempted him," but Christ was above temptations. Satan tried to tempt him. But all these temptations Christ resisted; and the final resistance was: "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Ibid., 10.) We may not have heard audibly on the water's edge the words: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," but the Spirit bore testimony in our souls that God was well pleased with the act, and he was pleased to lead us as we sought his guidance in fasting and prayer. We might not have heard in audible tones: If you are a member of that Church, a member of his kingdom, entitled to the Holy Spirit, do this or do that. Our temptation may not have come in that form. It may have come in the form of old desires. It may have been (and I doubt not that it was) in the form of some bodily temptation, some longing. It may have been the craving for the [page 28] cigaret, which we determined--if we were sincere--to put aside when going into the waters of baptism. Oh, when that longing came, after we were in the Church or kingdom, who was it who said: "Though you pretend to throw that aside, take it only once more; this once will not hurt." There was the necessary moment of resistance! How many of us stood as did Christ, our leader, and said: "Get thee behind me!" This element of resistance in regard to our bodily longings--satisfying the passions--applies to every member of the Church of Jesus Christ. In some way the Evil One will attack us. In some way he can weaken us. In some way he will bring before us that which will weaken our souls, and will tend to thwart that true development of religious sentiment. And what I mean by that is this: the development of the spirit within, the strengthening of the inner man, the strengthening and growth of the spirit, which time cannot kill, but which is enduring and lasting as the Eternal Father of that spirit. And the things which will tend to dwarf that spirit, or to hinder its growth, are things which members of the Church are called upon to resist. We have in the eighty-ninth section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the word of the Lord upon a few little things--little as considered by many, and particularly by the men of the world--which the members of the Church are asked to observe. It is a temporal law, and pertains to our spiritual as well as to our physical welfare. I hope that we may have strength to resist all the allurements that come with wealth and worldly position, when we make those two things an end in themselves. Today we have only time enough to consider those few little things with which Satan tempts us in regard to our body. In that section, you remember, we read: "Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you; In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation-- "That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. "And, again, strong drinks . . . tobacco . . . [and] hot drinks are . not good for man." (D&C 89:4-5, 7-9.) These things mentioned here--strong drinks, tobacco, hot drinks, (tea and coffee included)--are a few of the temporal things which members of the Church who would follow the true religious sentiment of this Church should resist. Every young man throughout Zion, when he comes forth from the waters of baptism, ought to know that it is part of his duty to resist smoking a cigaret, no matter where he may be. Every young person in the Church should be taught, when coming from the waters of baptism, that he should resist intoxicants when passed around at the social gathering. Every young member of this Church should know that tobacco in any form should not be used. He or she should resist all these habits, not only for the blessing that is promised herein by our Father, but also because of the strength so acquired to resist greater temptations. Now, just a word in regard to this "resisting" under circumstances that seem difficult. A young man who may refuse cigarets or liquor at home, and who may find it easy to do so, might yield when he is out in company at a social. When all the others partake of these things, he might not have strength to resist the temptation. That is the moment when the true soul growth should be made and fostered. That is the moment, in the hour of greatest temptation, when the strongest resistance does the most good. It is not when it is in the family circle, when father's and mother's influence help to keep these things away. In this respect it is to be hoped that every father and mother will set a good example. I hope that parents will not set bad examples so that the children indulging in weakness may say, "I am following you." As far as possible let our fathers and mothers restrain themselves in these things. Parents, resist temptation! Control your appetite! What though you do crave these gratifications? The more you crave it, the greater should be your resistance and the greater will be your soul development. It is no [page 29] credit for us to resist something we do not crave or long for. The man who grows most by resisting is the man who resists what he craves, and who will say, in the strength of the gospel, "I will stop it. I will resist it." "It is easy enough to be virtuous When nothing tempts you to stray, When without or within no voice of sin Is luring your soul away. But it's only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire; And the life that is worth the honor of earth Is the life that resists desire." (Ella Wheeler Wilcox) May God grant that as we are seeking the further establishment of the kingdom of God, that we may instruct our young people, and the members of the Church everywhere, to resist temptations that weaken the body, that destroy the soul, that we may stand truly repentant as we were when we entered the waters of baptism; that we may be renewed in the true sense of the word, that we may be born again; that our souls might bask in the light of the Holy Spirit, and go on as true members of the Church of Jesus Christ until our mission on earth is completed and God receives us and rewards us according to our merits. May this be our lot, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1960 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY The Brigham Young University Combined Choruses have furnished the music for this session and this morning's session. We wish to express our appreciation to these young men and women of Brigham Young University. We know that they have spent many hours in practice in the weeks that have gone by so that we could enjoy their inspirational singing. We thank you young folks for the efforts you have put forth. We are grateful for the inspiration that you have given this conference, including all who have been listening in to this program. We are proud of you! We have reason to be proud of all our young people with a few exceptions. I have frequently said, and I repeat, we have confidence in our young folks. It is our duty as adults and their parents to set them a proper example in the home and in society. It is our responsibility to impress our children with our sincerity in our belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Never should parents teach one thing about the gospel and do another. Children are very susceptible to insincerity. Yes, we thank you young folk for the effort you have put forth. May our Heavenly Father protect you as you go back to your homes, and may he ever bless you for the unselfish service you have rendered. We shall cherish the memory of your inspirational singing that you have given us this day. I should like to express, also, our appreciation to the approximately 2,000 singers from Utah, California, and Oregon who have presented special music for this general conference--two thousand singers who have furnished music for the Primary conference sessions, for the priesthood meeting, and [page 121] Sunday School conference! Freely have they given of their time and talents to help make this conference a success. Many of them traveled at their own expense. Let me just repeat the groups: Saturday night in this tabernacle, we had the Portland Stake priesthood chorus at the priesthood meeting, under the direction of Elder Bruce Kelly. Fifty-three thousand members of the priesthood heard their inspirational singing Saturday night over a closed circuit in 244 buildings throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. On Sunday, we had the Tabernacle Choir at the Sunday sessions, under the direction of Elder Richard P. Condie. You remember that inspiring day. On Monday, the Mormon Choir of Southern California sang at the two sessions under the direction of Elder H. Frederick Davis. Monday night, in the Tabernacle, we had the Salt Lake Valley Regional Mission Choir, at the missionary meeting. This small chorus under the direction of Elder Rudy Mueller, sang hymns in the different tongues. Today, the Brigham Young University Combined Choruses, under the direction of Dr. Newell B. Weight and Don L. Earl furnished the singing. We are the recipients of inspiration and blessing from these various groups. While we thank the members from Brigham Young University, we are not unmindful of all the others. I wish also to express appreciation and gratitude to all who have in any way contributed to the success of this great conference. First, to the General Authorities we express deep appreciation for the inspirational messages they have given us. The latest conference is always said to be the best, but really this has been the best conference I think we have ever held. I should like to express appreciation to the public press and the reporters for their fair and accurate reports throughout the sessions of the conference. Third, in your behalf, I express appreciation for the co-operation of the city officials; the city traffic officers especially, in their expert handling of the increased traffic; to the fire department, on hand for any emergency; to the Red Cross members, whom you see around, ready to take care of anybody who might suddenly be taken ill. I have mentioned already our ushers who have rendered service in seating the great audiences of these conference sessions. We must not forget to thank the radio and television stations. Throughout our own city and the nation they have carried the sessions of this conference, and have been the means of permitting untold thousands of people to hear the conference proceedings--the most extensive television and radio coverage ever given the Church. Again we express appreciation for the lovely flowers that have beautified this building during our assemblies--scores of members of the Church have spent many hours in picking these flowers and in getting them ready for shipment to Salt Lake City. Ten thousand sweet peas were gathered under the direction of David M. Hansen of Mesa, Arizona, with the aid of the youth of the Mesa seminaries. Members of the Church in the Phoenix stakes sent a quantity of stocks. The Southern States Mission sent some thirty dozen gladioli. The Oakland-Berkeley Stake sent cala lilies and the Tacoma Stake sent fifty dozen daffodils, through the kindness and generosity of Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, Inc., Tacoma, Washington. One day, two men were walking near Emmaus, a town not far from Jerusalem and a man suddenly appeared by their side. They did not recognize him. After he left them, they said, "Did not our heart burn within us . . . ?" (Luke 24:32.) Luke tells us about that incident, after he had inquired of many people who had had some intimacy with Jesus. I think that there are many in this congregation, and I hope many who have been listening over radio and television who have had their hearts "burn within them" as they have listened not only to the inspirational singing, but to the sublime testimonies, and I hope as their hearts have burned within them, that they realized the message that went into their hearts. I hope they have an inkling, at least, of the divine truth that they are sons of God, and that that burning within them was just a touch of harmony between them and the infinite, the Spirit of God which [page 122] will enlighten our minds, quicken our understandings, and bring all things to our remembrance. If we were just animals, we should never have a feeling of that kind. That is evidence that man has a greater destiny than just a mere animal life. That is a touch of the spirit! Every man who has sensed that has a testimony himself and every woman also has a testimony herself, that man is a dual being. He has a body, just as all other animals have. But he has something that comes only from his Father in heaven, and he is entitled, is susceptible to whisperings, susceptible to influences from his Divine Parent, through the Holy Ghost, the medium between us and God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. This has been in a remarkable manner, an outstanding spiritual conference. I should like to say a word about that; it came to me last evening: The highest acquisition of the soul we have experienced--the spiritual, the divine in man; the supreme crowning gift that makes him king of all created beings. Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self, the consciousness of being above the passions, whether in anger or jealousy or envy, or hatred. To feel that you can be above those animal-like feelings, is to experience spirituality, and every man and woman whose heart burned when he or she heard the testimony of these brethren, experienced that spirituality. It is the realization of communion with Deity. No higher attainment can be reached than that. Remember what Paul said? "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery (the Revised Version leaves that out, but it does not leave out fornication), fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. ". . . hatred, variance, emulations wrath, strife, . . . heresies (I am not reading it all), "Envyings, . . . drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Gal. 5:1, 16, 17, 19-25.) We have had testimonies during this conference, the testimony of the Spirit, that we are children of our Father. We have had testimony that God is a living Being. We have had testimony that Christ is at the head of his Church. Have you not felt that testimony? We have had testimony of the Spirit that he has revealed in this dispensation the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Have you not felt that, too, this conference? We have never held a greater conference. I bear you that testimony that I know whereof I speak; that we must live in the spirit and get power thereby to overcome the lusts of the flesh as enumerated here by a man who knew. And you know, and the happier you will be if you live above the flesh. Conquer the animal within you when you are tempted to scold or find fault with your wife or with your husband. Control your tempers if prompted to deal unjustly with a wayward child. Young men and young women, conquer your own desires and obey your parents. Do not think that they are old-fashioned. They are more experienced than you. Love them, be kind to them. God bless those who have given the messages of this conference. They have risen to heights sublime. May he bless us all that we may go home with a firmer resolve than we have ever had before to live the gospel of Jesus Christ; to be kind to our neighbors, honest in our dealings, so that men seeing our good works may be led to glorify our Father which is in heaven, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 7, 1960 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY That is glorious. I am sure you will agree with me that the singing of these beautiful women, our mothers, bears evidence of the truth of the Lord's saying, "The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me." (D&C 25:12.) God bless them! "But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:34-40.) I am glad that text is in keeping with the plea made by Brother Lewis at the opening of the session in his invocation and that that spirit of faith in God and love for one's fellows dominates this session. Many who deny his divinity declare him to be the one perfect character, the peerless personality of history. Millions accept him as the Great Teacher whose teachings, however, are not applicable to modern social conditions. A few accept him for what he really is--"the Only Begotten of the Father"; who came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world and to bear the sins of the world. Last Monday morning, October third the Premier of Soviet Russia threatened that if the United Nations does not reorganize as he demands, the communist bloc will "rely on their own strength to block us." He also threatened to ignore the United Nation's peace-making machinery unless the Secretary General of the United Nations resign, and his position, that is, the Secretary's position, be replaced by a communist-styled, three-man presidium armed with veto powers. Who is this man who presumes to tell the United Nations what to do? He is a man who rejects the divinity of Jesus Christ and denies the existence of God, who is imbued with the false philosophy of Karl Marx, whose aim in life was "to dethrone God and destroy capitalism." He is a follower of Lenin, who said, "I want children to hate their parents who are not communists." The followers of these men, to gain their ends, "resort to all sorts of stratagems, maneuvers, illegal methods, evasions, and subterfuges." This atheistic attitude, and the advice to hate others, even one's own family, is just the opposite of the spirit of love as manifest and taught by the Savior. In sessions in another part of the United States are men who believe as I have indicated and who are willing to resort to any subterfuge, any scheme, that will further their ends to dethrone God. We appeal to God, who exists and lives, and with whom we are in harmony this morning--we have met in the name of his Beloved Son. About fifty years ago, Lord Balfour, Prime Minister of Great Britain, delivered a lecture in the McEwen Hall of the University of Edinburgh, upon the subject, "The Moral Value which Unites the Nations,"--the moral values. In an interesting and convincing manner, the gentleman presented the fundamental ties that unite the different nations of the world: First, common knowledge; second, common commercial interests; third, the intercourse of diplomatic relationships; fourth, the bonds of human friendships. The audience greeted his masterful address with a great outburst of applause. As the presiding officer arose to express his appreciation and that of the audience, a Japanese student who was doing graduate work at the university stood up, and leaning over the balcony said, "But Mr. Balfour, what about Jesus Christ?" Mr. Robin E. Spear, to whom Professor Lang related this incident, writes as follows: "One could have heard a pin drop in the hall. Everyone felt at once the justice of the rebuke. The leading statesman of the greatest Christian empire in the world had been dealing with the different ties that are to unite mankind and had omitted the one fundamental and essential bond. And everyone felt, too, the dramatic element in the situation--that the reminder of his forgetfulness had come from a Japanese student from a faraway, non-Christian land." Nearly two thousand years ago, Christ's chief apostle on one occasion when he was arraigned before the Jews for having healed an impotent man made the following declaration: "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12.) That was a most dramatic occasion, and it took strength and fearlessness to make that statement to those men, some of whom had participated in Christ's crucifixion. Peter, on that occasion, bore a strong testimony to those people These officers warned Peter and John; not to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified, but they heard Peter and John answer as I have read, and they saw the impotent man standing before them healed. They counseled among themselves what to do. Returning, they cautioned Peter and John not to preach Jesus Christ, but Peter, as spokesman under the inspiration of the Lord, answered: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Ibid., 4:19-20.) The knowledge that Jesus is truly the Son of the Living God had been declared by Peter in the presence of his Master on an occasion when Jesus and his apostles were at Caesarea Philippi when Christ had asked his disciples, ". . . Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? [a grammatical error, by the way, which comes down through the ages.] "And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. " [And Jesus] saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?" "And Simon Peter, the spokesman, fearless, impetuous by nature answered I Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona. [Simon, son of Jona]; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter [Simon's other name, which means a rock], and upon this rock [of revelation] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:13-18. Italics added.) Comparatively speaking, only a small group of men and women knew him as he really is--the Son of God, the Redeemer of mankind. This testimony has been revealed to every sincere man and woman who has conformed to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who [page 905] has obeyed the ordinances and become entitled to and has received the Spirit of God and that of the Holy Ghost. Every individual stands independent in his sphere in that testimony, just as these thousands of incandescent lamps which make Salt Lake City so brilliant at night, each one of which stands and shines in its own sphere, yet the light in it is produced by the same power the same energy from which all the other lights receive their energy. So each individual in the Church stands independently in his sphere, independently in the knowledge that God lives, that the Savior is the Redeemer of the world, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through Joseph Smith the Prophet. "To some it is given," says the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants, "by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world." (D&C 46:13.) It is to these I refer who stand firm upon the rock of revelation in the testimony that they bear to the world. But the Lord says further that there are those to whom it is given to believe upon the testimony of the words of others. Note that. They believe upon the words of others that they may also receive salvation if they continue faithful. For all these, however, there comes a testimony also of daily experience. The members of the Church throughout the world find confirmation of their testimony in every performance of duty. They know that the gospel teaches them to be better individuals, that obedience to the principles of the gospel makes them stronger men and truer women. Every day such knowledge comes to them, and they cannot gainsay it. They know that obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ makes them happier, better, and truer husbands, true and honored wives, obedient children. They know that obedience to the principles of the gospel makes them in every respect ideal home builders. The ideal is there. They sense it in their minds. They cannot gainsay it. They know it, and they know that transgression of these principles will have the opposite effect upon their individual lives and upon their home lives. They know that obedience to the gospel fosters true brotherhood and fellowship among mankind. They know that they are better citizens by virtue of obedience to the laws and ordinances. So, as they go through their daily activities and apply religion in their weekly vocations, the truth of the gospel becomes exemplified in their lives, thus with a testimony of the Spirit the testimony of reason, and the testimony of daily experience, members of the Church throughout the world stand impregnable. I have always been strongly impressed with a statement by Thomas Nixon Carver in his book, The Religion Worth Having, wherein he says: "The church that can say to the unchurched, 'Our way is best because it works best, our people are efficient, prosperous, and happy because we are a body who aid one another in the productive life; we waste none of our substance in vice, luxury, or ostentation; we do not dissipate our energy in brawling, gambling, or unwholesome habits; we conserve our resources of body and mind and devote them to the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God, which is not a mystical, but a real kingdom; it is a body of people dominated by ideas of productivity, which is mutual service. We do not strive for the things that satisfy but for the moment and then leave a bad taste; we strive for the things which build us up and enable us and our children to become strong to flourish, and to conquer. We strive to make ourselves worthy to receive the world by fitting ourselves to use the world more productively than others. We believe that obedience to God means obedience to the laws of nature, which are but the manifestations of His will, and we try by painstaking study to acquire a most complete and exact knowledge of that will, in order that we may conform ourselves to it. We believe that a reverence for God is respect for these laws; that meekness is teachableness and willingness to learn by observation and experience. By practicing this kind of meekness or teachableness we believe that we shall inherit the earth, whereas the unmeek, the unteachable, who are dominated by pride of tradition, shall not. We offer you hard work, frugal fare, severe discipline, but a share in the conquest of the world for the religion of the productive life.' Such a church," he continues, "is founded upon the rock of economic efficiency and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." My testimony, as yours, is that this Church of Jesus Christ can offer to the world all the good things which this author is looking for, and more, because God has revealed more in the government and conduct of his Church. Brethren and sisters, the testimony of the gospel is an anchor to the soul in the midst of confusion and strife. Knowledge of God and his laws means stability, means contentment, means peace, and with that a heart full of love reaching out to our fellow men, offering the same blessings the same privileges. Love will beget tolerance and kindness. Now I suggest that during the next month or so, when our towns and cities and states will be more or less stirred by political contention, that we restrain ow tempers, control our tongues, and try to manifest charity and love for one another. Let us not besmear our brother's reputation. I mean that while we are urging our particular political belief, that we avoid dealing in personalities. We cannot afford to hurt our brother's feelings and wound him. Leaders in the Church, in fact all members thereof, are striving to establish the kingdom of God. Let us hold to that fact as the anchor of our soul and then breathe forth charity and love to those who may not see just as we do. "Oh, brother Man! fold to thy heart thy brother, Where pity dwells, the peace of God is there; To worship rightly is to love each other, Each smile a hymn, each kindly deed a prayer. "Follow with reverent steps the great example Of Him whose holy work was 'doing good'; So shall the wide earth seem ow Father's temple, Each loving life a psalm of gratitude. "Then shall all shackles fall; the stormy clangor Of wild war music o'er the earth shall cease; Love shall tread out the baleful fire of anger And in its ashes plant the tree of peace!" (John Greenleaf Whittier) In conclusion, let us stand with our hearts centered and our aims firmly fixed upon this eternal truth--that the gospel of Jesus Christ is among men for the redemption and salvation of the human family. Let us go forth in that spirit and deal with ow fellow men in the spirit of love and kindness. Let us work in ow councils, in ow quorums, guided by that same spirit. God grant that we may remain true to the Church, that we may ever be found defending the men whom God has called to guide us, and realize that harmony with them means that we are in harmony with God, for he sustains them. I pray for this blessing for all of us throughout the entire world, and that each member may carry the responsibility of his membership in the Church preparatory to the establishment of the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. General Priesthood Meeting addresses for October 1960 are not available at this time. October 9, 1960 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay We must take time before the closing song and benediction to express a word of appreciation to those who have contributed to the success and comfort of those who have attended this great conference. I wish first to mention the officers of this city who have watched with care the number of automobiles and their occupants and guided so successfully the hundreds of cars and taken care of the thousands of people who have surrounded the block and driven to and fro. You have noticed them on every corner-their courtesy, their attention, their protecting and guiding care, and in your behalf, in behalf of the General Authorities particularly, I express thanks to the city government, and to the police who have protected your interests so carefully and so ably. To the General Authorities we express deep appreciation for the inspirational messages they have given us. We haven't had any better. The Lord has guided us from this pulpit during our sessions in the daytime and last evening. We must not be unmindful of the reporters for their fair and accurate reports through our sessions of this conference. They have been here daily and given to the people, to their subscribers, and to the world a very accurate report, not only in word but in the spirit of messages given at this conference. The fire department and the Red Cross have been on hand to render assistance and service whenever or wherever needed. The Tabernacle ushers [page 954] have rendered service in seating the vast audiences of these conference sessions. We have expressed before, but repeat, our appreciation to the radio and television stations--forty-five television and sixty-two radio stations throughout our own city and the nation have carried the proceedings of this conference. This has been the means of permitting untold thousands of persons to hear the sermons given during the one hundred thirtieth semi-annual conference. They have rendered that service free. We appreciate especially those who have furnished the singing throughout the conference. I remind you again of the Relief Society Singing Mothers from the Ogden and northern Utah regions, who furnished the singing for the Friday morning and Friday afternoon sessions; also the University of Utah Choral Society and the Bonneville Strings--the singers from the Institute of Religion and the University of Utah choral groups, who furnished the singing for the Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon sessions. Both those sessions were inspirational. Think of the hours that the mothers spend practicing, and think of those young people, of the hours and hours that they practised, and of their willingness to come and give their talents so impressively. And then last evening, the male members of the Tabernacle Choir came in a body, dressed neatly, in a dignified way, and impressed the fifty thousand priesthood members of the Church with their excellent singing. Today we are privileged to have the Tabernacle Choir! Words cannot express our heartfelt feelings for their devotion to the cause. I met one sister the other day who was a member for many years, but she has retired. Her heart was just overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity she had had in singing as a member of this choir. That is the feeling that these sisters and the brethren have as they sit under the baton of this great leader and his assistant, practicing hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month, to become efficient in this great choral organization. We do not say much about it, brethren and sisters, but we do appreciate what you are doing! Too many of us are like that Scotsman of whom I told you, who had lost his wife by death, and his neighbor came in, gave comfort, and said what a good neighbor she had been, how thoughtful of others, what a good wife she had been to Jock, who was mourning. Jock said, "Aye, Tammas, Janet was a guid woman, a guid neighbor as you say; she was a' you say an' mair. She was aye a guid, true wifey tae me, and I cam' near tellin' her sae aince or twice." We express again our appreciation to those who sent these lovely flowers to us. We want to thank all those who have contributed in any way to the success and inspiration of this great conference. Now, brethren and sisters, may I say just a word in conclusion. I have a deep admiration in my heart for Simon Peter, President of the Twelve Apostles. He said in one of his general epistles: ". . . to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of Cod, and of Jesus our Lord, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:1-4.) That comes from Simon Peter who was only two and a half years--a little more--in the personal presence of his Lord. Before that he did not care much for the Church, but before this writing he had a testimony of the divinity of the Sonship of Jesus Christ. More than that, he had experienced that communion of the Spirit with his Resurrected Lord, and speaks here of being a partaker of the divine awe. Hold to that thought in the midst of an atheistic world, mentioned by Brother Benson and others, while there are godless men who deny the resurrection of Christ, who deny his living spirit, and who have taught for forty years young men and young women to deny him. That is a terrible thing when you think of it. Some of us thought twenty years ago that such a godless organization would break of its own weight, and now young men who were ten years of age when communistic ideology took possession of so many are now fifty years of age. Peter says to those who knew Christ, who had partaken of his Spirit: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; "And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. "For if these things [virtues] be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ibid., 1:4-8.) To know God and his Beloved Son is eternal life. I do not know the author, but there comes to my mind now these lines: "Admire the goodness of Almighty God He riches gave, intellectual strength to few Nor now commands to be nor rich, nor learned Nor promises reward of peace to these. On all He moral worth bestowed, And moral tribute asks from all. And who that could not pay?-- Who born so poor, of intellect so mean As not to know what seemed the best And knowing might not do? And He who acted thus fulfilled the law eternal And His promises reaped in peace. Who sought else (did not do what his judgment bade or the spirit prompted) sought mellow grapes beneath the icy poles, Sought blooming roses on the cheek of death, Sought substance in a world of fleeting shades." God help us to be partakers of the DIVINE NATURE. May the spirit of this great conference radiate from your hearts to those whom you will meet when you go back to your stakes and wards, and especially may it radiate in your homes, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1961 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." (Eccl. 11:9.) These words were written by The Preacher, son of David of old, approximately nine hundred and seventy-seven years before Christ--admonitions to youth as applicable in this year 1961 after Christ as they were nearly three thousand years ago! ". . . but know thou, [page 5] that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." Every sixth day of April, General Authorities, officers, and members of the Church meet in general conference to hear reports of the progress of the Church, sustain officers, consider matters pertaining to the restored gospel, and take such action as the official representatives of the Church may deem necessary and helpful. If the question were asked this morning, "In what respect during the last year has the Church made the most commendable progress?" I would not answer: "In financial matters," although it is a fact that perhaps never before have the financial interests of the Church been more prosperous. I would not say: "In the increase of the number of new houses of worship," although members of the Church have put forth more effort and built and paid for more chapels than in any other similar period of the past; for example I find that during the year 1960 there were 111 Church buildings dedicated; fifty other buildings are ready to be dedicated. There are completed, but not dedicated because they are not entirely paid for, 233 buildings, or a total of Church buildings constructed and dedicated in 1960 of 394. We have no information compiled for the first three months of 1961, but it is estimated that buildings in the planning stage and under construction would exceed the 900 mark. If we were to ask for the most commendable progress, I would not answer: "In the increased membership," although in the last thirteen months the growth of the Church in numbers in the stakes and in the missions has been most encouraging. There has been an increase of a figure approaching the 100,000 mark. This afternoon we shall find the total membership given in the statistics. ~5.1 I would not answer that the most commendable progress has been in better understanding among the leaders of municipalities, newspaper editors, and well-informed people generally regarding the purposes, organization, and contributions of the Church toward peace and the ultimate destiny of the world. I would answer that the most encouraging progress of the Church during the last year is seen in the increased number of young people participating in Church activity. We hear much about the delinquency and incorrigibility of youth. I desire to say a word this morning about their corrigibility, as we have seen it and noticed it in visiting in different parts of the Church. For example, on Sunday, March 26, 1961, I attended the dedicatory services of the Bountiful South Stake Center and Bountiful Eighth Ward Church edifice. There were in attendance over 1,700 people, the majority of whom impressed me as being young members of the Primary Association and teenagers. That same evening I attended the Sacrament meeting of the Garden Heights Ward, Canyon Rim Stake. Here again a large proportion of the congregation was made up of young people. Two weeks ago today in our regular weekly meeting, one of the brethren of the General Authorities, I think it was Brother Mark E. Petersen, reported that he learned recently while attending the Bear River Stake conference that four wards in that stake had a Sacrament meeting attendance for one month of above fifty percent of the entire membership of the ward, and two of these four wards were in the sixty percent bracket. The Oneida Stake had a yearlong average high in the forties, and some wards had sixty percent, and even seventy percent in attendance. In each case the young people were a conspicuous part of the audience. For this increased attendance of young people much credit is due to the Presiding Bishopric, who have put forth special effort to have the deacons teachers, and priests attend Sacrament meetings. And right here I would like to say to this vast congregation that it is a significant fact in Church organization that the bishop of the ward is not only ordained to preside over his particular ecclesiastical group but is also set apart by divine appointment as president of the priests' quorum, made up of 18, 19, and 20-year-old young men who, with young women of corresponding age, literally carve the moral atmosphere of the community. Much of this activity of the young is due to the Mutual Improvement Associations, who have placed special emphasis upon the attendance of members of the MIA at Sacrament meetings. The Primary general presidency and board and stake and ward workers merit great credit also. But I know and you know that mere attendance at Church and other acts of piety signify little if the person does not conform his acts and his speech to the principles of the gospel. Into three principal environments the child is daily thrown, which direct his actions, inspire his behavior in all his contacts with his fellow beings, enable him to control himself or to become a slave to his appetites, his passions, and desires. These three environments are: the home, the school, the church. Beaconsfield wisely wrote: "I have always felt that the best security for civilization is the dwelling, and that upon properly appointed and becoming dwellings depends more than anything else the improvement of mankind. Such dwellings are the nursery of all domestic virtues, and without a becoming home, the exercise of those virtues is impossible." It is not generally conceded by educators nor by parents that the real education of a child begins early in home life. One of our best modern philosophers, referring to the value of education in childhood, says this: "Time does not have the same value in childhood as in later years. A year is much longer, physiologically and psychologically, for a child than for a man. One year for a child of ten corresponds to two years for a man of twenty. When the child is younger, the discrepancy is still greater. The time elapsed between the third and seventh year probably represents a duration equivalent to fifteen or twenty years for a grown man. "Now, it is precisely at this age that a child builds up the framework into which all the events of his future life will fit, and in particular his moral code. This explains the considerable amount of knowledge a child can accumulate during his first years. It would be highly desirable for parents and educators to take this fact into consideration. "The moral education of a child is different from that given to a man. Indeed, for the very young it is important not to judge the gravity of a fault by its consequences. For a child a fault is serious in itself--absolutely and not relatively--because it has been decreed that it is grave. Only the absolute character of a fault can impart to the child a true moral discipline without which progress is impossible. "It is impossible to model a child morally if this principle is not followed, for the faults are almost always venial by their consequences. It is only during the most tender age that the character can be formed." (From Human Destiny by Lecomte du Nouy, pp. 208-209.) Parents dress their children in the best clothes when children go out in "company." They cannot so change their characters. What traits of character the child develops in the home, he takes with him into society. The selfish, morose nature, or his cheerful kind, radiant soul developing in home environment goes with him when he joins the social group. If you want your child to be courteous in society, teach him to be courteous in the home. "If you please," "thank you," "pardon me," are terms of culture more applicable and more educative in the home than in social circles. Into our schools and churches come too many children from homes where the fundamental virtues of true manhood and beautiful womanhood are seldom taught and more infrequently practised. In schools, in this Christian land, the teaching of Church dogma is forbidden, but the teaching of true citizenship--honesty, loyalty, the keeping of a promise, and other virtues that contribute to the dignity of man--is not banned. Students reflecting these high ideals. recently made a trip to California. The Deseret News made the following comments about them: "Vigorous, ambitious carefree youth bears slightly more than its share of the criticism folks pass on to each other in these critical times but when youth acquits itself in such a way as to win the admiration and praise of many observers, the occasion should not be permitted to pass unnoticed. "Such a favorable impression was left with our California friends when the chosen music students of the Salt Lake area junior and senior high schools so becomingly upheld the lofty idealism of their schools, their homes, and their city when they participated recently in the Musical Educators National Convention at Santa Monica, California. Choral and orchestral groups made up the Salt Lake entourage to the conclave. "Typical of the impression our youngsters left with their hosts is this tribute by the associate manager of the hotel where the students of the Granite District were housed: 'It is seldom that a hotel has an opportunity to have its house occupied with such delightful, well-mannered, clean-cut children as the MENC group that Mr. Moroni L. Jensen brought to Santa Monica. . . . We are writing this letter to let you know what a wonderful impression the children of Salt Lake City and Mr. Jensen made.'" If they had been delinquents, boisterous, unladylike, ungentlemanlike, the papers would have told us about it. We thank these hotel people for paying this tribute to our boys and girls, who are truly representative children of good homes. Man should so conduct himself as to merit the trust of his fellows. "There is a unanimity of thought in this," writes a wise philosopher, "which is to be found nowhere else except on the subject of the ten commandments, but the effort made to impress this idea indelibly on the minds of children in the shape of automatic conditioned reflexes is so slight that one is aghast. The equilibrium of the whole world, not only peace, but justice, commerce, industry, science, rests on the confidence in the integrity and in the word of men, and all the moral teaching given to youth in the course of ten or fifteen years of education and instruction certainly does not represent more than a few hours, in certain cases a few days. The young are stuffed with many useless details and the essential is passed over in silence." (The "essential" meaning moral training, teaching them the dignity of true manhood.) "Farmers might as well be taught to grow flowers in borders without learning how to cultivate a field; or young girls be taught the art of make-up without learning how to wash. Examinations deal with a quantity of facts destined to be forgotten in three months, or which are purely technical; children are trained to behave decently in public, but nobody dreams of making them repeat daily, as a prayer: 'Every promise is sacred. No one is obliged to give a pledge, but he who breaks his given word is dishonored. He commits an unpardonable crime against his dignity; he betrays; he covers himself with shame; he excludes himself from human society.' "If this is not in reality a prayer it Is a creed which, by expressing faith in the dignity of Man addresses itself beyond him, to God from whom we have received it." He who is purported to have been the wisest American wrote years ago: "Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be fit to live as well as to think." (Emerson.) In the Church, increased participation in church activity indicates a desire to be a partaker of spirituality, the highest acquisition of the soul, and young people desire it. I know there are many who haven't that feeling, many who do not come, but you know, fellow workers, that the young people like that which is good and true. I am grateful for the sweet assurance that God is my Father, and I should like to have the youth of Israel feel so close to him that they will approach him daily in secret prayer. I would have them have the trust in him which the little blind girl had in her father. One day she was sitting on his lap in the train, and a friend sitting by said, "Let me rest you," and he reached over and took the little child on his lap. The father said to her, "Do you know who is holding you?" "No," she replied, "but you do." Just so real should be the trust which our boys and girls have in their Father in heaven. If our young people will have this faith, and so approach the Lord, there are at least four great blessings which will come to them here and now. The first is Gratitude. Their souls will be filled with thanksgiving for what God has done for them. They will find themselves rich in favors bestowed. The young man who closes the door behind him, who draws the curtains, and there in silence pleads with God for help should first pour out his soul in gratitude for health, for friends, for loved ones, for the gospel, for the manifestations of God's existence. He should first count his many blessings and name them one by one. The second blessing of prayer is Guidance. I cannot conceive of a young man's going astray who will kneel down by his bedside in the morning and pray to God to help him keep himself unspotted from the sins of the world. I think that a young girl will not go far wrong who will kneel down in the morning and pray that she might be kept pure and spotless during the coming day. I cannot think that a Latter-day Saint will hold enmity in his heart if he will sincerely, in secret, pray God to remove from his heart all feelings of envy and malice toward any of his fellow men. Guidance? Yes, God will be there to guide and direct him who will seek him in faith with all his might and with all his soul. The third blessing is Confidence. All over this land there are thousands and tens of thousands of students who are struggling to get an education. In the Church, let us teach these students that if they want to succeed in their lessons, they should seek their God; that the greatest Teacher known to the world stands near to guide them. Once the student feels that he can approach the Lord through prayer, he will receive confidence that he can get his lessons, that he can write his speech, that he can stand up before his fellow students and deliver his message without fear of failure. Confidence comes through sincere prayer. Finally, he will get Inspiration. It is not imagination, if we approach God sincerely seeking light and guidance from him, our minds will be enlightened and our souls thrilled by his Spirit. Washington sought it; Lincoln received it; Joseph Smith knew it; and the testimony, the evidence of the Prophet Joseph's inspiration is manifest to all who will but open their eyes to see and their hearts to understand. Heaven guide you, our Youth, wherever you are. As long as you will keep yourselves pure and spotless and prayerfully and earnestly keep close to your Father in heaven, his Spirit will guide you, magnify you in your youth, and make you a power on the earth for good. Your Father in heaven is ever ready to give you help in time of need and give you comfort and strength if you will approach him in purity, simplicity, and faith. In his poem, "Anchored to the Infinite," Edwin Markham says: "The builder who first bridged Niagara's gorge, Before he swung his cable, shore to shore, Sent out across the gulf his venturing kite Bearing a slender cord for unseen hands To grasp upon the further cliff, and draw A greater cord, and a greater yet; 'Til at the last across the chasm swung The cable--then a mighty bridge in air! So we may send our little timid thought Across the void, out to God's reaching hands-- Send out our love and faith to thread the deep, Thought after thought until the little cord Has greatened to a chain no chance can break, And--we are anchored to the Infinite!" I repeat, God bless you, our Youth that you may send out your thoughts in prayer and faith and receive the assurance that you are anchored to the Infinite, in God our Father and his Holy Son, the Redeemer of the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 8, 1961 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY I have just been handed a paper giving the general priesthood conference count, April 8, 1961. These reports have come in early. Attendance in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, 8,097. In the Assembly Hall, Barratt Hall, and grounds, 2,688. A total attendance on these two blocks, 10,785. Attendance in other places is to be reported by mail later. For comparison, in April 1960, we had 10,432 on the grounds; in October, 1960, 9,911; so we have 10,785 tonight, the largest we have ever had. We have had a remarkable meeting. We shall report to you tomorrow how many are in the other chapels listening in to this inspirational missionary meeting. In the congregations there are thousands, tens of thousands of young men of the Lesser Priesthood--our future missionaries. I shall just ask the bishops to call their attention to the following. To render service for two or three years in the mission field is a blessing to anyone. It is recognized as such by thousands of parents throughout the Church who appreciate the value of such labor to their sons and daughters, in whom this experience awakens an appreciation of home and of the gospel. Parents know also that missionary activity brings into the plane of consciousness a knowledge of the truth of the gospel, which the young men have perhaps felt but not expressed. Bishops, it is well for us to have in mind not so much the benefit to those representatives as their preparation and fitness to carry on the responsibilities entailed in a missionary call. In choosing a missionary it is well to keep in mind questions as follows: Is he worthy to represent the Church? Has he sufficient will power to resist temptation? Has he kept himself clean while he has been home and by that standard proved himself capable of resisting possible temptation in the field? Has he taken active part in Church organizations at home? Does he at least glimpse what the Church has to offer the world? Has he glimpsed that the Church is the greatest thing in the world, and the only authorized group to represent the Lord Jesus Christ in the salvation of mankind? I use the word glimpsed because many of our young men hesitate to bear their testimonies. They say they don't know--they believe. But if they will just stop to analyze what this Church does to the individual, first in keeping himself clean and unspotted; second, in keeping the Word of Wisdom; third, in keeping chaste and pure; if he just studies and realizes and even just glimpses what it does for the home--no drunken father, if he is a member of the Church; no disloyal husband; no mother who makes home unhappy by her infidelity--a home keeping the standards of the Church, is a happy home; an unbroken home--a home where boys and girls take turns in offering prayer, in courtesy and mutual helpfulness. That is what we mean by "glimpsing." Has he taken active part in Church organizations? I do not have time to elaborate upon that. Has he, through prayer, or experience, felt God's nearness to him, so that he can approach the Lord as he would his earthly father? Young men, please keep those questions in mind as you take part in your [page 97] deacons' quorums, teachers' quorums, priests' quorums, elders' quorums; and as you prepare in activity at home, in personal life, and in your schoolwork to qualify yourselves to go out as representatives. May you be among those who can be trusted--a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, I humbly pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. April 9, 1961 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY I think it was Thomas Carlyle who said that one of the most Godlike of virtues is the appreciation of human worth as shown by the hearts of men. I am sure, at the conclusion of this great, inspirational conference, that you would have me express your appreciation of the services rendered by all who have contributed to the success and spirituality of our four days' conference. First, to the General Authorities, we express deep appreciation for the inspirational messages you have given to us, and in that expression we express gratitude to our Father in heaven for having inspired each one who has spoken. To the public press, you reporters and your fair and accurate reports throughout the sessions of the conference, your devotion and your attendance at all the services during the day or evening sessions. We appreciate the co-operation of the city officials and commend especially the traffic officers for handling so carefully and ably the increased traffic; the fire department and the Red Cross, who have been on hand to render assistance and service whenever and wherever their service would be needed. To the Tabernacle ushers, who have rendered a service quietly and efficiently in seating the great audiences of these conference sessions. I noticed one in the gallery and his courtesy in the way he handled one who rendered a little disturbance. We mention especially the radio and television officers and officials--twenty-seven television and eighteen radio stations throughout our own city and the nation have carried the sessions of this conference. This has been the means of permitting untold thousands to hear the proceedings of the 131st conference of this Church. Friday we had a meeting never held before in the history of the Church. It was a meeting of officers of stakes beyond the boundaries of our country. Attending this meeting were stake presidencies from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and Holland who met and received instructions from members of the Council of the Twelve officers of the Bishopric, and members of auxiliary organizations. That is an epoch-making event in our history! We appreciate those who furnished the singing throughout this entire conference. I know your hearts respond most heartily to expressions of gratitude for the inspiration we have received ever since the opening session when the Primary Teachers' Chorus from nineteen stakes of Utah County rendered such inspirational singing. They filled the seats usually occupied by the Tabernacle Choir members, and also seats on each side of the gallery. I think you will always remember that solo by thirteen-year-old Ronnie Clark. There was some question about having him sing, but his voice rang out in such clearness that not only those in this Tabernacle were thrilled, but also thousands listening on the radio. To the combined choirs of the Logan Institute of Religion and the Utah State University we extend our thanks for their singing on Saturday morning and afternoon. We never have a group of young people filling these choir seats without being thrilled, not only by their singing, but also by their presence and their attitude towards religious matters. The Men's Chorus of the Tabernacle Choir Saturday night--what a thrill they gave us, and always do, at that inspirational gathering! We were also thrilled with the tenor solo by Brother Dennis Clancy of Dundee, Scotland, singing, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." Today, I think we have never heard the "Hallelujah Chorus" sung as you heard the Tabernacle Choir render that beautiful and inspiring oratorio at the conclusion of this morning's session. We thank the leaders and officers of the choir and especially you men and women who devote so much of your time and give so freely of your means to inspire not only the entire Church, but also now the whole world. We acknowledge the flowers--the daffodils from Puyallup Valley Daffodil Company, the calla lilies from the high [page 131] priests' quorum of the Oakland-Berkeley Stake, the ten thousand sweet peas from the Mesa (Arizona) Eleventh Ward and all others who have contributed in any way to the success and inspiration of a great and memorable conference. I should like to say just a word at the conclusion in expressing appreciation of the worth of man, of the service of the members of the Church in building chapels, and in other responses to the calls that are made of you. I marvel and I think all members of the Church marvel, as well as those outside of the Church, at what the members are doing by way of improving places of worship and of supplying the need for public worship. Services will be held one day for the breaking of the ground--a simple matter--and one year or eighteen months later, a building will be dedicated, fifty percent of the cost of which was borne by the people themselves out of their meager earnings, and the principal part of that activity and that contribution came from our sisters who labored diligently and unceasingly to gather the necessary means so that the ward will meet its share of the expenses of the erection of the house of worship. God bless our sisters, and I say that with all my heart. And now, brethren and sisters, in summary, let me emphasize that the noblest aim in life is to strive to live to make other lives better and happier The most worthy calling in life is that in which man can serve best his fellow man. Browning touches that great theme in his poem, "Paracelsus." You students, remember how Paracelsus started out to gain knowledge for himself, even though it took him away from the people themselves. His friend Festus warned him not to withdraw from the people, but Paracelsus concluded that he would gain learning at the expense of anybody or anything, and when Festus cautioned him, he said: "Festus, are there not two experiences in the life of a diver, One--when, a beggar, he prepares to plunge, One--when, a prince, he rises with his pearl? Festus, I plunge." And his friend standing by said: "We await you when you rise." Years later, after Paracelsus had failed in his efforts to find the soul satisfaction he sought, Festus found him in a conjurer's house, and Browning puts into his mouth the following: "There is an answer to the passionate longings of the human heart for fulness, and I knew it, and the answer is this: Live in all things outside yourself by love, and you will have joy. That is the life of God; it ought to be our life. In Him it is accomplished and perfect, but in all created things, it is a lesson learned slowly through difficulty." Such is the divine message given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in these words: "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (D&C 18:10.) Such is the philosophy expressed by the Redeemer in the seemingly paradoxical statement, "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:25.) The meaning of this becomes clear in the light of another passage which says: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Ibid. 25:40.) To no other group of men in all the world is given a better opportunity to engage in the noblest calling in life than that which is afforded the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To establish salvation and peace to the extent of their individual efforts, their lives are dedicated. To make the world a better or a safer or a fitter place for man, their talents and means are consecrated. Just to be associated with you, with men striving toward such an aim, is joy; and to assist you in this quest, an inspiration. Unselfishly you are trying to serve your fellow men in love. You are true followers of the Master for to those who have the Christian faith, the most sublime of its teachings, and to him who penetrates its deepest sense the most human of all is this: To save mankind, God came to dwell among us [page 132] in the form of man and was willing to make himself known by this simple though glorious principle, Love. The animal world is filled with selfishness, each thing seeking its own life, its own perpetuation. But Christ lived for love. ". . . love the Lord thy God with all thy might, mind, and strength, and thy neighbour as thyself." (See Mark 12:30-31.) God bless the elders and our sisters who, if not with perfect love, at least with a desire to bring joy and peace to others, are engaged in the noblest calling of life. Worthy servants of Christ you are! Teachers, followers of the true Teacher, the great Exemplar of all, our Redeemer, our Lord. There is none greater than this noble work, none more righteous. Yours is the joy promised by the Savior, who said: "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! "And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (D&C 18:15-16.) That is the word of the Lord. God sanctify this wonderful conference to the good of all who have listened in, and through you who are present, your households and your young boys and girls who have not heard, but who will feel your influence in your own homes. May the homes of the Church everywhere be better because of this conference than they have been in the past and be an example to the whole world, a great majority of whom during the last forty years have had their minds poisoned by a false ideology that rejects the existence of God the Father, refuses to acknowledge the divinity of his Son Jesus Christ, and would destroy the home life, the very foundation of our future by taking the children and making them members of the state instead of leaving them with their mothers and fathers. With all the power that we possess, we bless you, members of the Church of Jesus Christ. May the power and the inspiration that have characterized this great conference, including last night's great priesthood meeting, go to every corner of the earth where there is a branch or where a family lives, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. September 29, 1961 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Clouds hung over the eastern horizon this morning. When I met my associates, I noticed that some of them were carrying their topcoats, but I am pleased to see the sun shining at the opening of this great conference. There are many in the world who see hanging over the international horizon threatening clouds also. There are storms ahead! I am prompted by the outlook to take as a text for the few words that I shall say this morning, an encouraging thought from the Thirty-first Psalm: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24.) Sixty or seventy years ago, when United States history was an essential course in elementary public school teaching, many a boy was thrilled by Patrick Henry's dramatic declaration: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death !" Patrick Henry was then a delegate to the Second Revolutionary Convention held at Richmond, Virginia. March 23, 1775. The Creator, who gave man life planted in his heart the seed of liberty. Free agency, as life, is a gift from God. "Do you wish to be free? Then above all things, love God, love your neighbor, love one another, love the common weal; then you will have true liberty." (Savonarola.) Last Saturday, September 23, 1961, fearing they might be deprived of this inalienable right, two women--"one fifty-seven and the other sixty-three, leaped from an East Berlin apartment building, fronting on a West Berlin street. West Berlin firemen caught them in a safety net while communist police [Vopos] looked on without shooting. "West Berlin police reported that another family in a border house was preparing to leap into the firemen's nets when the lights in their apartment suddenly went out." The local press tells us that "when the lights flashed on again, West Berliners saw the apartment was full of Vopos [policemen]. There was no sign of the would-be escapees." (Deseret News-Salt Lake Telegram, September 23, 1961.) A West Berlin official said the largest number of refugees ever reported in a single day was 3,793 persons who fled to Berlin on May 28, 1953. It is reported that new arrivals in 1961 (this year) have increased the number of refugees who have fled East Germany during the month of August to nearly 20,000. More than 150,000 seeking freedom from the domination of communism have crossed the border so far this year -- 150,000! (See Ibid., August 12, 1961.) In contrast to the barbaric state-rule of the communist, from which these people are fleeing by the hundreds of thousands, I call your attention this morning to the freedom-loving spirit of America. On Bedloe's Island in New York harbor stands the Statue of Liberty--a gift of the French people to the American people. Israel Zangwill in The Melting Pot, gives the words spoken by David, the Russian emigrant Jew, as follows: "All my life America was waiting. beckoning, shining--the place where God would wipe away tears from off all faces. To think that the same great torch of Liberty which threw its light across all the seas and lands into my [page 6] little garret in Russia is shining also for all those other weeping millions of Europe, shining wherever men hunger and are oppressed, shining over the starving villages of Italy, Ireland, over the swarming, starving cities of Poland, and Galicia, over the ruined farms of Romania, over the shambles of Russia. When I look at our Statue of Liberty, I just seem to hear the voice of America crying: 'Come unto me, all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'" In the September 1961, issue of Highways to Happiness, a little pamphlet many of you receive, I was pleased with the timely comment that, and I quote: "America is a land of but one people gathered from many nations. Some came for love of money. and some came for love of freedom. Whatever the lure that brought them here each gave his gift. Irish lad and scotch, Englishman and Dutch, Italian, Greek, and French, Spaniard, Slav, Teuton, Norse--all have come bearing gifts, and have laid them on the altar of America. "All brought music, and their instruments for the making of music. "All brought their poetry. winged tales of man's many passions; ballads of heroes and tunes of the sea; lilting scraps caught from sky and field, or mighty dramas that tell of primal struggles of the profoundest meaning. "Then, each brought some homely things, some touch of the familiar home field or forest, kitchen or dress--a favorite tree or fruit, an accustomed flower a style in cookery, or in costumes --each brought some homelike familiar thing. "Hatred of old-time neighbors, national prejudices and ambitions, traditional fears, set standards of living, graceless intolerance, class rights, and the demand of class--these were barred at the gates. "At the altar of America, we have sworn ourselves to a simple loyalty. We have bound ourselves to sacrifice and struggle, to plan and to work for this one land. We have given that we may gain; we have surrendered that we may have victory!" There is a significant reference in the Apocalypse to "a war in heaven." (See Rev. 12:7.) It is not only significant but also seemingly contradictory, for we think of heaven as a celestial abode of bliss, an impossible condition where war and contention could exist. The passage is significant inasmuch as it sets forth the fact there is freedom of choice and of action in the spirit world. This contention in heaven arose over the desire of Satan ". . . to destroy the agency of man, which I the Lord, had given him, . . ." (Moses 4:3.) Freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of action within boundaries that do not infringe upon the liberty of others are man's inherent right, granted him by his Creator--divine gifts "essential to human dignity and human happiness." "Therefore, cheer up your hearts," admonished an ancient prophet in the Book of Mormon, "and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves--. . ." (2 Nephi 10:23.) "This love of liberty which God has planted in us," said Abraham Lincoln, "constitutes the bulwark of our liberty and independence. It is not our frowning battlements, our bristling seacoasts, our army, and our navy. Our defense is in the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit, and we have planted the seeds of despotism at our very doors." Brethren, the opposite of freedom is bondage, servility, restraint--conditions that inhibit mentality, stifle the spirit, and crush manhood. To coerce, to compel, to bring into servitude is Satan's plan for the human family. Throughout the history of the world man has contended even to death to free himself from bondage and usurpation, or to retain the freedom he already possessed. This is particularly true in regard to the right to worship. Attempts to control the consciences of men have always resulted in conflict. To decide one's own relationship to the Creator and to his creations is the natural and inalienable right of all. Equally fundamental and important to man's happiness and progress is the right of personal security, the right of personal liberty, and the right of private property. The right of personal [page 7] security consists in the enjoyment of life, limbs, body, health, and reputation. Life, being the immediate gift of God, is a right inherent by nature in every individual. Likewise, man has a natural inherent right to his limbs. His personal liberty consists in the right of changing one's situation or habitation according to will. The right of property consists in the free use, enjoyment, and disposal of all acquisitions, without control or diminution save by the laws of the land. The right of private property is sacred and inviolable. If any part of these inalienable individual possessions should be required by the State, they should be given only with the consent of the people. When King John of England, whom Dickens calls "a coward and detestable villain," deprived his subjects of their liberties and ruthlessly burned and destroyed their property, the people rose up against him, brought him to Runnymede, and compelled him on Monday June 15, 1215, to affix his signature to the Great Charter of England by which, among other things, he pledged himself "to maintain the Church in its rights, to imprison no man without a fair trial, and to sell, delay, or deny justice to none." Five hundred and fifty years later, the American colonies imbued with the spirit that produced the Magna Charta, declared: "As the happiness of the people is the sole end of government, so the consent of the people is the only foundation of it, in reason, morality, and the natural fitness of things. And therefore every act of government, every exercise of sovereignty against or without the consent of the people is injustice, usurpation, and tyranny. It is a maxim that in every government there must exist somewhere a supreme, sovereign, absolute and uncontrollable power; and it never was, or can be delegated to one man or few; the great Creator having never given to men a right to vest others with authority over them unlimited either in duration or degree. "When kings, ministers, governors, or legislators, therefore, instead of exercising the powers intrusted with them according to the principles, forms, and proportions stated by the Constitution, and established by the original compact, prostitute those powers to the purposes of oppression; to subvert, instead of preserving the lives, liberties and properties of the people, they are no longer to be deemed magistrates vested with a sacred character, but become public enemies and ought to be resisted." (Adams, Works, I, p. 193.) My brethren and sisters, the ultimate purpose of Christianity in the world is to develop an honorable, upright individual in an ideal society known as the kingdom of God. Nearly two thousand years have passed, and the world is still a long way from the realization of either achievement. Indeed, today Christianity itself, and its handmaiden, Democracy, are on trial before the world tribunal. Conditions in this war-torn world seem to bear witness that men are forever learning, but never coming to a knowledge of the truth. Though true Christianity as expressed in the divine law, ". . . love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind . . . and thy neighbour as thyself," (Matt. 22:37, 39) has never yet been accepted and practised by the nations of the world, yet the Spirit of the Christ has, like leaven in the lump, been influencing society toward the realization of freedom, justice, and better harmony in human relations. In the world today, however, the spirit of paganism has again asserted itself and seems to be all but triumphant in its effort to overthrow the few Christian ideals that civilized peoples have absorbed. "If Western civilization emerges from existing situations safely, it will be only through a deeper appreciation--and note this--through a deeper appreciation of the social ethics of Jesus than it has yet shown. And our danger is increased rather than diminished by the fancied security in which our masses live." Merely an appreciation of the social ethics of Jesus, however, is not sufficient. Men's hearts must be changed. Instead of selfishness, men must be willing to dedicate their ability, their possessions-- [page 8] if necessary, their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for the alleviation of the ills of mankind. Hate must be supplanted by sympathy and forbearance. Force and compulsion will never establish the ideal society. This can come only by a transformation within the individual soul--a life brought into harmony with the divine will. We must be "born again." Though nearly 2,000 years have passed since Jesus taught the gospel of brotherhood, it seems as difficult for men today as in Christ's day to believe that peace and truth can come only by conforming our lives to the law of love. Men still find the greatest difficulty in accepting this central core of Christ's teachings. Manifestly, there has not been much cessation of man's inhumanity to man through the centuries. Notwithstanding this, I believe that right and truth will eventually triumph. Today, as we see hovering over the nations of the earth the ever-darkening clouds of nuclear war, we are prone to think that righteousness among men is waning. In our own beloved country, "a land choice above all other lands," we are grieved and shocked when the Supreme Court renders a decision ruling that it is unconstitutional for the Federal Government of any State to require a "belief in the existence of God" as a qualification for public office; also, we experience apprehension when we know that enemies to our republican form of government are becoming more blatant when we see political demagogues seemingly more successfuL drunkenness and immorality flauntingly defiant--seeing these conditions we wonder whether mankind is growing better or worse. In private life, disappointments, adversity, sickness, and sorrow make us discouraged and sometimes despondent. Still I am confident that truth will yet prevail, and in that confidence, say again with the Psalmist: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24.) We may take courage in what I believe is a fact, that in the hearts of more millions of honest men and women than ever before war is abhorrent. War has lost its false glamour and boasted glory. Such an attitude at least keeps alive our hope for the dawning of that day when men ". . . shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Isaiah 2:4.) How utterly foolish men are to quarrel, fight, and cause misery, destruction and death when the gifts of a Divine and Loving Father are all around us for the asking--are already in our possession if we would but recognize them. Christ's invitation is still extended to all peoples: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30.) I am as sure as that I am speaking to you that the peace and happiness of mankind lie in the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of the world our Savior. As Peter declared over 1900 years ago, so I testify to the world today, that there is "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) The principles of the restored gospel as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, are the surest, safest guide to mortal man. Christ is the light to humanity In that light man sees his way clearly. When it is rejected, the soul of man stumbles in darkness. No person, no group, no nation can achieve true success without following him who said: "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12.) It is a sad thing when individuals and nations extinguish that light--when Christ and his gospel are supplanted by the law of the jungle and the strength of the sword. The chief tragedy in the world at the present time is its disbelief in God's goodness, and its lack of faith in the teachings and doctrines of the gospel. To all who believe in a Living, Personal [page 9] God and his divine truth, life can be so delightful and beautiful. As a matter of fact, it is glorious just to be alive. Joy, even ecstasy, can be experienced in the consciousness of existence. There is supreme satisfaction in sensing one's individual entity and in realizing that that entity is part of God's great creative plan. There are none so poor, none so rich, sick, or maimed who may not be conscious of this relationship. I know that for not a few of us the true joy of living is overcast by trials failures, worries, and perplexities incident to making a living and attempting to achieve success. Tear-bedimmed eyes are often blind to the beauties that surround us. Life sometimes seems a parched and barren desert, when, as a matter of fact, there is comfort, even happiness within our grasp if we could or would but reach for it. The Lord has given us life, and with it free agency; and eternal life is his greatest gift to man. To the Church in all the world the message of the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the other General Authorities is: Be true and loyal to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24.) God help us so to be true, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. September 30, 1961 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY As I listened to the very able presentation of the scholarly plan to correlate the studies of the priesthood and auxiliaries of the entire Church, I thought what is the end and purpose of all this? I visualized the fact that 30,000 or 40,000 men and boys in priesthood assemblies this night constitute an organization in the world with one great purpose in mind, and that is to fulfill or respond to the call that Jesus gave Nicodemus: ". . . Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." And Nicodemus wondered, he could not comprehend it. And Jesus answered, ". . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:3, 5.) In that first sentence, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," we have the answer to the end and purpose of this great plan--to have our boys and our girls realize that there is a higher purpose in life than yielding to the pleasures and temptations of the flesh. In our conference today we had a great sermon--two sermons in fact--on the Holy Ghost and what it means. [page 90] Associate with those words of Jesus to Nicodemus the words of Peter after he had been ordained and was guiding men of his associates to a higher life. He wrote on one occasion: ". . . that we might be partakers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4.) He realized what it means to be in touch with the spiritual, to rise above the temporal, the sensual, and partake of the divine Spirit of God. Fellow men of the priesthood, that is the purpose of making us more capable of responding to the Spirit and subduing the sensual. I am glad that Elder Lee referred to the ordaining of members of the First Council of the Seventy as high priests. There seem to be a number of men of the priesthood in the Church who are wondering about it, because they know that the Prophet said that what was going on in the early days of making high priests of seventies, was not in accordance with the will of God. Do you know what they were doing? Before a man was ordained a member of the First Council of the Seventy he was ordained a high priest. This practice, the Prophet said, was not in accordance with the will of the Lord. It should be sufficient for you who have the Spirit of the Lord to know that the work today is required of those members of the First Council of the Seventy which needs the High Priesthood. They do not join the high priests' quorum, but they are sent out by the Council of the Twelve Apostles to set in order the Church in the stakes and missions, and they should be given authority to set apart a president of a stake, a high councilman, a bishop of a ward, which requires the High Priesthood. The Lord has never said, nor has the Prophet Joseph, that that is against the will of the Lord. These men are sent out now to take care of 300 and some odd stakes, and they are given the authority as members of the First Council of the Seventy to attend to anything necessary in order to set in order the affairs of the stake and the ward, and that is in accordance with the will of the Lord. The members of the First Council of the Seventy are now given the authority of high priests to set in order all things pertaining to the stake and the wards under the direction of the Twelve Apostles. There come to my mind now the following words of the writer, John Dryden, which I think are applicable to the spiritual part of our work, getting the Holy Ghost, and rising above the temporal, selfish, envious things which are contrary to the calling of any high priest, seventy, elder, priest, teacher, or deacon in the Church: "Dim as the borrowed beams of moon and stars to lonely, weary, wandering travelers, is reason to the soul." Notice that comparison--"Dim as the borrowed rays of moon and stars to lonely, weary, wandering travelers" (on the earth) "is reason to the soul. And as on high those rolling fires discover but the sky, not guide us here, so Reason's glimmering ray was lent, not to assure our doubtful way, but lead us upward to a brighter day." That day is faith, a realization of the enjoyment of the Spirit of God. What the sun is to the earth, so that Holy Spirit is to man, and the 40,000 assembled tonight--or 30,000, whatever the number may be--are entitled--each individual is entitled to that glorious light of the Holy Spirit. That is why we like to have every young man and every young woman utilize his or her time intelligently, usefully, to bring the soul in harmony with the spirit, that we all might be partakers of God's Spirit, partakers of his divine nature. That is the privilege, fellow workers, of all who hold the priesthood of God. I think this has been a glorious meeting--one of the best, if not the best, ever held in the Church. There is a glorious future. Our minds have been led to visualize the opportunities of the priesthood, and to be true to the priesthood, to be loyal to it, that we might in our own little way, give to the world the spiritual message of the gospel of Christ. People are denying his divinity. Nations are now taught--young boys and babes of forty years ago are now men forty years of age, who, during those forty years have been taught that God does not exist; that [page 91] Christ was not an eternal being. Poor deluded men and women! Your responsibility and mine, of everyone who holds the priesthood of God, is the responsibility of letting men see that light which is to the spirit what the vital sun is to the old earth, "not as borrowed beams of moon and stars," but as the sunlight of the Spirit. God help us to discharge our responsibilities acceptably before him, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 1, 1961 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY The singing, as you know, for this afternoon and this morning has been furnished by the members of the Tabernacle Choir. We have been inspired with their singing. I think it would be fitting at this moment to represent you as well as the General Authorities in saying just a word, at least, of appreciation of the services rendered by many during this three-day conference in making this inspirational gathering so meaningful: First, to the General Authorities, we express deep appreciation for the inspirational messages they have given to us. Second, to the public press, the reporters, for their fair and accurate reports throughout the sessions of the conference. Third, to the city officials the city traffic officers in handling increased traffic. etc; members of the fire department, some of whom you met after one or two of these sessions; and to the Red Cross representatives who have been on hand to render any assistance and service that might be needed. To the Tabernacle ushers who have rendered service in seating the great audiences of these conference sessions. Quietly and unobtrusively they have looked after your convenience and welfare. We have already expressed, and we do so again, appreciation to the radio and television stations throughout our own city and the nation who all through the three days have carried the proceedings of these inspirational sessions. These stations have been the means of permitting untold thousands of persons to hear the proceedings of the one hundred thirty-first semiannual conference. We appreciate especially those who have furnished the singing throughout this conference. Let me remind you [page 123] again, as you enjoy the service they have rendered: first, the Relief Society Singing Mothers from the Central Utah and Mt. Timpanogos regions, who rendered service faithfully for two days with the Relief Society sisters before they joined us Friday morning. Sister Florence Jepperson Madsen conducted. Next, the University of Utah Mixed Chorus for the Saturday morning session, with Ardean W. Watts conducting. The University of Utah Institute of Religion, University Stake Chorus, and the Bonneville Strings, furnished the music for the Saturday afternoon session, with Elder David Austin Shand conducting. Third, the Tabernacle Choir Men's Chorus last night. How inspiring that group was! Fourth, last, but certainly not least, the Tabernacle Choir, who furnished the music this morning and this afternoon, with Elder Richard P. Condie and Elder Jay E. Welch conducting, and how they have thrilled not only this nation, but also people in other countries, wherever they have been. Our best wishes and prayers go with them in their prospective tour, for they will receive a welcome wherever they go. God bless them, and all officials connected with that great organization. We mention again these beautiful antheriums from Oahu Stake. Indeed, we thank all those who have contributed in any way to the success and inspiration of this great conference. Carlyle said: "There is one godlike virtue, the essence of all that ever was or ever will be of godlike in this world--the veneration done to human worth by the hearts of men." During the last few days especially, and frequently in the position which General Authorities occupy, we have occasion to ask men and women to accept certain positions and to devote their time and their means to the work of the kingdom of God. Recently I have seen men's hearts touched, tears roll down their cheeks, as they were surprised to hear a request of the General Authorities to accept some responsibility or be called in some other position. Without exception, no matter what sacrifice they had to make financially no matter how unable they feel themselves to fill the position, each one has said, "Yes, if that is what the Church wants, I will do it." Frequently we hear reports from wards and branches of efforts the people put forth to contribute, perhaps to the erection of a building, perhaps to renovate, or to build an addition to a present building. They see that two, three, four, sometimes six or seven groups--wards or branches--have to meet in one building, and they feel the necessity of contributing of their means. And what those members of the Church unknown beyond the borders of their branch or ward, do to make more effective conditions to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! I wish all the world could glimpse the willingness of those people, the sacrifices they have to make. I think it would preach the gospel more effectively than any one other thing we could do. I recall just a few years ago of visiting a stake and dedicating their meetinghouse. I learned of the struggles they had in order to finish paying for that building. None of our chapels are dedicated until they are free from debt. That means that millions of dollars have been spent in the erection of stake houses and ward buildings throughout the 336 stakes and sixty-seven missions. That meetinghouse had just been paid for about a week before the dedicatory services were held. The bishop had to call for an extra contribution, and a young boy who earned his money by washing cars, polishing shoes, and doing little odd jobs, had quite a little sum of money, for a boy, in the bank. I received this information from the banker himself who was an officer in the stake. I do not know whether the father had contributed much to the chapel. I had my own thoughts, but when the bishop made an extra call for money this boy went to the bank and asked the banker, "How much have I in the bank?" He told him, and I think it was something near one hundred dollars. Sister McKay, who knew about the circumstances, says it was near a hundred. The boy said, "Well, I shall take ten dollars, and you give the rest to the bishop to finish paying on this meetinghouse." "Oh, but you can't afford that," said the banker. "Yes, I can," and he took ten dollars for himself and gave the balance to the bishop. What a lesson! I think I told that afterwards when I went back to the stake, and the young boy was then on a mission. I cite this incident merely as an illustration of the loyalty and faith of the membership of the Church. I appreciate these acts, and because of them, in our hearts there will be a love for one another, which is the Spirit of the Christ, the spirit of brotherhood, the spirit of love. I am a great believer in the doctrine of James. He was a practical man in the early Church. Paul preached faith; James preached works, and it was James who said, ". . . shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:18.) "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, "And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? "Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone. "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (Ibid., 2:14-18.) Throughout this conference emphasis has frequently been made by the speakers to the great responsibility resting upon the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to declare to the world that God lives; that Jesus Christ, his Son, is our Savior; that his is the only name ". . . under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) It was said at the opening of this conference that there are men and women who are now forty to fifty years old who have heard all their lives that God does not exist, that Jesus Christ is a myth. You have heard the testimony from men with tears in their eyes, if you were close enough to see, their lips quivering with emotion, testify that they know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that they appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and gave instructions about organizing his Church, and that Peter, James, and John, who held the authority from the Christ himself, gave that authority in this dispensation; that the Melchizedek Priesthood was bestowed upon the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery; that John the Baptist who baptized Jesus Christ bestowed the Aaronic Priesthood, a direct successor of the authority from heaven. Now you know that. You know these men. I give you my testimony that God lives; that he is close to us; that his spirit is real, that his voice is real; that Jesus Christ, his Son, stands at the head of this great work; and no matter how much the atheistic philosophy takes hold of blinded boys and girls and men who hear Satan's voice, the truth stands as declared by the Father and the Son to that boy Prophet. You and I and all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the responsibility to declare that truth to the world, and the world is full of honest men and women waiting to hear that truth. Let us not condemn them. Condemn the evil men who would blind them with their sophistry and with false reasoning. Some of our young boys are so blinded, but it is our duty as officers of the Church to lead them from that blindness to the truth. I think I can repeat here, as I did last night, for those misguided boys: "Dim as the borrow'd beams of moon and stars To lonely, weary, wandering travelers, Is reason to the soul; and as on high Those rolling fires discover but the sky, Not light us here, so Reason's glimmering ray Was lent, not to assure our doubtful way But lead us upward to a better day." --Dryden That brighter day is the light of the Holy Spirit emanating from God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. God bless you, my dear fellow workers, bless you in your homes. Make your faith shown by your works in your [page 125] home; husbands true to your wives, not only in act, but in thought; wives true to your husbands, not only in act, but in thought; children true to your parents. Do not arrogate to yourselves that they are old-fashioned in their beliefs and that you know more. Girls, follow that sweet mother and her teachings. Boys, be true to your fathers who try to live the gospel; then strangers, seeing such homes, will say, "Well, if that is the result of Mormonism, I think it is good." You will show your faith by your works in everyday life. God bless you that we may have power so to do, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1962 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY One hundred and thirty-two years ago today a group of men and women, in obedience to a commandment of God were assembled in the house of Mr. Peter Whitmer, Sen., for the purpose of organizing the Church. It was just a group of friendly neighbors, unknown to anyone beyond the countryside in which they followed their daily vocations. A good picture of the moral and economic atmosphere of the neighborhood may be surmised from the following introduction of one of the citizens: Joseph Knight, Sen. "'owned a farm, a grist mill and carding machine. He was not rich, yet he possessed enough of this world's goods to secure to himself and family, not only the necessaries, but also the comforts of life....' He 'was . . . a sober, honest man, generally respected and beloved by his neighbors and acquaintances. He did not belong to any religious sect, but was a believer in the Universalian doctrine.' The business in which Joseph Knight, Sen., engaged, made it necessary at times for him to hire men, and the Prophet Joseph was occasionally employed by him. To the Knight family, . . . the young Prophet related many of the things God had revealed respecting the Book of Mormon, then as yet, to come forth." (DHC 1:47.) Of such ordinary, rural men and women was the group composed who assembled in Peter Whitmer's house in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, a century and thirty-two years ago today. Means of communication were primitive--seven years before the telegraph would be known. The only light in the house after dark would be furnished by candle, perhaps by kerosene lamp. The electric light globe would not be known for forty years. Sixty years--almost a lifetime--before the automobile would be used! And the airplane existed only in the realm of imagination. Yet one year before the organization of the Church, under the inspiration of the Lord, Joseph Smith had written: ". . . a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men." (D&C 4:1.) There is no evidence that such a statement had ever before been made by an obscure lad, and if it had, it would have passed into obscurity with [page 6] the boastful pretensions or imaginations of its author. Just as the anticipated, foolish aspirations of "Darius Green and his flying machine,"--I am not sure whether I am right on that, but that is as I remember it as a boy--who spoke disdainfully of the man who had made "wings of wax" that would not stand "sunshine and hard whacks," and who boastfully said: "I shall make mine of leather, or something or other." I mention that merely to emphasize the fact that a Church to become a "marvelous work and a wonder" must contain those elements of truth which find lodgment in the human mind which in honesty recognizes and loves truth wherever or whenever it is found. It is true that over a century ago, when men heard that a young man claimed that God had revealed himself they mocked him, and in doubt turned away from him just as in the beginning of the Christian Era wise and able men in Athens turned away from a lonely little brown-eyed man who challenged much of their philosophy as false and their worship of images as gross error, yet the fact remained that he was the only man in that great city of intellectuals who knew by actual experience that a man may pass through the portals of death and live--the only man in Athens who could clearly sense the difference between the formality of idolatry and the heartfelt worship of the only true and living God. By the Epicureans and Stoics with whom he had conversed and argued, Paul had been called a "babbler," a "setter-forth of strange gods;" "And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest is? "For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean." (Acts 17:19-20.) "Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' Hill, and said, Ye men of Athens I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." (Ibid., 17:22-23.) Today, as then, too many men and women have other gods to which they give more thought than to the resurrected Lord--the god of pleasure, the god of wealth, the god of indulgence, the god of political power, the god of popularity, the god of race superiority-- as varied and numerous as were the gods in ancient Athens and Rome. Thoughts that most frequently occupy the mind determine a man's course of action. It is therefore a blessing to the world that there are occasions such as this, which, as warning semaphores, say to mankind: In your mad rush for pleasure, wealth, and fame, pause and think what is of most value in life. What fundamental truths, what eternal principles, if any, were associated with that little group which assembled one hundred and thirty-two years ago? The first was Man's Relationship to Deity. For the first time in eighteen hundred years, God had revealed himself as a Personal Being. The relationship of Father and Son had been established by the divine introduction: "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith 2:17.) Those who were baptized into the Church that day in April 1830 believed in the existence of a Personal God; that his reality and that of his Son Jesus Christ constitute the eternal foundation upon which this Church is built. Commenting upon this eternally existent, creative power of God, Dr. Charles A. Dinsmore of Yale University, in Christianity and Modern Thought, aptly says: "Religion, standing on the known experience of the race, makes one bold and glorious affirmation. She asserts that this power that makes for truth, for beauty, and for goodness is not less personal than we. This leap of faith is justified because God cannot be less than the greatest of his works, the Cause must be adequate to the effect. When, therefore, we call God personal, we have interpreted him by the loftiest symbol we have. He may be infinitely more. He cannot be less. When we call God a Spirit, we use the clearest lens we have to look at the Everlasting. As Herbert [page 7] Spencer has well said: 'The choice is not between a personal God and something lower, but between a personal God and something higher.'" "My Lord and my God" was not merely a spontaneous, meaningless exclamation of Thomas when he beheld his Risen Lord. The Being before him was his God. Once we accept Christ as divine, it is easy to visualize his Father as being just as personal as he; for Christ said, ". . . he that hath seen me hath seen the Father...." (John 14:9.) How boastful, how unfounded, is the brazen declaration of communism that "there is no God," and that "Religion (the church) is but an opiate!" Faith in the existence of an Intelligent Creator was the first element that contributed to the perpetuity of the Church the everlasting foundation upon which the Church is built. The second cornerstone is the Divine Sonship of Jesus Christ. The gospel teaches that Christ is the Son of God the Redeemer of the world. No true follower is satisfied to accept him merely as a great teacher, a great reformer, or even as the One Perfect Man. The Man of Galilee is not figuratively, but literally the Son of the Living God. A third principle which contributes to the stability of the Church and which impressed not only that little group but millions since, that a great and marvelous work was about to come forth, is the immortality of the human soul. Jesus passed through all the experiences of mortality just as you and I. He knew happiness. He experienced pain. He rejoiced as well as sorrowed with others. He knew friendship. He experienced also the sadness that comes through traitors and false accusers. He died a mortal death even as every other mortal. As his spirit lived after death, so shall yours and mine. A fourth element which contributed to the perpetuity of that little group was the Cherished Hope for the Brotherhood of Man. One of the two great general principles to which all others are subsidiary is this: ". . . love thy neighbour as thyself," (Matt. 19:19) and correlated with it, the promise: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Ibid., 25:40.) The gospel bids the strong bear the burdens of the weak, and to use the advantages given them by their larger opportunities in the interest of the common good that the whole level of humanity may be lifted, and the path of spiritual attainment opened to the weakest and most unlearned as well as to the strong and intelligent. The Savior condemned hypocrisy and praised sincerity of purpose. He taught that if the heart be pure, actions will be in accord therewith. Social sins--lying, stealing, dishonest dealings, adultery, and the like--are first committed in thought. "Sow a thought, reap an act, Sow an act, reap a habit, Sow a habit, reap a character, Sow a character, reap an eternal destiny." --E. D. Boardman Jesus taught that an unsullied character is the noblest aim in life. No man can sincerely resolve to apply to his daily life the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth without sensing a change in his own nature. The phrase, "born again," has a deeper significance than many people attach to it. This changed feeling may be indescribable, but it is real. Happy the person who has truly sensed the uplifting, transforming power that comes from this nearness to the Savior, this kinship to the Living Christ. Resistance is necessary along with obtaining a sense of the real divinity. There should be developed also the power of self-mastery. Someone has said that when God makes the prophet he does not unmake the man. I believe that, though being "born anew," and being entitled to new life, new vigor, new blessings, yet the old weaknesses may still remain. The adversary stands by, ever eager and ready to attack and strike us at our weakest point. Take, for example, the incident of Jesus on the Mount of Temptation. After he had passed through the ordinance of baptism to fulfil all righteousness, after he had received the commendation of the Father and the testimony from on high that he is the Beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased, the tempter was there ready [page 8] to thwart, if possible, his divine mission. At his weakest moment, as Satan thought, when his body was famished by long fasting, the Evil One presented himself, saying, ". . . If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." (Matt. 4:3.) Though his body was weak, his spirit was strong, as he answered: ". . . It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Ibid., 4:4.) With unwavering strength, Jesus withstood the tempter's taunts and promises that followed, and triumphantly demanded, ". . . Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Ibid., 4:10.) So it is with each of us in our daily resisting of the tempter. He will make his appeal to what may be our weakest point of resistance. His strongest strain will be on the weakest link in the chain that binds our character. It may come in the form of yielding to habit tendency, or passion which we have indulged for years. It may be a desire for the old pipe or the cigaret which we determined, if we were sincere, to put aside when we entered the waters of baptism. And when that longing comes, after we are in the Church or kingdom, in that moment when temptation comes, we may say to ourselves "Though I intend to throw it aside, I will take it only once more--this once will not count." That is the moment of resistance when we should say, as Christ, "Get thee behind me." This power of self-control in regard to our bodily longings, satisfying the passions, applies to every member of the Church of Christ. In some way, the Evil One will attack us; some way he can weaken us. In some way, he will bring before us that which will weaken our souls and will tend to thwart the true development of the spirit within, the strengthening and growth of the spirit, which time cannot kill, which is as enduring as the Eternal Father of the spirit. And the things which will tend to dwarf this spirit or to hinder its growth are things which members of the Church are called upon to resist. One hundred and thirty-two years ago the Church was officially organized with six members. It was unknown, and, I repeat, would be known only to the extent that it contained and radiated those eternal principles which harmonize with the eternity of its Author, and only thus could it become a great and marvelous work. Today there are branches of the Church in many parts of the world. As the effulgent light of a glorious sun gladdens the surface of the earth by day, so the Light of Truth is entering into the hearts of many honest men and women throughout the world. The marvelous progress that has been made in transportation and communication makes it possible for the promulgation of the truths of the restored gospel to be made known to the children of men everywhere on the face of the globe. It is possible for millions in America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the islands of the sea not only to hear, but in many instances to see what you are doing as members for the gospel of truth. To all members, and to our Father's children everywhere, we declare in all sincerity that God lives! As sure as the light of the sun shines upon everything on the physical earth, so the radiance that emanates from the Creator brightens every soul that comes into the world of humanity, for it is in him that we "live and move and have our being." All of us, therefore, should make him the center of our lives. Jesus Christ his Beloved Son also lives and stands at the head of the kingdom of God on earth. Through him the eternal plan of the gospel has been given to man and restored in its fulness to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through obedience to the principles of the gospel, we may become partakers of his divine Spirit, as Peter of old, after two and a half years of association with the Redeemer, testified. (See 2 Peter 1:4.) In the words of President John Taylor: "Go, ye messengers of glory; Run, ye legates of the skies; Go and tell the pleasing story That a glorious angel flies; "Go, to all the gospel carry; [page 9] Let the joyful news abound; Go till every nation hear you Jew and Gentile greet the sound. Let the gospel echo all the earth around." I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 7, 1962 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY My beloved brethren, we have had a glorious hour. The message of the Presiding Bishopric to the young people was just what we had in mind when "Priesthood" was made the theme of this meeting. We have all been inspired by the remarks of those who have spoken and by the singing of these men from the Tabernacle Choir. When President Brown referred to the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants, I think he omitted purposely, because of time, one passage which I wish to repeat: "Reproving betimes with sharpness when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; . . ."--that limiting clause is very significant--"Reproving betimes with sharpness," not because of selfishness, not because of any personal antipathy, not because of personality, but "when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;" (D&C 121:43. Italics added.) You may search through pedagogies, theories of teachings in vain, and find no passage that will compare with that in governing people. What I am now going to say to stake presidents and bishops is more of a reminder than of reproof. As people come to conference sometimes a day or two early to go to the temple while it is open, not a few bring [page 94] incomplete recommends. Of such this year there has been an unusually large number. Some bishops seem to be getting careless again. The recommends are faulty for such reasons as: (1) no indication of ordinances for which they come; (2) bishops have not indicated approval with their initials as instructed; (3) signature of stake president is often omitted--holders of recommends say they did not know the stake president's signature must be on the recommend; (4) no recommends for children of age to be baptized, for sealing to parents--those who are over eight should come with a recommend, and because they are worthy and are going to be sealed you let them come without a recommend. Correction of faulty recommends is expensive. Pressure of time and circumstances are embarrassing to the people, and sometimes results in their having to be disappointed and delayed. A hint to the wise is sufficient. In conclusion, let me say that just the holding of the priesthood is a blessing, a blessing which too few of us in our Church fully realize, and in order that that realization might become more prized, our bishops should teach the young man who is recommended to receive the Aaronic Priesthood what the ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood means. You who were present at the inspirational meeting last evening in this building saw on the screen a bishop interviewing a young man twelve years of age in the presence of happy parents. There was a lesson for the entire Church. It is not sufficient just to present his name for approval in the meeting of the ward. He should be interviewed and taught previously from the beginning by the bishop. I shall ever cherish in memory our appreciation for Bishop Edward E. Olson of Ogden Fourth Ward who came into our house and interviewed our son Llewelyn, who sits in this audience tonight, and asked him about his willingness to receive the Priesthood of Aaron, and gave him instructions accordingly. A bishop should teach the young man who is recommended to receive the Aaronic Priesthood what the ordination to the priesthood means, not just present his name, I repeat, in council in the ward--but teach him that when he is given the priesthood he is expected to be above, not in pride and haughtiness, but in moral standards above his fellows. Specifically, his playmates may swear, but he cannot do so with impunity. Some may even take the name of God in vain. A man of the priesthood cannot do that when he receives the obligation to render service to others, as a representative of Jesus Christ. He who takes the name of God in vain dishonors his priesthood. Others may neglect their duties. Others may make fun of their teachers in day school. Others may break windows, but the bearer of the priesthood cannot do those things. It is the bishop's duty to teach them good citizenship and their duties in the priesthood. Then the bishop will also follow similar teachings when the deacon is worthy to be ordained a teacher, and the teacher to be ordained a priest. With such teaching and training young men eighteen years of age, and young women of corresponding age, may in reality carve the moral atmosphere of the community in which they live. They truly have been set apart, not because of any pride, not because of any desire to rule unrighteously, but because of moral superiority. They are good citizens, and any bishop who profanes the name of God in the presence of others dishonors his priesthood. It is his duty to teach the young man from the time he is a deacon, through being a teacher and priest, the responsibility of true citizenship in the kingdom of God. We are justified in being proud of our young men and young women. Some fail us, yes. Some of the children of our Father in heaven failed him. They had a right to choose. They had their free agency, and some of them chose to follow the fallen one, and they are following him today. We also have our free agency, a God-given gift, and some choose unwisely to follow pleasure and indulgence rather than the persistence and effort to rise above that which is low and mean into the realm of spirituality. What I am saying is that to hold [page 95] the priesthood is an individual blessing but it requires, it demands, righteous living. God give us power so to honor it, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 8, 1962 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY Elder A. Theodore Tuttle of the First Council of the Seventy and now president of the South American Mission, has just addressed us. You will be pleased to know that we already have word from that country. I read on telegram, and here is another from Lima, Peru. Just think, we were together this [page 124] morning speaking to them through short-wave radio. Here is an answer from the people listening in: "Shortwave program of inspirational conference received perfectly in Lima, Peru." The cablegram was signed by Brother Vernon Sharp, president of the Andes Mission. And now we have a cablegram from the other side of the world: "One hundred and two French members in Paris thrilled to hear their prophet, leaders, choir. Reception good." (Signed by Shelby Arigona, branch president.) I know that I express the gratitude of your hearts for the men who own these stations and who have united with the Church in the great effort to apply modern invention and discoveries to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we had had to pay for the television and radio coverage we have had today, we should have had to expend thousands, tens of thousands of dollars. These men who have united in rendering this service deserve our heartfelt gratitude for their utilizing modern discoveries and inventions to reach these people of the world--down in Central America, South America, Africa, France, Germany, and the islands of the sea. Just realize what you have experienced today! God bless these men. The Tabernacle Choir will favor us with the anthem, "Worthy is the Lamb," conducted by Richard P. Condie, and the benediction will be offered by Elder Rulon J. Sperry, formerly President of the Netherlands Mission, after which this conference will be adjourned for six months. The singing for this afternoon and this morning, as you know, has been furnished by the members of the Tabernacle Choir. We have been inspired by their singing. I should like to say to you that we owe this group of singers a great debt. It is through their singing and their influence throughout the world that we have had the unexcelled experience today of speaking to the world. Brother Arch L. Madsen, who is head of KSL, has been instrumental through his friends and associates in radio and television in obtaining this world-wide coverage. He reported that one important reason why these owners and managers of stations consented to unite with us in this conference was because of the fact that their stations could bring to the people the privilege of listening to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir and that was a drawing card of course. There are hundreds of thousands and millions of listeners. We were very pleased to have the Tabernacle Choir as part of the program this day. That is why the services this morning were interrupted at certain times. Some stations were coming on and other stations were going off. We have participated this morning in something that is greater than we really know! Now, in conclusion I should like, though inadequately to express for you our appreciation of those who have participated in this great conference. First to the General Authorities for the inspirational messages you have given. I think it was Carlyle who said, "In this world there is one god-like virtue, the essence of all that ever was or ever will be of god-like in this world--the veneration done to human worth by the hearts of men. It is in that spirit we mention the following and head it with your messages throughout the conference. Second, to the public press and the reporters for their fair and accurate reports throughout the sessions. Third for the co-operation of the city officials: As you have driven to and from Temple Square past these policemen standing on the street corners you have noted their responsibilities and how faithfully they have discharged them handling carefully the increased traffic; also the Fire Department and the Red Cross who have been on hand to render assistance and service whenever and wherever needed. I am mentioning this because you know it is a wonderful thing to feel the spirit of cooperation in this great city. Fourth to the Tabernacle ushers who have rendered service quietly courteously and efficiently in seating the great audience at these conference sessions. Fifth I have already mentioned the radio and television stations. Fifty-two television and twenty-four radio stations in our own city and the nation for the [page 125] first time have carried the sessions of this conference from coast to coast and by short-wave to countries all over the world. This has been the means of permitting over sixty million people in the United States and Canada, and many thousands more in foreign countries, to hear and see the proceedings of this 132nd annual conference. Sixth, I should like to express personally and publicly my appreciation of the management of the Hotel Utah and their associates, men and women who were looking after your comfort and particularly Sister McKay's and mine--the managerial personnel, the girls running the elevators, the cooks waitresses--nowhere in the world, I care not where you go, will you find more excellent service. Seventh, we appreciate especially those who have furnished the singing throughout this conference: The Brigham Young University Combined Choruses, a large choir and musical instruments on Friday, April 6; the Ricks College Choir on Saturday, April 7; the Men's Chorus of the Tabernacle Choir last evening. All contributed their services--paid their own expenses from Provo, Rexburg, and other places. Any call was given an immediate response. Today, our own Tabernacle Choir. You know what reference I have already made regarding our appreciation of their services to the world. Eighth, we must not overlook these beautiful daffodils sent to us by airplane from the Tacoma Stake through the kindness of the Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival. And these calla lilies that came by air from the high priests quorum of the Oakland-Berkeley Stake. Ten thousand sweet peas from the Mesa Eleventh Ward, Mesa Stake, picked by members of the stake. Thank you, members and friends, for these beautiful flowers which fill the Tabernacle with sunshine and fragrance. We appreciate the love and affection which these flowers connote. We are not unmindful of the many hours spent by the members of the Church in picking and arranging these flowers for shipment by air. Now, just a word by way of summary. The paramount theme of this great conference has been the reality of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. The founding fathers of our republic incorporated in the Preamble of our Constitution their belief in a Creator who had created mankind on a basis of equality with certain inalienable rights chief of which were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In our daily desire for material success and pleasure, we have a tendency to neglect the importance of the Creator's place in our hearts and in our homes; and in social intercourse we are prone to neglect the importance of making the Creator the center of our lives. Our religion is not a cloak to wear on Sunday and be hung in the closet for the rest of the week; neither is it something for nations to parade on certain occasions and then to wrap up in mothballs to await another occasion. Men today are rapidly classifying themselves into two groups: believers and nonbelievers. J. Edgar Hoover, and I quote, says: "There is no place here in America for part-time patriots. This nation is face to face with the greatest danger ever to confront it, a sinister and deadly conspiracy which can be conquered only by an alert, informed citizenry. It is indeed appalling that some members of our society continue to deplore and criticize those who stress the communist danger. Public indifference to this threat is tantamount to national suicide. Lethargy leads only to disaster. Knowledge of the enemy, alertness to the danger, everyday patriotism are the brick and mortar with which we can build an impregnable fortress against communism." I approve with all my heart the appeal made by Brother Tuttle that only the gospel of Jesus Christ will unite our hearts in faith in God and faith in his existence, that we make him the center of our lives, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan whereby our hearts and lives and towns and nations can be united in bringing about universal peace and the brotherhood of man. God lives! So does Jesus Christ, his Beloved Son, who gave the gospel, the [page 126] eternal plan of salvation of the human soul. The Lord himself says, ". . . this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39)--all mankind. We have had a beautiful example of mutual service and mutual love throughout this entire conference here in our own city. God bless you, brethren and sisters, may you carry back to your wards and stakes and missions the spirit of this great, greatest of all conferences ever held in the Church. I pray that God will bless you with his guiding and protecting influence, that you may return home without accident; be happy in the knowledge that you are members of this great kingdom and that you contribute to the brotherhood of Christ. May that Spirit emanate not only from you and your associates in the Church, but from all who participated, whether they are members or not, in making this conference so ideally successful, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 5, 1962 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? "For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." (Psalm 8:4-5.) Since the dawn of civilization, leaders in organized society have sought the answer to the age-old question: "What is the chief end of man?" Carlyle answered it by saying, "To glorify God and enjoy him forever." The Prophet Joseph Smith gave through revelation from the Lord the following: "That mine everlasting covenant might be established; "That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, . . ." (D&C 1:22-23.) He further brought to light the great truth that God's work and glory is: "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) Throughout the centuries there have been leaders and socially minded men who have desired the better way of living than that which was theirs. The good life, so important to man's happiness, has been the quest of the ages. To sense the need of reform has been easy but to achieve it has been difficult and well nigh impossible. Ideas suggested by the wisest of men have often been impractical, sometimes fantastic, yet in many cases the world in general has been made better by the dissemination of new ideas even though the experiments proved failures at the time. In this respect the first half of the nineteenth century was particularly marked by the feeling of social unrest and many observing people became dissatisfied with social and economic conditions, and thinking men sought for remedial changes. In France, for example, the fanciful theories of Francois Marie Charles Fourier were circulated. He attempted to outline the future history of our globe and of the human race for eighty thousand years. Today, his books are seldom, if ever, read. Later, Robert Owen, a man of exceptional ability and insight, when about nineteen years of age, became dissatisfied with the churches of his day. He decried their departure from the simple teachings of Jesus and was disturbed also by economic conditions. With a fortune back of him, and with the confidence of the Duke of Kent, Queen Victoria's father, Owen came to the New World in America about 1823. He purchased twenty thousand acres of land in what later became New Harmony, Indiana. He established what he hoped to be an ideal society. Within three years he lost two hundred thousand dollars of his fortune, and his experiment failed. A few years later, George Ripley, a Unitarian minister, conceived a plan of plain living and high thinking. He and his associates became the founders of what is known now as "The Great Experiment." He had as his associates such able men as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Charles A. Dana, who afterwards became Assistant Secretary of War in the Cabinet of the President of the United States. This "Great Experiment" came to an end in 1846. I believe with others that government, institutions, and organizations exist primarily for the purpose of securing to the individual his rights, his happiness, and proper development of his character. When organizations fail to accomplish [page 6] this purpose, their usefulness ends. "So act," says Kant, "as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or that of another, in every case as an end, never as a means only." In all ages of the world men have been prone to ignore the personality of others, to disregard men's rights by closing against them the opportunity to develop. The worth of man is a good measuring rod by which we may judge the rightfulness or the wrongfulness of a policy or principle, whether in government, in business, or in social activities. Theories and ideologies exploited during the last half century present challenges more critical and dangerous than mankind has ever before faced. This present world conflict, affecting the minds and souls of men today, is set forth by a prominent statesman of our country in the following succinct summary: "On one side are those who, believing in the dignity and worth of the individual, proclaim his right to be free to achieve his full destiny--spiritually, intellectually, and materially. And--on the other side--there are arrayed those who, denying and disdaining the worth of the individual, subject him to the will of an authoritarian state, the dictates of a rigid ideology, and the ruthless disciplines of a party apparatus. "This basic conflict--so deeply dividing the world--comes at a time when the surge of other changes and upheavals staggers the mind and senses. Whole nations are trying to vault from the Stone Age to the twentieth century." (The Future of Federalism, pp. 60-61.) Thus, today, brethren, we are in danger of actually surrendering our personal and property rights. This development, if it does occur in full form, will be a sad tragedy for our people. We must recognize that property rights are essential to human liberty. Former United States Supreme Court Justice George Sutherland, from our own State [Utah], carefully stated it as follows: "It is not the right of property which is protected, but the right to property. Property, per se has no rights; but the individual--the man-- has three great rights, equally sacred from arbitrary interference: the right to his life, the right to his liberty, and the right to his property. The three rights are so bound together as to be essentially one right. To give a man his life, but deny him his liberty, is to take from him all that makes life worth living. To give him liberty, but take from him the property which is the fruit and badge of his liberty, is to still leave him a slave." (From George Sutherland's speech before the New York State Bar Association, January 21, 1921.) The bond of our secular covenant is the principle of constitutional government. That principle is, in itself, eternal and everlasting, despite the pretensions of temporary tyrannies. The principle of tyranny maintains that human beings are incurably selfish and therefore cannot govern themselves. This concept flies in the face of the wonderful declaration of the Prophet Joseph Smith that the people are to be taught correct principles, and then they are to govern themselves. Dictatorship, however, argues that the people should be governed by the individual or a clique who can seize power through subversion or outright bloodshed. Further, the people are declared to be without guarantees or rights, and the regime is claimed to exist beholden only to the plans and whims of the ruling tyrant. Our founding fathers, despite some natural fears, clearly regarded the promulgation of the Constitution of the United States as their greatest triumph. On June 12, 1955, Sir Percy Spender, Australian Ambassador to the United States, delivered a speech at the Union University at Schenectady, New York at the time they conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Laws upon him. I agree with what he said in that speech, relating to present-day efforts, and I quote part of it as follows: "Today, freedom--political, economic and individual freedom--lies destroyed or is in the course of being destroyed over great areas of the globe. And it has been destroyed and is being destroyed in the name of freedom. A vast struggle for the mind of man is now being waged--a struggle in which I hope each of you with all your heart will take part. In this struggle truth is distorted by those who have not the slightest regard for truth. All the words which mean so much to us--like Liberty, Freedom, Democracy--are being despoiled [page 7] spoiled and prostituted by the enemies of Liberty, Freedom, and Democracy. A ruthless dialectical battle is being waged against the Christian way of life against political liberty, against individual freedom, and it is being waged in the name of Freedom. Black becomes White; Tyranny becomes Freedom; The Forced Labor Camp stands for Liberty; The Slave State is represented as Democracy. This is the deadly challenge of Communism. And in this challenge those who put their emphasis upon man as an economic being--and there are plenty in every so-called free country in the world today who do just that--those who explain man in terms of scientific and chemical facts and the accident of circumstance, those who treat human beings as so many 'bodies,' those who deny man's spiritual and individual existence--each of them aids and hastens the destruction of the political institutions on which our free society rests, and whether he knows it or not, supports the dialectics and the aims of International Communism." Jesus always sought the welfare of the individual; and individuals, grouped and laboring for the mutual welfare of the whole in conformity with the principles of the gospel, constitute the kingdom of God. Many of the choicest truths of the gospel were given in conversations with individuals when Jesus was on the earth. It was while Jesus talked with Nicodemus that he gave us the message relative to baptism and of being "born again." From the conversation with the woman of Samaria, we have disclosed the truth that they who worship God must worship him "in spirit and in truth." From Jesus' conversation with Mary and Martha, we hear the divine declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: . . ." (John 11:25.) Jesus' regard for the personality was supreme! To the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the worth of the individual has special meaning. Quorums, auxiliaries, wards, stakes, even the Church itself, are all organized to further the welfare of man. All are but a means to an end, and that end is the happiness and eternal value of every child of God. With wards, quorums, organizations, and auxiliaries in mind, I suggest three major means of winning souls to Christ. These three conditions are: one--enrolment in the Church of every individual; two--personal contact; three--group service. These three plans, or conditions, are already operating in the Church, but unless they function, they will be ineffective in accomplishing the purposes for which they have been established. It is the duty of each of these organizations to enroll every individual w}-o belongs to it, not only to enroll, but to know by personal contact the conditions under which each person lives. It is not enough to know, and it is not sufficient to visit, for no person can become enthusiastic with the principles and doctrines of the gospel unless he or she lives them. "If ye will do the will, ye shall know" is a fundamental law of spiritual growth. (See John 7:17.) If each of the thousands of officers and teachers in the ward, stake, and auxiliary organizations; if each of the many thousands of priesthood members were to influence for better living one individual, and should labor all his days "and bring save it be but one soul unto me," says the Lord, "how great shall be his joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (See D&C 18:15.) Today, many nations have lost their independence; men, defeated, have been compelled to labor for their conquerors, property has been seized without recompense, and millions of people have surrendered all guarantees of personal liberty. Force and compulsion will never establish the ideal society. This can come only by a transformation within the individual soul--a life redeemed from sin and brought in harmony with the divine will. Instead of selfishness, men must be willing to dedicate their ability, their possessions, their lives, if necessary, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for the alleviation of the ills of mankind. Hate must be supplanted by sympathy and forbearance. Peace and true prosperity can come only by conforming our lives to the law of love, the law of the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A mere appreciation of the social ethics of Jesus is [page 8] not sufficient--men's hearts must be changed! In these days of uncertainty and unrest, liberty-loving people's greatest responsibility and paramount duty is to preserve and proclaim the freedom of the individual, his relationship to Deity, and the necessity of obedience to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only thus will mankind find peace and happiness. We find ourselves now immersed in a great political campaign in America for the purpose of selecting candidates for office in local, state, and national positions. We urge you as citizens to participate in this great democratic process in accordance with your honest political convictions. However, above all else, strive to support good and conscientious candidates of either party who are aware of the great dangers inherent in communism and who are truly dedicated to the Constitution in the tradition of our rounding fathers. They should also pledge their sincere fealty to our way of liberty--a liberty which aims at the preservation of both personal and property rights. Study the issues, analyze the candidates on these grounds, and then exercise your franchise as free men and women. Never be found guilty of exchanging your birthright for a mess of pottage! God enlighten our minds to comprehend our responsibility, to proclaim the truth and maintain freedom throughout the world, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 6, 1962 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY While Elder Lee and the other members of the twelve were presenting the outline of the great correlation work now in preparation, a passage of scripture came to my mind, which I shall quote, if I can, which will summarize the purpose of all this work: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: . . ." (Eph. 4:11-13.) That is what these brethren have in mind. That is what you brethren of the priesthood, assembled in these vast congregations tonight, have in mind, because you are servants of the Most High, and he has given you the responsibility of perfecting the Saints, of working in the ministry, for edifying the Saints of God, and the object is the perfecting of the individual. There are many who are working tonight in positions who are sometimes discouraged. They may be in a bishopric, some may be in the presidencies of stakes, some may be in the presidencies of quorums, some deacons who feel "Well, I am not doing anything." Teachers who are asked to go ward teaching sometimes feel they are incompetent, inadequate to teach. The plans that have been outlined today for you will be an aid no matter what position you may be holding, and you who feel inadequate, particularly the young boys who hold the office of teacher, when you go into the home of a man of the priesthood, and you feel inadequate to do your duty, remember this, given by a nonmember of the Church, but it contains encouragement: "Who does his task from day to day And meets whatever comes his way Believing God has willed it so, Has found real greatness here below. "Who guards his post, no matter where, Believing God must need him there, Although but lowly toil it be, Has risen to nobility. "For great and low there's but one test: 'Tis that each man shall do his best. Who works with all the strength he can Shall never die in debt to man." (Edgar A. Guest) God bless the priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ throughout the whole world. They are called to serve; to serve the members of the Church, and to serve the world by preaching the everlasting gospel. May the Lord guide us, inspire us, never leave us alone, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 8, 1962 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY We are now nearing the close of a very remarkable conference, unusual in many respects. This conference has been directed primarily to an unseen audience particularly yesterday morning and this Sunday morning. Usually we speak mainly to those who are assembled in this great Tabernacle, but each speaker yesterday and today has been conscious of a listening audience that goes beyond this Tabernacle and this city, this Church, this country, into Europe, the South Seas, South Africa--and all this has been possible through the kindness of our television and radio officials--Brother Arch Madsen and his associates here at KSL, and through assistants and associates with him, and other leading officials, who are co-operating in efforts to bring this gospel to the people of the world. I wish to express appreciation to Brother James O. Conkling, who has just been appointed President of the International Educational Broadcasting Corporation. We asked him to take charge of a group of leading, influential men to bring into operation short-wave facilities by which conferences and other programs, with the assistance of our own Tabernacle Choir, originating here in Salt Lake City, could be transmitted across the waters. We wish to acknowledge in your presence today the inspiration of the Lord upon these leading men in the Church, and many of whom are not in the Church, who are giving their time and means towards the accomplishment of this great possibility of carrying the message of the restored gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. This has been one of the greatest conferences, I suppose, that we have ever held in the Church. The music today, as you know, has been furnished by the Tabernacle Choir. We have been inspired by their singing at both sessions today and Saturday morning when their singing was heard by millions. Many radio and television stations have been opened to us because of the singing of this great organization. Their contribution to our missionary work is inestimable. In July of this year, they participated in the first formal world-wide television program by way of Telstar satellite, held at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. At this time the choir was seen and heard on television by millions across the ocean in Europe and England in addition to the millions in this country. In August they made a tour of the Northwest, giving two concerts on August 15th and 16th at the Seattle World's Fair. People from all over the world attended these concerts, and it was reported that the concert hall was so crowded on both nights that many were turned away. We appreciate all who have furnished the singing throughout this conference. First, the singing for the Friday morning and afternoon sessions by the Relief Society Singing Mothers from the Central Idaho and Bannock welfare regions. We accept their efforts and are inspired by their singing, but very few of us ever stop to think of [page 119] what those sisters did and the valuable services rendered by Sister Florence Jepperson Madsen in training them in such an excellent way. Then we had the music furnished on Saturday afternoon by the Combined Choirs of Brigham Young University, assisted by the Brass Choir. The Male Chorus and the combined male sections of Brigham Young University furnished the music for the general priesthood meeting Saturday evening. For you, I express appreciation and gratitude to all who have in any way contributed to the success and inspiration of this great conference: First, to the General Authorities, we express deep appreciation for their inspired messages; to the public press--the reporters for their fair and accurate reports throughout the sessions of the conference; for the co-operation of city officials--the city traffic officers who handled carefully and ably the increased traffic; the fire department and the Red Cross, who have been on hand to render assistance and service whenever and wherever such became necessary; the Tabernacle ushers, who have rendered service quietly, courteously, and efficiently in seating the great audiences of these conference sessions. I wish that you brethren could leave this closing session of our semiannual general conference with your hearts renewed with a firm desire to render service to your fellow men and to act in efficiency and prayerfulness in rendering service to those over whom you preside directly. It has been said that "the race of mankind would perish if they ceased to aid one another." One man, from whom I quote, says that "from the time that the mother binds the child's head until the moment that some kind assistant wipes the death-damp from the brow of the dying, we cannot exist without mutual help. All, therefore, that need aid have a right to ask it from their fellow mortals; no one who holds the power of granting can refuse it without guilt." The Church, with all its quorums and organizations, is God's plan for rendering mutual aid. The Melchizedek Priesthood is power and authority vested in the Godhead and delegated to man for the progress, happiness salvation, and exaltation of the human family. It is a principle of power by which The Church of Jesus Christ is organized and by which men to whom it is given may legitimately act in the name of the Lord. There are two conditions which should always be considered when the priesthood is to be given to anyone. The first of these is the individual's worthiness to receive it. The second is the service which he can render to the Church and to his fellow men. Men who are vessels of the Holy Priesthood, who are charged with words of eternal life to the world should strive continually in their words and actions and daily deportment to do honor to the great dignity of their calling and office as ministers and representatives of the Most High. Whenever the priesthood is delegated to man, it is conferred upon him, not as a personal honor, although it becomes such as he honors it, but as authority to represent Deity, and an obligation to assist the Lord in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. If priesthood meant only personal distinction or individual elevation, there would be no need of groups or quorums. The very existence of such groups, established by divine authorization, proclaims our dependence upon one another, the indispensable need of mutual help and assistance. We are social beings. "There is a destiny which makes us brothers, None lives to himself alone; All that we give into the lives of others, Comes back into our own." (Edward Markham) This element of service and mutual help is emphasized by the Lord as follows: "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." So says the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants, section eighty-one, verse five. And again: "And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with [page 120] him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also." (Ibid., 84:106.) It is an honor to labor with you brethren and sisters, throughout the entire Church. God bless you that you may realize the blessings that are yours through the revelation and restoration in this day and age of the world of the priesthood of God, which gives you authority to represent him in proclaiming the reality of the existence of the Father and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ and the restoration in this day of the gospel as given through Christ the Lord as the plan of salvation to all mankind through obedience to which peace shall be established on earth, and the will of God carried forth to the salvation and exaltation of his children. With all the power the Lord has given his servants, I bless you, and pray that you will go forth with the spirit of service, honoring his name now and forever, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1963 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY While listening to the profound presentation of the correlation work in this Church, two thoughts came to my mind which I wish to emphasize. First, I hope you all visioned clearly the quorum work in the Church and its relation to what Brother Lee presented. There are quorums in the Church independent, in a way, so far as spiritual work and service is concerned, of the ecclesiastical organization of the Church, and those quorums supply a spiritual need which the world seeks to obtain in secret societies. I think they make it more effective, however, than we do in the Church. One day Brother [Hugh J.] Cannon and I were on the vessel leaving the northern part of Africa, and as the vessel pulled out into the ocean, I strolled along the deck. I noticed a stranger coming toward me. I could see by his face that he recognized me and expected me to recognize him. For the life of me I knew I had never seen him before, but he still came for ward with that recognition and grasped my hand with a special grip. He immediately dropped my hand, and said: "Excuse me." Then I knew. I was wearing a stick pin, a gift from Sister McKay, upon which was engraved a star and crescent. This man recognized the sign, gave me the grip, but I could not return it. We do not object to the world's holding those special convenient means of soul intercourse. It is friendly. It is helpful. But we have the same thing in the Church. Every male member in the Church from twelve years up to 112 years, as one man celebrated his birthday yesterday, has a place in the quorum--twelve deacons, twenty-four teachers, forty-eight priests, ninety-six elders; and high priests gathered under the ecclesiastical group in your stake. Where we do not have that number we have groups. In every ward we have deacons, teachers, and priests, and in the stakes, the elders, seventies, and high priests. Now, each quorum has a duty to perform. The presidencies have a responsibility to sit in council with them and to teach them their duty--the quorum work. Not the bishop, not the stake presidency--that is the duty of the quorum. And so I saw, while Elder Lee was presenting this work of teaching correlating work, the duty of the individual members of each quorum. I was pleased the other day to receive an old minute book. I thank somebody for sending it to me so that I could look through it. This minute book came from Ogden where we used to have our deacons' quorum presidency's meeting, talking there in a neighbor's house, then deciding that it was our duty to chop the wood for the widows of the ward. My point is that the responsibility of the entire Church rests upon the men who are members of these quorums. I should just like to say a word now to the deacons, the teachers, and the priests who are present tonight. President Brown was right when he said the officers of the Church are expecting you young men to carry on the work that is presented this night. There are two things we should like you to do: each one keep his faith in God, and have moral courage--not just physical courage--moral courage. I know that some of you are just like a man who wrote a letter the other day saying, "I have lost my faith. Can you help me? What is there hereafter? I am afraid there is nothing hereafter. Can you help me?" Well, I know for what he is yearning. He wants to know for sure that death does not end this life, and that the soul within will live eternally. I shall just say to him, and to you young men, whenever you are doubting the existence of God or your own immortality, remember what the Savior said to those who doubted him: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17; Italics added.) Now. that is the keynote to every man living. Do the will of God. If any man will do his will he shall know for himself. There is an opportunity every [page 95] day of our lives to do that will. Each young man has an opportunity some day to do as his Father has asked him to do. The young men here tonight have heard the words of scripture, and you will have opportunities tomorrow to be untrue to yourself or to the instructions given today. God will prompt you what to do. You say, "Well, I do not know yet that he lives." Yes, you do! You cannot prove that he does not; and if you doubt it, believe those men who know, if you have confidence in them. You are studying in your schools, and you have probably read the words of one of the essays of reputedly the wisest American who ever lived, who said "Oh, my brothers, God exists! There is a soul at the center of nature . . . so that none of us can wrong the Universe. There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening we shall hear the right word." When that word comes to you--call it conscience, or, if you are in the Church and doing your duty, the whisperings of the Spirit, because you are entitled to be a partaker of it--then be true to that whispering, and some day you will know for yourself that you are in harmony with the universe. Peter was quite a doubtful man as he grew to manhood before he knew Christ but long afterwards he was praying and said that we have been made partakers of the divine nature. (See 2 Peter 1:4.) He knew it, and you will know it some day if you will do the will, be true to self. Now, I said courage is a second need not physical courage, but moral courage. Let me illustrate: James L. Gordon, the author of The Young Man and His Problems tells the story of a young boy who decided to be an apprentice in one of the carpenters' societies. He was a bright young boy in his teens, and the men were very glad to admit him. They said, "Come on, let's drink to the entrance of this young man to our group!" They poured out the beer handed him the glass. He said, "No, thank you, I do not drink." "Well," said a gruff old member "we're not going to have any teetotalers in our group." "Well," said the young boy, "you'll have one if you have me." Another seized him by the collar and said, "Young man, you'll have this beer either inside or outside!" "Very well, I came here with a clean jacket and a clear conscience. You may soil my jacket if you wish, but you shall not soil my character." He had been trained--I use that word properly--not only taught, but trained to avoid the use of tobacco and strong drink, intoxicating liquor. That is what I mean by moral courage. The greatest need in the world today is faith in God and courage to do his will. God help us as young men to prepare ourselves for the responsibilities awaiting us. God help us all to keep our consciences clear, our characters sound, responsive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, which is real, if we shall but put our ears and listen to it as the wisest American suggested, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 7, 1963 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY "And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, . . . and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me." (D&C 45:9.) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was scarcely one year old when that declaration was made. Joseph Smith, to whom the inspiration came, was but twenty-five years of age. It is a marvelous declaration, great in its pretention, comprehensive in its scope--"Mine everlasting covenant [the gospel] is sent into the world, to be a light unto the world." On Bedloe Island, at the entrance of New York Harbor, there stands a Statue of Liberty, a light to the nations. What it has meant to thousands and hundreds of thousands of the downtrodden of Europe has been most graphically expressed by Israel Zangwill in that impressive production The Melting Pot, from which I quote (David, the immigrant Jew, is speaking): "When I look at our Statue of Liberty, I just seem to hear the voice of America: 'Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest--rest.'" What that Statue of Liberty has symbolized to the oppressed and downtrodden of Europe, the gospel of Jesus Christ is to the world. The restored gospel, the Church, has reared an ensign to the nations, and with words as comprehensive as those I have read in the revelation, invites the world to peace, to rest, to contentment. And what does that ensign offer to the nations? Forty-three years ago, Elder Stephen L Richards, speaking from this pulpit, answered that question as follows: "There are provided within the Church agencies and facilities which meet every requirement of social life. Our wards to my thinking, constitute the most advantageous social units that have ever been devised or suggested in the history of society. There are presented within the organizations of the wards opportunities for every person to receive legitimate training in society, proper social intercourse, and the cultivation of all the desirable traits of character that go to make up good men and good women." (Annual Conference, April 6, 1920.) Sitting in the audience on that occasion was a statesman who had won national and international eminence not only as a great leader in the political world, but also as a speaker and writer on religious topics. He was William Jennings Bryan, who only a few months before had written an article for a current magazine entitled "In the World, of the World, and for the World," wherein he outlined a number of ways in which he thought the church could make the world a better place in which to live. "My suggestion therefore," I read from his article, "is that an effort should be made to set up a Christian standard for Christian communities, and to create an environment that will be helpful to the Church and the spiritual things for which the Church stands." Such an organization is the restored Church of Jesus Christ, functioning effectually, as the Apostle Paul says, "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, [even] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: . . ." (Eph. 4:12-13.) I invite you today to have in mind the various organizations of the Church: first, the priesthood quorums; second, the auxiliaries third, educational opportunities; fourth, judicial phases of the Church; and fifth, the ecclesiastical groups. To elaborate on each one would occupy more time than I can give, but we can just glimpse it. Consider the priesthood of the Church. Picture therein the men and boys organized in working sections or groups, from the father ninety years old, down to the boy twelve years of age. In these groups you find exemplified all that human society seeks in social groups and in societies. There is opportunity in these quorum groups for fellowship, brotherhood, and organized service. No man who is worthy of that fellowship can be kept out from it--not one! Those who are active are working in an organized way for the betterment of one another, for the personal welfare of the membership and for the good of society as a whole. If we considered no further than the quorums, is not that a sublime picture, where men and boys may congregate, associate, affiliate in service for humanity, in which every man considers everyone a brother? In that quorum the doctor sits by the side of a carpenter, each interested in the most ennobling of aspirations--worship of God and helpful service to humanity! There is the essence of priesthood work in the Church, and, in the achievement of the purpose, every act and influence should be performed or wielded only "by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, . . ." The words of the Prophet! (D&C 121:41.) In addition to quorums, there are Young Men's and Young Women's Mutual Improvement Associations, having charge of the recreation for the young, guiding the leisure hours of the [page 98] youth as emphasized by Mr. William Jennings Bryan--one of the great problems facing civilization today! In these groups you have an organization of young men and young women, directing in music, in art, in debating, in drama as well as in other uplifting activities of community life. All quorums and groups are in themselves educational factors. It is surprising how many officers and teachers are engaged in the teaching and directing of youth just in quorums and auxiliary organizations. Let us take one stake for example: I refer now to notes taken on a visit made in 1950 here in Salt Lake City. Among the groups in the Melchizedek Priesthood of that stake were 804 men serving without one penny of compensation for the betterment of society every week, and some of them every day. If the high council and members of the bishoprics in that stake who are working with young boys between the ages of twelve and twenty-one be included, there were a total of 1,022 men. The number of officers and teachers in the auxiliaries in the twelve wards of that stake was 1,950, so adding this number to the 1,022, we have a total of 2,972, or approximately 3,000 men and women teachers. In addition, there were missionaries laboring under the direction of the stake presidency. In this one stake, they had held 2,715 meetings in homes in this city. They had baptized, since the first of the year, 106 converts and ten children who had gone beyond the age of eight years. The Church progresses only as fast as these groups work in perfect harmony. In the Doctrine and Covenants, we read: "It is the duty of the [priesthood] to watch over the Church always, to be with and strengthen them." (See ibid., 20:53.) This is a laymen's Church. And what a message the Church has for this distracted world! "Its appeal." as Kent says of true Christianity, "is universal--to the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, the learned and the unlearned. It proclaims God to be not only the one Supreme Ruler of the Universe, but the Father of each individual, a God of justice, yet a God of love, constantly watching over and guiding even the humblest of His children." The Church, with its complete organization, offers service and inspiration to all. It is "pre-eminently a social religion." In quorums and auxiliaries it "aims by training the individual conscience and will to establish a closely knit, world-wide fraternity." It is in no sense ascetic. Instead of taking men out of the world. it seeks to develop perfect, Godlike men in the midst of society, and through them to solve the problems of society. There is not a principle which is taught by the Savior of men but is applicable to the growth, development, and happiness of mankind. Every one of his teachings seems to touch the true philosophy of living. I accept them wholeheartedly. I like to study them. I like to teach them. It is a job to try to live them. Even phase of the restored Church is applicable to the welfare of the human family. Twelve thousand missionaries and more, each paying individually or with the aid of parents his or her own expenses. are declaring to a troubled world that the message heralded at the birth of Jesus, "Peace on earth, good will toward men," (see Luke 2:14.) may become a reality by compliance to the principles of the gospel. As the Savior said to the eleven disciples, and to all whom they appointed, so he says to his authorized servants today: "Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded." (See Matt. 28:19-20.) Where, however, each missionary of old could speak only to one person, the representatives of Christ today can speak to millions. A sentence uttered in an ordinary tone of voice can encircle the globe in less than a minute. Daily, nations are becoming more closely united. The interest and destiny of each one becomes more closely the interest and destiny of all. In the ecclesiastical groupings, there is opportunity for social welfare such as cannot be found in any other organization in the world. Thus does the Savior [page 99] and his Church become my inspiration my ideal in life. I think it is the one great thing for which man should strive. It presents the most efficient methods for human service, social uplift, and progressive steps toward universal peace and brotherhood; and in its idea of salvation it comprehends the whole of the human family. May he bless the priesthood throughout the Church, the auxiliary associations, and all men and women who seek to instil into the hearts of men the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. May all utilizing the organization of the Church continue more zealously "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, [even] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: . . ." (Eph. 4:12-13.) God bless and prosper the Church as it bears witness to the reality of the personality of Deity and to the fact that God has again revealed himself to man and established a means whereby spirituality, brotherhood, and universal peace may be fostered among the children of men. The Lord help us to be able to prove to the world that the restored gospel is just what the world today is longing for; and when they see it, may they know, as you know and as I know, that the everlasting gospel is a light to the world. May it ever be a light to the nations, a guiding solution of all the world problems, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 7, 1963 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY Brethren and Sisters, we are nearing the end of another great conference. I am impressed with the thought that everyone who has attended, either in presence or by listening in, no matter where he or she may be, must leave this conference with a greater determination to be a better man or a better woman; a better citizen of the town, county, or nation than he or she has ever been before. Brother Bernard P. Brockbank has just said that it is good to be in the presence of good people. He gave a sermon in that sentence. "It is good to be in the presence of good people." Every man and every person who lives in this world wields an influence, whether for good or for evil. It is not what he says alone it is not alone what he does. It is what he is. Every man, every person radiates what he or she is. Every person is a recipient of radiation. The Savior was conscious of that. Whenever he came into the presence of an individual, he sensed that radiation--whether it was the woman of Samaria with her past life; whether it was the woman who was to be stoned or the men who were to stone her; whether it was the statesman, Nicodemus, or one of the lepers He was conscious of the radiation from the individual. And to a degree so are you, and so am I. It is what we are and what we radiate that affects the people around us. We cannot go from this great conference without an added responsibility to contribute to a better life around us. As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts. We must not encourage vile thoughts or low aspirations. We shall radiate them if we do. If we think noble thoughts, if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them. That is true of the individual. It is true of the home, as we have heard in this conference from Brother Gordon B. Hinckley. Our homes radiate what we are, and that radiation comes from what we say and how we act in the home. No member of this Church--husband, father--has the right to utter an oath in his home or ever to express a cross word to his wife or to his children. You cannot do it as a man who holds the priesthood and be true to the spirit within you by your ordination and your responsibility. You have to contribute to an ideal home by your character, controlling your passion, your temper, guarding your speech, because those things will make your home what it is and what it will radiate to the neighborhood. I am reminded of a remark made by a man who came here and attended the board meeting of the United States Steel Company in 1946. You will remember--some of you in this audience, [page 130] some of you General Authorities will remember--that they invited us to attend a dinner of that board, and at the conclusion of that entertainment the chairman, the master of ceremonies--I think it was Mr. Irving S. Olds--said: "Now we are not going to have any set speeches, but here is an opportunity if any of you would like to express yourselves." Mr. Nathan L. Miller, general counsel for that board, arose, and in substance said, "I am one of those inquisitive suspicious New Englanders, and I have been impressed with something in this city that seems to be different from any other city I have ever visited." A radiation! He continued, "I walked up and down Main Street and watched the people. There is something about the city which is different from any other I have been in. I tried to define it and wondered what it was, but during an interview in the President's office today (President George Albert Smith was their host then, and the board had invited him that morning) I think I discovered what it is." President George Albert Smith had called on some of the brethren to speak to the visitors (United States Steel board members), who were sitting and standing around the First Presidency's board room in the Church Administration Building. He said, "I listened to what these men said." One of them had referred to the pioneers and the spirit of the pioneers; that before they started out across the plains under the direction of President Young, they sought divine guidance first. Second, under his direction, they were prepared. Every man would carry a gun and must be prepared for an attack of savages or any other possible emergency that might come to the pioneers that day. And third, every man must take just as much care of his neighbor's cattle as he did of his own. Worship, Preparation, Service! I do not know whether it was that that answered this gentleman's curiosity or not, but he said, "I thought in that meeting in the President's office I detected what there is in the city which is different--it is spirituality," said he. "That's it! It is spirituality! The pioneers had it ! I am wondering if you younger men (he spoke to those around him) can keep that spirituality with the installation of material things coming into your midst." He was referring to that radiation of the group which we all feel. I repeat, every individual has it. Every home radiates it, and every Latter-day Saint home should have it. A father visited his son's new home. The son was proud to show him the new bedroom, the new installations in the kitchen. After they were through with their visit, the father said, "Yes it is beautiful, but I see no signs of God in your home." And the son said, "I went back, and as I looked through the rooms, I noticed I had nothing suggestive of the presence of the Redeemer or the Savior." What I am saying is, we leave this conference today with greater responsibility than ever before, as men of the priesthood, as women of the Church, to make our homes such as will radiate to our neighbors harmony, love, community duties, loyalty. Let our neighbors see it and hear it. Never must there be expressed in a Latter-day Saint home an oath, a condemnatory term, an expression of anger or jealousy or hatred. Control it! Do not express it! You do what you can to produce peace and harmony, no matter what you may suffer. The Savior set us the example, always calm, always controlled, radiating something which people could feel as they passed--the woman who touched his garment. He felt something go from him, that radiation which is divine. Each individual soul has it. That is you. The body is only the house in which you live. God help us to radiate strength, control, love, charity, which is another name for love, consideration best wishes for all human beings. The Church is reaching out, radiating, not only by bodies and meetings, but now through the kindness of the radio owners, television owners, we have touched them from the center. Listen to the people up in Alaska: "Our sincere thanks for the spiritual uplift. Reception excellent at both ends of this far north stake. Attendance at Anchorage, 89. Fifty prayers are certainly with [page 131] you. Alaska Stake President (Lloyd B. Owen)." Fifty prayers! Why, it is just radiating throughout the whole world. God help us as members of the priesthood and as members of the Church to radiate faith in God, love of humanity, service to his people wherever they are, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 4, 1963 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY I pray for your sympathy, your prayers, while I say a few words at the opening of this great conference. "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? "For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." (Psalm 8:4-5.) Animals and other living things can grow and reproduce their kind only in accordance with the fixed laws of nature and the divine command, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: . . ." (Gen. 1:24.) Man, in his physical organism being material and chemical the same as that of the animal, also is subject to the appetites, passions, and other cravings of the physical body. To him, however, is given a special endowment not bestowed upon any other living thing. When the Creator "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul," God gave him the power of choice. (Ibid., 2:7.) Only to the human being did the Creator say: ". . . thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee. . . ." (Moses 3:17.) As God intended man to become as he, it was necessary that He should first make him free. Thus man was endowed with the greatest blessing that can be given to mortal beings--the gift of free agency. Without this divine power to choose, humanity cannot progress. Commenting upon this special endowment, a leading scientist, Dr. Lecomte du Nouy in Human Destiny said: "By giving man liberty and conscience, God abdicated a part of His omnipotence in favor of His creature and this represents the spark of God in man (`God is within you'). Liberty is real, for God Himself refused to trammel it." ". . . cheer up your hearts," admonished the ancient prophet, "and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves." (2 Nephi 10:23.) Freedom of speech, freedom of action within boundaries that do not infringe upon the liberty of others are man's inherent right--divine gifts "essential to human dignity and human happiness." What a travesty on human nature when a person or a group of persons, though endowed with a consciousness of being able to rise in human dignity to realms indiscernible by lower creatures, yet will still be content to obey animal instincts, without putting forth efforts to experience the joy of goodness, purity, self-mastery, and faith that spring from compliance to moral rules! How tragic it is when man, made a "little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honour" (Psalm 8:5), will content himself to grovel on the animal plane. "This love of liberty which God has planted in us," said Abraham Lincoln, "constitutes the bulwark of our liberty and independence. It is not our formidable battlements, or bristling seacoasts, or in our Navy. Our defense is in the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men in all lands everywhere. Destroy this spirit, and we have planted the seeds of despotism at our own doors." The opposite of freedom is bondage, servility, restraint, conditions that inhibit mentality, stifle the spirit, and crush manhood. To coerce, to compel to bring the individual into servitude is the communist plan for the human family. Aside from resisting such oppression from without, each individual carries within himself the responsibility of living nobly or ignobly. Daily every normal person is faced with the choice of submission to what Paul designated the "works of the flesh," (Gal 5:19) or of reaching upward for the fruits of the Spirit, which are "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." (Ibid., 5:22-23.) Conditions in the world today seem to indicate that too many human beings are living not very far above the animal plane. Cunning, deception, thieving, lying, cruelty, brutality, warring conflicts are still all too common even among Christian nations. Charles Wagner in The Simple Life gives this impressive warning against indulgence in animal desires: "He who lives to eat, drink, sleep, dress, take his walk--in short, pamper himself all that he can--be it the courtier basking in the sun, the drunken laborer, the commoner serving his belly, the woman absorbed in her toilettes, the profligate of low estate or high, or simply the ordinary pleasure-lover, a `good fellow,' but too obedient to material needs--that man or woman is on the downward way of desire, and the descent is fatal. Those who follow it obey the same laws as a body on an inclined plane. Dupes of an illusion forever repeated, they think: `Just a few steps more, the last, toward the thing down there that we covet; then we will halt.' But the velocity they gain sweeps them on, and the further they go the less able they are to resist it. "Here is the secret of the unrest, the madness, of many of our contemporaries. Having condemned their will to the service of their appetites, they suffer the penalty. They are delivered up to violent passions which devour their flesh, crush their bones, suck their blood, and cannot be sated. This is not a lofty moral denunciation. I have been listening to what life says, and have recorded, as I heard them, some of the truths that resound in every square. "Has drunkenness, inventive as it is of new drinks, found the means of quenching thirst? Not at all. It might rather be called the art of making thirst inextinguishable. Frank libertinage, does it deaden the sting of the senses? No; it envenoms it, converts natural desire into a morbid obsession and makes it the dominant passion. Let your needs rule you, pamper them--you will see them multiply like insects in the sun. The more you give them, the more they demand. He is senseless who seeks for happiness in material prosperity alone. . . . Our needs, in place of the servants that they should be, become a turbulent and seditious crowd, a legion of tyrants in miniature. A man enslaved to his needs may best be compared to a bear with a ring in its nose that is led about and made to dance at will. The likeness is not flattering, but you will grant that it is true. "It is only by direct action on youth that a better society can be successfully moulded. All pseudo-mysticisms--social, philosophical or political--must be replaced by the Christian ideal, the only one based on liberty and the respect of human dignity. When people have received the same education, when they obey the same moral rules and think universally, they do not easily accept the idea of fighting each other and are very near an understanding. "Today the nations constituted by individuals but possessing their own independent life want to exist and concentrate all their efforts toward this goal, sometimes sincerely in the interest of their members, sometimes solely in the interest of their leaders or of what the latter believe is an ideal superior [page 7] to that of the individual. Governments, evidently, have the duty to protect their countries against enemies, for in so doing they protect the individual which they are supposed to represent. But they also have the duty to prepare the future by spreading the light and by attacking the roots of the evil." We sing: "In sylvan depth and shade, In forest and in glade, Where'er we pass, The hand of God we see In leaf and bud and tree Or bird or humming bee Or blade of grass." --Emmeline B. Wells We drive up the canyons and thrill with the glory of nature bedecked in the brilliance of her autumn colors and find ourselves interested in the story of past ages as we pass in rapid succession the everlasting cliffs of conglomerate, granite-like strata of gneiss and limestone or pause with the poet and pluck a-- "Flower in the crannied wall, I pluck you out of the crannies, I hold you here, root and all, in my hand, Little flower--but if I could understand What you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is." --Tennyson But earth in all its majesty and wonder is not the end and purpose of creation. ". . . my glory," says the Lord himself, "(is) to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) And man in exercising the divine gift of free agency should feel in duty bound, should sense the obligation to assist the Creator in the accomplishment of this divine purpose. The true end of life is not mere existence, not pleasure, not fame, not wealth. The true purpose of life is the perfection of humanity through individual effort, under the guidance of God's inspiration. Real life is response to the best within us. To be alive only to appetite, pleasure, pride, money-making, and not to goodness and kindness, purity and love, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God and eternal hopes, is to deprive one's self of the real joy of living. In man's life, this physical stage, man finds activity in two phases: first in the struggle for livelihood and comforts; and, second in the tendency to grovel. The first is natural and most commendable. The second is debasing, and when unrestrained leads one to the level of animals. When a man harbors the thought that he will obtain a livelihood by injuring his neighbor, that moment he begins to circumscribe his life; bitterness replaces happiness; sordidness supplants generosity; hatred takes the place of love, and beastliness takes the place of humanity. Generally there is in man a divinity which strives to push him onward and upward. We believe that this power within him is the spirit that comes from God. Man lived before he came to this earth, and he is here now to strive to perfect the spirit within. At sometime in his life, every man is conscious of a desire to come in touch with the Infinite. His spirit reaches out for God. This sense of feeling is universal and all men ought to be, in deepest truth, engaged in the same great work--the search for and the development of spiritual peace and freedom. Each one of us is the architect of his own fate, and he is unfortunate indeed who will try to build himself without the inspiration of God; without realizing that he grows from within, not from without. Trees that can stand in the midst of the hurricane often yield to the destroying pests that we can scarcely see with a microscope. Likewise the greatest foes of humanity today are the subtle and sometimes unseen influences at work in society that are undermining the manhood and womanhood of today. The test, after all, of the faithfulness and effectiveness of God's people is an individual one. What is the individual doing? Every temptation that comes to you and me comes in one of three forms: (1) A temptation of the appetite or passion; (2) A yielding to pride, fashion, or vanity; (3) A desire for worldly riches or power and dominion over lands or earthly possessions of men. Such temptations come to us in our social gatherings; they come to us in our political strivings; they come to us in our business relations, on the farm, in the mercantile establishment; in our dealings in all the affairs of life we find these insidious influences working. It is when they manifest themselves to the consciousness of each individual that the defense of truth should exert itself. The Church teaches that life here is probationary. It is man's duty to become the master, not the slave of nature. His appetites are to be controlled and used for the benefit of his health and the prolongation of his life--his passions mastered and controlled for the happiness and blessing of others. Man's greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others. The advancement of science and the new discoveries from the dawn of history to the present are the results of the efforts of men who have been willing to sacrifice themselves if necessary for the cause of truth. "What pains and tears the slightest step forward of man's progress have cost! Every hair-breadth forward has been in the agony of some soul, and humanity has attained blessing after blessing of all its vast achievement of good with bleeding feet." We must not lose sight of the fact, however, that these great leaders of the world were more than compensated by the supreme joy that comes from achievement. Today there are those who have met disaster which almost seems defeat, who have become somewhat soured in their natures; but if they stop to think, even the adversity which has come to them may prove a means of spiritual uplift. Adversity itself may lead toward and not away from God and spiritual enlightenment; and privation may prove a source of strength if we can but keep the sweetness of mind and spirit. "Sweet are the uses of adversity," said Shakespeare, "which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head." If you have lived true to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and continue to do so, happiness will fill your soul. If you vary from it and become conscious that you have fallen short of what you know is right, you are going to be unhappy even though you have the wealth of the world. And now a word to the young: In their yearning for a good time, young people are often tempted to indulge in the things which appeal only to the baser side of humanity, five of the most common of which are: first, vulgarity and obscenity; second, drinking and petting; third, unchastity; fourth, disloyalty; and, fifth, irreverence. Vulgarity is often the first step down the road to indulgence. To be vulgar is to give offense to good taste or refined feelings. It is only a step from vulgarity to obscenity. It is right, indeed essential, to the happiness of our young people that they meet in social parties, but it is an indication of low morals when for entertainment they must resort to physical stimulation and debasement. Drinking and petting parties form an environment in which the moral sense becomes dulled, and unbridled-passion holds sway. It then becomes easy to take the final step downward in moral disgrace. When, instead of high moral principles, a life of immoral indulgence is chosen, and man or woman gets far down in the scale of degeneracy, disloyalty is an inevitable part of his or her nature. Loyalty to parents becomes quenched; obedience to their teachings and ideals abandoned; loyalty to wife and children smothered in base gratification; loyalty to Church impossible, and often supplanted by sneers at its teachings. Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimest experiences. Being true to self and being loyal to high ideals develops spirituality. The real test of any religion is the kind of man it makes. Being "honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in [page 9] doing good to all men" are virtues which contribute to the highest acquisition of the soul. It is the "divine in man, the supreme, crowning gift that makes him king of all created things the one final quality that makes him tower above all other animals." Let us ever keep in mind that life is largely what we make it, and that the Savior of men has marked clearly and plainly just how joy and peace may be obtained. It is in the gospel of Jesus Christ and adherence thereto. Do your duty no matter how humble and resolve even in the face of difficulties and discouragements to be: "Like the man who faces what he must With step triumphant and a heart of cheer; Who fights the daily battle without fear; Sees his hopes fail, yet keeps unfaltering trust That God is God." Years ago I learned that-- "The world wants men--true men Who cannot be bought or sold; Men who will scorn to violate truth--genuine gold." That is the kind of men who stand at the head of our stakes, wards, quorums, and organizations. That is a responsibility they carry. God help them in discharging their duty faithfully and responding to our Father in heaven who says, ". . . this is my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) God help us as leaders in the restored Church, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 5, 1963 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY The strict attention that you thousands paid to the remarks of David Cragun and Matthew Simmons tonight bears testimony to your pride in these young men who represented the young men of the Church, and you got their message. The remarks given by Brother Sill confirming the value of self-control sank deep in your hearts. The testimonies of the Presidents of the Church left a lasting impression upon us all. In conclusion, I have just a word on the topic that the boys of the priesthood have given to us tonight. A man who cannot control his temper is not very likely to control his passions, and no matter what his pretensions in religion, he moves in daily life very close to the animal plane. Religion is supposed to lift us on a higher level. Religion appeals to the spirit in man, your real person, and yet how often, notwithstanding our possessing a testimony of the truth, we yield to the carnal side of our nature. The man who quarrels in his home banishes from his heart the spirit of religion. A man or a mother in this Church who would light a cigaret in the home is yielding to the carnal side of his nature--far, far below the ideal of the Church. Any quarreling in the home is antagonistic to the spirituality which Christ would have us develop within us, and it is in our daily lives that these expressions have their effects. Man is making great progress in science and invention, greater perhaps than ever before, but he is not making comparable progress in character and spirituality. A while ago I read the remarks of General Omar N. Bradley, formerly Army's Chief of Staff, who on one occasion said, and I quote: "With the monstrous weapons man already has, humanity is in danger of being trapped in this world by its moral adolescence. Our knowledge of science has clearly outstripped our capacity to control it. We have too many men of science, too few men of God. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. Man is stumbling blindly through a spiritual darkness while toying with the precarious secrets of life and death." (Italics added.) I am still quoting the general: "The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace; more about killing than we know about living." Our living comes hourly and daily in the home, in our association in business affairs, and in our meeting of strangers. It is the attitude of the person during the daily contacts by which we show whether we are appealing to the carnal or to the spiritual within us and within those with whom we associate. It is a daily matter. I do not know whether we can get the thought over or not. It is within the power of each one, especially members of the Church who make such pretensions. You cannot imagine a real true Christian and especially a member of the Mormon Church, one who holds the priesthood, swearing at his wife. It is inconceivable that such a thing as that could be in a home, and especially with children around. How can anyone justify parents quarreling in front of children? Such a thing should never be a part of the life of church members. Christ has asked us to develop the spiritual within us. Man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul, upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical nature, or whether he will make as his life's pursuit the acquisition of spiritual qualities. "Every noble impulse, every unselfish expression of love; every brave suffering for the right; every surrender of self to something higher than self; every loyalty to an ideal; every unselfish devotion to principle; every helpfulness to humanity; every act of self-control; every fine [page 90] courage of the soul, undefeated by pretense or policy, but by being, doing, and living of good for the very good's sake--that is spirituality." God help us as members of the priesthood to make that life ours individually, in the home, in the towns, in our nation, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 6, 1963 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY We are nearing the end of a great conference, as usual, the best ever. I should like to say a word now about our responsibility to carry these [page 123] great messages to which we have been listening since last Friday morning--carry them to our homes and not let it stop when we say "Amen" this afternoon. We are told that God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Let us, therefore, follow our Heavenly Father's example and bring up our own sons and daughters in the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a greater responsibility resting upon us now than perhaps ever before in the history of this country. The testimony to which we have just listened from Brother Petersen is reaching into the homes of millions throughout the world. Last night we listened to two young men give sermons on the power of self-control. I am sure their parents are very proud of them, and so are we all. The tens of thousands of men holding the priesthood sat silently and almost breathlessly as they listened to the sermons of those two young men. I hope all who are within the sound of my voice will have the same pride as those parents have for those two boys--that your sons will bear the same testimony and accept the same ideals that a hundred thousand whom those two boys represented last night have in their hearts to attain. There comes to my mind now a poem about a father who paid this tribute to his son, or rather felt pride in his boy and the responsibility of rearing him as these hundred thousand boys last night. It runs something like this-- "We've never seen the Father here, but we have known the Son, The finest type of manhood since the world was first begun, And summing up the works of God, I write with reverent pen. The greatest is the Son He sent to cheer the lives of men. "Through Him we learned the ways of God, and found the Father's love; The Son it was who won us back To Him who reigns above. The Lord did not come down Himself to prove to men His worth, He sought our worship through the Child He placed upon the earth. "How can I best express my life? Wherein does greatness lie? How can I long remembrance win, since I am born to die? Both fame and gold are selfish things; their charms may quickly flee, But I'm the father of a boy who came to speak for me. "In him lies all I hope to be; his splendor shall be mine; I shall have done man's greatest work if only he is fine. If some day he shall help the world long after I am dead, In all that men shall say of him my praises shall be said. "It matters not that I may win of fleeting gold or fame, My hope of joy depends alone on what my boy shall claim. My story must be told thru him; for him I work and plan, Man's greatest duty is to be the father of a man." --Edgar A. Guest "Thoughts of a Father" One of our greatest duties as we leave this great conference is to have the spirit of the gospel in our homes. Fathers, set a proper example to your boys. And mothers, teach them in accordance with the Doctrine and Covenants, faith in God, repentance, and baptism. One man, not in our Church, suggests this to his son: "I have no wealth to leave you, and no fame. This must be your inheritance: My name. It has not been my fate, in life's sharp struggles, To win the honors other men have won. Mine has not been a life of great achievements; I have not done the deeds some men have done. But I have kept unsullied and untarnished That thing--a name--entrusted to my care; I have not let dishonor dim its luster, Nor have I let shame leave its black mark there. I have not let my name be classed with malice Nor fear, nor moral cowardice, nor greed, Nor bigoted intolerance towards others Nor lack of charity for those in need. But I have made, instead, my name synonymous In all men's minds, with things the most worthwhile; With strength to do the right, though none might see me; With grit to meet disaster with a smile; With loyalty to those with claims upon me; With justice equally toward foe and friend; With honor, truth, integrity, square-dealing,-- 'My word my bond,' Now, as I reach the end, Too well I know that I have failed in efforts Where I have wanted greatly to succeed; Too oft I've seen my dreams, bright in the forming, Prove naught but vain imaginings, indeed. "But this I do believe; when I have traveled Life's twisting road, and worked out Life's great plan,-- When I have gone beyond Life's praise or blaming, It will be said of me, 'He was a man!' And so, because of this, I feel no shame, When I bequeath to you, my son, my name." That is the duty of every father in Israel--every man who has a son or daughter. Let us make our homes places in which the Spirit of God will be pleased to dwell. And may each boy who bears his father's name, live to honor it, not bring disgrace upon a mother who loves you and a father who has given you a name. This has been a great conference, great messages and glorious singing have made it so. The responsibility with us now is to carry the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our homes. Do not break them up through divorce. Make good your promises in the temple, hold them sacred and be true to every covenant. This is every father's responsibility. Our homes are the seedbeds of faith in Christ our Lord, who stands at the head, and who is God's Beloved Son. In his name I bless the members of the priesthood, the entire membership of the Church in all countries. God's peace and happiness be with you in your hearts and in your homes everywhere, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1964 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY "Blessed are they who do His Commandments." (Rev. 22-14.) Many years ago there was a story told in one of our early school books about some young people who were sailing down the river towards Niagara Falls. A man on the shore cried out to them: "Young men, Ahoy, the rapids are below you!" But they heeded not his warning call until they realized too late that they [page 4] were in the midst of the rapids. With all the power at their command they failed to turn their boat upstream, "So," said the man who tried to warn them "shrieking and cursing, over they went!" The lesson left an indelible impression upon me, but today it seems incomplete. It is one thing to stand on the shore and cry, "Young men, Ahoy--there is danger ahead," and it is another thing to row into the stream, and, if possible, get into the boat with the young men, and by companionship, by persuasion, by legitimate force, when necessary, turn the boat from the rapids. Too many of us are satisfied to stand on the shore and cry, "There is danger ahead." This morning, I have in mind giving a warning to all young people relating to three dangers threatening the success and happiness of Youth: First, the pernicious habit of smoking cigarets. Second, the increasing number of divorces. Third, the tendency to hold less sacred the moral standards. The Habit of Smoking One Hundred and thirty-one years ago the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation "showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days." (D&C 89:2.) It relates to the physical the intellectual, the moral, and the spiritual nature of man. It deals particularly with the relation of man's appetite to health and vigor. A person's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are aroused gives the measure of that person's character. In such reactions are revealed the man's power to govern, or his forced servility to yield. That phase of the Word of Wisdom, therefore, which refers to intoxicants, drugs, and stimulants, goes deeper than the ill effects upon the body, and strikes at the very root of character building itself. Strong Drinks and Tobacco are Not Good for Man The revelation says that strong drinks and tobacco are not good for man. This is a clear, definite statement which has stood the test of well over a century. It was made by a man only twenty-seven years of age, who from the standpoint of human learning, knew but little about physiology, hygiene, or the relation of mind and body to character and spirituality. His knowledge came from inspiration. With a conviction unwavering, with an assurance that the statement would stand all tests and experiments, he declared that strong drinks and tobacco, excepting only when used externally, are not good for man. During the last one hundred years the marvelous advance of science has made it possible for man to determine by experiments the ill effect of intoxicants and drugs upon the nerves and tissues of the human body. Observation and experiment have demonstrated their effects upon character. All such experiments and observations have proved the truth of the young man's statement: "Strong drinks and tobacco are not good for man. Respect for another's rights and property is fundamental in good government. It is a mark of refinement in any individual, it is a fundamental Christian virtue. Nicotine seems to dull, if not to kill completely this trait of true culture, and women unfortunately have become its pitiable victims, and the worst offenders in society. There are still a few public conveyances that carry non-smoking compartments; a few eating places with signs, "No Smoking." In violation of such placards, it is not infrequent, however, to see a woman with utter disregard for the feelings of her fellow-passengers, among the first in an airplane or on a train to light a cigarette. Many public buildings are often littered with burnt-out matches and stubs of cigarets and cigars. Many costly fires in hotels, apartment houses and homes are started by burning cigarets carelessly dropped or thrown aside. If men and women must smoke, and it seems that many are now slaves to that habit, then for the sake of cleanliness and neatness, as well as of consideration for others, let them refrain from marring furniture, carpets, etc., and from strewing ashes and cigarette stubs in buildings where people assemble [page 5] either for pleasure or instruction. But aside from all this, science has now proved that there is a far greater danger associated with cigaret smoking. Dr. George James, Health Commissioner of New York City, said on March 17, 1964 that he "knows that within the next six months one thousand cigarette smokers in New York will die of lung cancer, throat cancer, and other diseases because of their tobacco habit." On Saturday, January 11, 1964, newspapers throughout the country published the following statement: "A special government scientific team Saturday linked cigarette smoking to five forms of cancer, and termed the habit a health hazard which needs 'appropriate remedial action.'" This long-awaited report by ten scientists and physicians declared that a series of studies showed that "the mortality ratio of cigarette smokers over nonsmokers was particularly high for a number of diseases." I appeal to young men and women everywhere to refrain from this obnoxious habit, not only for the effect it has on their character, but also because of the alarming proofs from doctors and scientists that it is one of the chief causes of cancer. Increasing Number of Divorces Another threat to our society is the increasing number of divorces and the tendency to look upon marriage as a mere contract that may be severed at the first difficulty or misunderstanding that may arise. One of our most precious possessions is our families. The domestic relations precede, and, in our present existence, are worth more than all other social ties. They give the first throb to the heart and unseal the deep fountains of its love. Home is the chief school of human virtues. Its responsibilities joys, sorrows, smiles, tears, hopes, and solicitudes form the chief interests of human life. "To make a happy fireside clime To weans and wife, That's the true pathos and sublime O' human life." --Robert Burns When one puts business or pleasure above his home, he that moment starts on the downgrade to soul-weakness. When the club becomes more attractive to any man than his home, it is time for him to confess in bitter shame that he has failed to measure up to the supreme opportunity of his life and flunked in the final test of true manhood. No other success can compensate for failure in the home. The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles. Pure hearts in a pure home are always in whispering distance of heaven. In the light of scripture, ancient and modern we are justified in concluding that Christ's ideal pertaining to marriage is the unbroken home, and conditions that cause divorce are violations of his divine teaching. Some of those conditions I name as unfaithfulness on the part of either the husband or wife, or both--habitual drunkenness, physical violence, long imprisonment that disgraces the wife and family, the union of an innocent girl to a reprobate. In these and perhaps other cases there may be circumstances which make the continuance of the marriage state a greater evil than divorce. But these are extreme cases-- they are the mistakes, the calamities in the realm of marriage. If we could remove them, I would say there never should be a divorce. It is Christ's ideal that home and marriage should be perpetual--eternal. Marriage is a sacred relationship entered into for purposes that are well recognized--primarily for the rearing of a family. I know of no other place where happiness abides more securely than in the home. It is possible to make home a bit of heaven. Indeed, I picture heaven as a continuation of the ideal home. Some man has said: "Home filled with contentment is one of the highest hopes of this life." An ever-decreasing birthrate, and an increasing divorce rate are ominous signs threatening the stability of the home and the perpetuity of any nation. In order to lessen the breaking-up of homes, we should substitute the present tendency toward a low view of marriage by the lofty view which Jesus Christ gives it. Let us look upon marriage as a sacred obligation and a covenant that is eternal or that may be made eternal. Young people of both sexes should be taught the responsibilities and ideals of marriage so that they may realize that marriage involves obligation and is not an arrangement to be terminated at pleasure. They should be taught that pure love between the sexes is one of the noblest things on earth and the hearing and rearing of children the highest of all human duties. In this regard, it is the duty of parents to set an example in the home that children may see and absorb the sacredness of family life and the responsibility associated therewith. The number of broken marriages can he reduced if couples realize even before they approach the altar that marriage is a state of mutual service, a state of giving as well as of receiving, and that each must give of himself or herself to the utmost. The most vicious enemy to home life is immorality. Of this evil, Victor Hugo writes impressively: "The holy law of Jesus Christ governs our civilization; but it does not yet permeate it; it is said that slavery has disappeared from European civilization. That is a mistake. It still exists; but it preys now only upon woman, and it is called prostitution." This corroding evil is just as demoralizing to men as to women. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there is no double standard of morality. The young man should approach the marriage altar just as fit for fatherhood as his sweetheart is worthy of motherhood. Chastity, not indulgence during the pre-marital years, is the source of harmony and happiness in the home, and the chief contributing factor to the health and perpetuity of the race. Loyalty, dependability, confidence, trust, love of God, and fidelity to man are associated with this diadem in the crown of virtuous womanhood and virile manhood. The word of the Lord to his Church is: "Keep yourself unspotted from the sin of the world." (See James 1:27; D&C 59:9.) The foundation of a noble character is integrity. By this virtue the strength of a nation, as of an individual, may be judged. No nation will become great whose trusted officers will pass legislation for personal gain, who will take advantage of public of~ice for personal preferment, or to gratify vain ambition or who will, through forgery, chicanery, and fraud, rob the government, or be false in office to a public trust. Honesty, sincerity of purpose, must be dominant traits of character in leaders of a nation that would be truly great. "I hope," said George Washington "that I may ever have virtue and firmness enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles--the character of an honest man." It was Washington's character more than his brilliancy of intellect that made him the choice of all as their natural leader when the thirteen original colonies decided to sever their connection with the mother country. As one in eulogy to the father of our country truly said: "When he appeared among the eloquent orators, the ingenious thinkers the vehement patriots of the Revolution, his modesty and temperate profession could not conceal his superiority; he at once, by the very nature of his character, was felt to be their leader." Let us in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as citizens of this beloved land, use our influence to see that men and women of upright character, of unimpeachable honor, are elected to office; that our homes are kept unpolluted and unbroken by infidelity; that children therein will be trained to keep the commandments of the Lord, to be honest, true, chaste benevolent, and virtuous, and to do good to all men. (See Thirteenth Article of Faith.) Cherishing such ideals, we can with all our hearts say with the poet Longfellow: "Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State Sail on, O Union, strong and great! Humanity with all its fears, With all the hopes of future years Is hanging breathless on thy fate!" May members of the Church of Jesus Christ, preaching the restored gospel to the peoples of the earth, ever remember the Savior's injunction: "Ye are the light of the world.... "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5:14, 16.) That we may sense this responsibility, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1964 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY We have the following telegram from Eugene K. Mangum, first counselor in the Phoenix West Stake: "At Phoenix Arizona, 590 priesthood holders thrilled at messages over direct wire." Thousands can say the same. I had in mind saying a word suggested by a visit to two fathers in this room--the two fathers of these two boys who have done so well tonight, and the pride in their sons which they had, the pride which every father has in his sons. My object in doing this was to make boys feel the responsibility of sonship. Instead of referring to that, however I am going to follow the thought mentioned by Brother Brown of keeping your manhood clean and unsullied. I do not know whether I can remember the lines or not, but I shall just refer to them and leave the reason of it to each of you. I said I would have my fling, And do what a young man may: And I didn't believe a thing That the parsons had to say. I didn't believe in a God That gives us blood like fire, Then flings us into hell because We answer the call of desire. And I said "religion is rot," And the laws of the world are nil; For the bad man is he who is caught And cannot foot his bill. And there is no place called hell: And heaven is only a truth, When a man has his way with a maid In the fresh keen hour of youth. And the money can buy us grace, If it rings on the plate of the church; And money can neatly erase Each sign of a sinful smirch. For I saw men everywhere, Hot-footing the road of vice! And women and preachers smiled on them As long as they paid the price. So I had my joy of life: I went the pace of the town: And then I took me a wife, And started to settle down. I had gold enough and to spare For all of the simple joys That belong with a house and a home And a brood of girls and boys. I married a girl with health And virtue and spotless fame I gave in exchange my wealth And a proud old family name. And I gave her the love of a heart Grown sated and sick of sin. My deal with the devil was all cleaned up. And the last bill handed in. She was going to bring me a child, And when in anguish she cried With love and fear I was wild-- But now I wish she had died. For the son she bore me was blind And crippled and weak and sore! And mother was left a wreck. It was so she had settled my score. I said I must have my fling And they knew the path I would go; But no one told me a thing Of what I needed to know. Folks talk too much of a soul From heavenly joys debarred-- But not enough of the babes unborn, By the sins of their father scarred. ("The Price He Paid" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.--Courtesy Rand McNally & Company.) Men and boys of the priesthood, every member, the admonition of the Lord is ". . . be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord." (Isa. 52:11.) April 6, 1964 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY I thank Brother Brown for expressing appreciation for those who have participated and made memorable this great conference. I sat here looking at the number of men and boys who occupy the center of this Tabernacle audience. Twenty-five or thirty years ago you were just boys anticipating serving the Church. You are still just boys. The dearest thing in your life now is your boy. I hope that these young boys who in twenty years from now will be occupying your seats will give you the satisfaction that you have given your fathers. I am overwhelmed with the thought of the thousands, tens of thousands of young men who were in this Tabernacle on Saturday night and the other halls on closed-circuit television and direct audio line through the service made possible by KSL and kindred means of communication. These young people from Brigham Young University occupying the seats in the choir and furnishing the music have a great obligation upon them that they may grow up as conscious of their responsibility of being sons and daughters as you would have them realize that responsibility. We also had a group of young people from Salt Lake and Davis counties appreciation for whose attendance Brother Brown has already expressed. It is a great thing to be a father of boys and girls. I think it is a precious thing for our boys and girls to realize their responsibility to carry their fathers name in love and honor. Carlyle I think it was said: In this world there is one Godlike virtue the essence of all that ever was or ever will be Godlike in this world--the veneration done to human worth by the hearts of men." Ninety million people possibly have in their hearts an appreciation of your attendance at this conference--three days of joy and satisfaction! Let us go from this conference with a prayer of appreciation that we have sons who will take our places some day, as you have taken the position now that your father wished you would take. I think I cannot do better than to quote to these young people here who have furnished us such inspirational music, to the thousands of others who were present Saturday, and to the young boys and girls in all the world, a poem by Edgar A. Guest in which he expresses appreciation for a son. I think it is about one of the best things he has written. He starts out by saying: "We've never seen the Father here, but we have known the Son, The finest type of manhood since the world was first begun. And, summing up the works of God, I write with reverent pen, The greatest is the Son He sent to cheer the lives of men. "Through Him we learned the nays of God and found the Father's love; The Son it was who won us back to Him who reigns above. The Lord did not come down himself to prove to men His worth, He sought our worship through the Child He placed upon the earth. "How can I best express my life? Wherein does greatness lie? How can I long remembrance win, since I am born to die? Both fame and gold are selfish things; their charms may quickly flee But I'm the father of a boy who came to speak for me. "In him lies all I hope to be; his splendor shall be mine; I shall have done man's greatest work if only he is fine. If some day he shall help the world long after I am dead, In all that men shall say of him my praises shall be said. "It matters not what I may win of fleeting gold or fame, My hope of joy depends alone on what my boy shall claim. My story must be told through him; for him I work and plan, Man's greatest duty is to be the father of a man." --"Thoughts of a Father" in The Path to Home by Edgar A. Guest Boys in the Mormon Church, boys all over the world, remember the obligations of sonship, the obligation to make your father and mother happy and proud of you. We have had a wonderful conference, and it now draws to a close. Let us take with us our appreciation Of being a father, appreciation of being a mother. And boys and girls, go with the responsibility that you have to bring comfort and gladness and thankfulness to the hearts of your fathers and mothers. God bless you, fellow workers, you boys and girls of yesterday; may you set a proper example to the boys and girls of today, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 2, 1964 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY (Read by his son Robert McKay) My dear brethren and sisters: Only at the last moment have I given in to the pleas of the doctors and members of the family not to put the added strain on my heart by attempting to go over to the Tabernacle to meet with you in this conference. However, I am with you in spirit and watching the proceedings of the meeting over television. It is over fifty-eight years ago that I stood at the pulpit in the Tabernacle for the first time as one of the General Authorities of the Church. I remember well then my trembling and humility at facing such an audience and accepting a position as one of the General Authorities. The passing of over one half a century has made it no easier to discharge the responsibility that one holds as a General Authority. This morning, as then and during the intervening years, I ask for your sympathy and prayers. Blessings of the Decade Evidences of progress in the Church give us true cause for rejoicing. The Lord has blessed us with eventful and prosperous years during the past decade. [page 5] The loyalty of the members to the ideals and teachings of the Man of Galilee has been evidenced in many ways: by the response of tens of thousands to the message of the restored gospel as proclaimed by messengers at home and abroad; by ready and willing response to "calls" and "assignments"; and by increased tithes and offerings. Surely with these and other equally meritorious services the Lord is pleased, for he has said, ". . . this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) Eternal Vigilance and Righteous Effort the Price of Peace But let us ever remember that peace and progress are attained only at the price of eternal vigilance and constant righteous efforts. The forces of evil and misery are still rampant in the world and must be resisted. The powers of darkness have increased in accordance with the spread of the gospel. Whole nations are declaring atheism to be the law of the land. Atheism has become the greatest weapon Satan has to use, and its evil influence is bringing degradation to millions throughout the world. Even at this moment as the sun throws warm, genial rays on snowcapped summits and frost-covered valleys of this western land, the public press tells of increasing activity on the part of the evil one. Warlike activities and international misunderstandings prevent the establishing of peace and divert man's inventive genius from the paths of science, art, and literature, and apply it to human retardation and the holocaust of war. Peace When; . . . The rising sun can dispel the darkness of night, but it cannot banish the blackness of malice, hatred, bigotry, and selfishness from the hearts of humanity. Happiness and peace will come to earth only as the light of love and human compassion enter the souls of men. "With Healing In His Wings" It was for this purpose that Christ, the Son of righteousness, "with healing in his wings," came in the Meridian of Time. Through him wickedness shall be overcome, hatred, enmity, strife, poverty, and war abolished. This will be accomplished only by a slow but never-failing process of changing men's mental and spiritual attitude. The ways and habits of the world depend upon the thoughts and soul-convictions of men and women. If, therefore, we would change the world, we must first change people's thoughts. Only to the extent that men desire peace and brotherhood can the world be made better. No peace even though temporarily obtained, will be permanent, whether to individuals or nations, unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles. Men may yearn for peace, cry for peace, and work for peace, but there will be no peace until they follow the path pointed out by the Living Christ. He is the true light of men's lives. The Mission of the Church to Establish Peace The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to establish peace. The Living Christ is its head. Under him tens of thousands of men in the Church are divinely authorized to represent him in variously assigned positions. It is the duty of these representatives to manifest brotherly love, first toward one another, then toward all mankind; to seek unity, harmony, and peace in organizations within the Church, and then by precept and example extend these virtues throughout the world. I pray that each day may find members of the Church truer, purer, nobler than the last, that they, with intellect and hearts united, may hasten the day when ". . . the Lord will bless his people with peace" (Psalm 29:11) that they may ". . . lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth." (D&C 105:39.) Blessings of Peace for the Righteous I invoke upon the righteous everywhere our Father's blessings that peace may be in their hearts and in their homes, that unity may strengthen their ranks, that they may be blessed with the desire and means to teach others, that goodness may come into the lives of men throughout the earth, that our Father's kingdom may be enlarged and [page 6] magnified, that his sons and daughters in all the world may find fellowship with the Saints, that the designs of the wicked may be frustrated and the purposes of the sinful come to naught, that unrighteous dominion shall be broken, and that truth shall govern the earth, that God's people--those who keep his commandments--may become as a light set upon a hill, an ensign to the nations, in anticipation of the long-awaited day when the Prince of Peace shall reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 3, 1964 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY (Read by his son David Lawrence McKay) Charge to the Priesthood To the seventy thousand or more priesthood members assembled tonight, I should like to quote the truth and the admonition given by Peter the chief Apostle to the members of the priesthood over nineteen hundred years ago. That chief Apostle wrote these lines and addressed them to the elders of that time: ". . . I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed [page 92] with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: "Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:1-9.) These instructions are nineteen-hundred-years old, yet new today, and just as applicable as then to the elders of this Church. Peter said they should be "ensamples to the flock." I should just like to ask if that example starts at home. What better place to exercise the lofty ideals of the priesthood? Gratitude for Parents The older I grow, the more grateful I am for my parents, for what they did in that old country home. They lived the gospel. Father used to preach it, particularly to visitors who came, more than to us boys and girls; but both Father and Mother lived the gospel. I realize more than ever before that my testimony of the reality of the existence of God dates back to that home when I was a child, and it was through their teachings and their examples that I received, even as a child, the absolute knowledge that God is my Father, that I received then the knowledge of the reality of the spiritual world, and I testify to you tonight that that is a reality. It is easy for me to accept as a divine truth the fact that Christ preached to the spirits in prison while his body lay in the tomb. It is true. And it is just as easy for me to realize that one may so live that he may receive impressions and direct messages through the Holy Ghost. The veil is thin between those who hold the priesthood and those on the other side of the veil. Testimony Borne in the Home That testimony began, was borne in that home, because of the example of a man who lived the priesthood and a wife who sustained him and lived it in the home. I do not know that Peter had that in mind, particularly, when he mentioned "being ensamples to the flock" (ibid., 5:3), but I do know that each home is a part of that flock. The influence you spread in your home will go throughout the ward, the stake, and then will go throughout the city, the state, the country, and the world. The most precious thing in the world is a testimony of the truth. Truth never grows old, and the truth is that God is the source of your priesthood and mine, that he lives, that Jesus Christ stands at the head of this Church, and that every man who holds the priesthood, if he lives properly, soberly, industriously, humbly, and prayerfully, is entitled to the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I know that it is true! Exemplify Truth in Our Homes God help us to defend the truth--better than that, to live it, to exemplify it in our homes. What we owe to our parents we cannot express. Are you going to have that same influence on your children, you parents--fathers and mothers? Never set an improper example before them. You are men of the priesthood, and you are leaders. Never let them hear a cross word. You should control yourself. He is a weak man who flies into a passion, whether he is working a machine, plowing, or writing, or whatever he may be doing in the home. A man of the priesthood should not fly into a passion. Learn to be dignified. Home is Transformed by Priesthood Honored To hold the priesthood of God by divine authority is one of the greatest gifts that can come to a man, and worthiness is of first importance. The very essence of priesthood is eternal. He is greatly blessed who feels the responsibility of representing Deity. He should feel it to such an extent that he would he conscious of his actions and words under all conditions. No man who holds the Holy Priesthood should treat his wife disrespectfully. No man who holds that priesthood should fail to ask the blessings on his food or to kneel with his wife and children and ask for God's [page 93] guidance. A home is transformed because a man holds and honors the priesthood. We are not to use it dictatorially, for the Lord has said that ". . . when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (D&C 121:37.) That revelation given by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the most beautiful lessons in pedagogy or psychology and government ever given, and we should read it over and over again in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants. The Divine Brotherhood Let us realize that we are members of the greatest fraternity, the greatest brotherhood--the brotherhood of Christ--in all the world, and do our best each day, all day, to maintain the standards of the priesthood. Let us live honest, sincere lives. Let us be honest with ourselves, honest with our brethren, honest with our family, honest with men with whom we deal, always honest, for eyes are upon us, and the foundation of all character rests upon the principles of honesty and sincerity. God is guiding this Church. Be true to it. Be true to your families, loyal to them. Protect your children. Guide them, not arbitrarily, but through the kind example of a father, a loving mother, and so contribute to the strength of the Church by exercising your priesthood in your home and in your lives, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1965 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY My brethren and sisters and friends of the television and radio audience, as I approach this solemn duty, I sense fully the need of your united support and particularly the sustaining and guiding influence of the Spirit of the Lord. "I charge thee, . . ." wrote Paul to Timothy, "before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, . . . "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering. . . ." (2 Tim. 4:1-2.) In the same letter he prophetically declared ". . . that in the last days perilous times shall come. "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, . . . ". . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: . . ." (Ibid.. 3:1-2, 4-5.) Safeguards Against Delinquency It is in the spirit of Paul's charge and prophecy that I approach the subject of safeguards against delinquency of youth. In naming these safeguards I have nothing new to offer. You have heard them mentioned frequently, but I think, as with the gospel principles it is fitting that we be active in season and out of season, that we reprove, rebuke, exhort, admonish with all longsuffering as we contemplate the rising crime wave and bring home to each of us, if possible, the realization that greater diligence is needed. Few will question the fact that we are living in perilous times, that many people have lost their moorings and are being ". . . tossed to and fro, . . . with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Eph. 4:14.) Among the glaring evils of our day are two which seem to be most detrimental and which must be curbed if we would preserve true Christian ideals. These are: first, an increasing tendency to dishonor the marriage vow, and second, the mounting juvenile delinquency. Careful study discloses a close relationship between these two unwholesome social conditions. Tendency to Dishonor Marriage Vows As evidence of the first, we need only to glance at the number of divorces in the country at large. Recent statistics disclose that one out of every four marriages is separated by the ever grinding divorce mill. Ever-increasing Crime But it is the ever increasing crime wave to which I desire to call attention this morning. Children are being corrupted by it; youth are caught in its whirlpool and are being contaminated overwhelmingly by it. J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who is probably our nation's leading authority on crime, made the following alarming report at a dinner held in his honor in Chicago, Illinois, on November 24, 1964: "To every man and every nation there comes a time when decisions must be made about grave problems. Further delay in seeking solutions can [page 6] bring disaster. That time has come for the United States. "The moment has arrived when we must face realistically the startling fact that since 1958 crime in this country has increased five times faster than our population growth! Serious crimes--murder, forcible rape, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, automobile theft--have mounted steadily since the end of World War II. In 1951, these crimes for the first time topped the one-million mark, and more than two and one-quarter million serious crimes were reported during 1963. "Even more ominous is the fact that this terrifying spiral in crime has come about through a growing wave of youthful criminality across the Nation. Last year for the fifteenth consecutive year, crimes involving our young people increased over the previous year. For all serious crimes committed in the United States in 1963, youthful offenders were responsible for 72 percent of the total arrests for these crimes! The cost of our crime has now reached the staggering sum of twenty-seven billion dollars a year! Decline of Moral Strength "What a grim and unhappy commentary on the moral climate of this great Nation ! The moral strength of our Nation has decreased alarmingly. We must return to the teachings of God if we are to cure this sickness. These shocking statistics, together with the public's apparent indifference to them, are indicative of the false morality we are tolerating today. It is a false code which is based on the worship of things of man's own creation. It is as imperfect and feeble as man himself! However captivating to the senses, this type of moral climate cannot give the support nor the strength which is so vital to our national survival. This breakdown in our moral standards can only render us impotent as a people and as a Nation." In calling attention to these conditions, I would not have you think that our young people generally do not merit our confidence. It is the few, not the many, of whom we now speak. When, a few years ago, a little four-year-old lad wandered into the Badlands of North Dakota, the whole countryside was aroused and organized for the rescue. They gave no thought, however, to the hundreds of four-year-olds who were safe in their mothers' keeping. A train wreck or an airplane disaster shocks us to attention, awakens sympathy and a demand for more safeguards, while to the hundreds of trains and airplanes carrying millions to safety, we give scarcely a passing thought. So while we solicitously call attention to the tragedies in the stream of human life, let us not be unmindful of the much greater group who move steadily and successfully along, avoiding the sandbars and rapids of sinful indulgence and spiritual decay, whose noble lives confirm and increase confidence in the growing generation. As we seek the lost sheep, let us be appreciative of the "ninety and nine" that are safe in the fold. But no matter how firm our confidence in the majority of the young, we must not close our eyes to the fact that the number of delinquents and youthful criminals is ominously increasing. In the interest of the moral atmosphere of our communities, the welfare of the state, the perpetuity of our democratic form of government, we must search for the causes of this upswing in crime, and, if possible, remove them and apply the proper remedies. Safeguard Against Delinquency: Home One important cause of the increase in child delinquency is a letdown in home ideals. A growing desire for economic independence or a too eager willingness to improve financial circumstances has influenced too many of our mothers to neglect the greatest of all responsibilities--the rearing of a family. Director Hoover makes the definite statement that "in the background of these youth offenders lies the story of shocking neglect. Boys and girls are being deprived of the care and guidance necessary to the proper foundation of their characters. Their lawlessness had its roots in every instance in broken homes where mothers [page 7] and fathers, because of their neglect, misunderstanding, or irresponsibility had failed in their primary obligations. More often than not, God was unknown, or, more important, was unwelcome in their homes. "On the other hand, in nearly every instance the youthful offender would' have been a strong, upright citizen had he been given a chance. If his pent-up energies and desires had been directed along wholesome channels; if his problems--the problems that made him a problem child--had been solved by patient and attentive parents, he would have proved to be an influence for good in his community." You may think me extreme, but I am going to say that a married woman who refuses to assume the responsibilities of motherhood, or who, having children, neglects them for pleasure or social prestige, is recreant to the highest calling and privilege of womankind. The father who, because of business or political or social responsibilities, fails to share with his wife the responsibilities of rearing his sons and daughters is untrue to his marital obligations, is a negative element in what might and should be a joyous home atmosphere, and is a possible contributor to discord and delinquency. There are three fundamental things to which every child is entitled: (1) a respected name, (2) a sense of security, (3) opportunities for development. The family gives to the child his name and standing in the community. A child wants his family to be as good as those of his friends. He wants to be able to point with pride to his father and to feel an inspiration always as he thinks of his mother. It is a mother's duty so to live that her children will associate with her everything that is beautiful, sweet, and pure. In the words of former President of the United States, Herbert Hoover: "After we have determined every scientific fact, after we have erected every public safeguard, after we have constructed every edifice for education or training or hospitalization or play, yet all these things are but a tithe of the physical, moral, and spiritual gifts which motherhood gives and home confers. None of these things carry that affection, that devotion of soul, which is the great endowment from mothers." And the father should so live that the child, emulating his example, will be a good citizen and, in the Church, a true Latter-day Saint. A child has a right to feel that in his home he has a place of refuge, a place of protection from the dangers and evils of the outside world. Family unity and integrity are necessary to supply this need. The home is the best place in the world to teach the highest ideal in the social and political life of man namely, perfect liberty of action so long as he does not trespass upon the rights and privileges of another. The great need of the American home today is more religion. Parents should make it obvious both by their actions and their conversation that they are seriously interested in the fruits of true religion. Example of parents should emphasize the need of honesty in our dealings with our family, our neighbors, and all with whom we come in contact: of kindness to our employees of fair play to our employers, of good measure to our customers. The Lord places the responsibility directly where it belongs, wherein he says that it is the duty of parents to teach their children the principles of the gospel and to walk uprightly before the Lord, and if they do not so teach, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. (See D&C 68:25.) Safeguard Against Delinquency: Church Next to the home as a safeguard to delinquency, the church should be dominant force. The other day I was pleased to note a recent Gallup Poll published in a late edition of the New York Herald Tribune which revealed that in 1964 at least 45 percent of the entire adult population of the nation attended church in one typical week and that, although the percentage dropped four points since the peak year of 1958, it is still so high that it completely eclipses the 5 percent and 7 [page 8] percent in some of the other leading countries. It is interesting that although men are reputedly not very religious, 40 percent of the entire male adult population of the United States attends church each Sunday. Forty-nine percent of the women attend regularly. This means that 49,500,000 adult men and women attend church services in the United States. But what of the other 55 percent of men and women who do not attend church and what of the children who come from the homes of these men and women? Their indifference towards church should tend only to spur us to more earnest and diligent activity. Safeguard Against Delinquency: Schools Where there is an indifference toward Christian churches, we shall have to place next to the home, not the church, but the public school as the most influential factor in lessening delinquency. I believe with all my heart that the most paramount objective of the public school system from kindergarten to the university should be character building and the evolving of true, loyal citizens of the republic. The teaching of the three R's, of the arts and sciences, even the delving into research work should be but a means to the development of true manhood and noble womanhood. True education is awakening a love for truth, a just sense of duty, opening the eyes of the soul to the great purpose and end of life. It is not to teach the individual to love the good for personal sake; it is to teach him to love the good for the sake of the good itself; to be virtuous in action because he is so in heart; to love God and serve him supremely, not from fear, but from delight in his perfect character. Upon the teacher rests much of the responsibility of lifting society to this high level. Ralph Waldo Emerson, reputedly the wisest American, said, "Character is higher than intellect . . . . A great soul will be strong to live, as well as to think." (Nature, Addresses, and Lectures: The American Scholar.) Safeguard Against Delinquency: Moral Atmosphere of Leaders, Community, State and Nation Another safeguard against delinquency of youth is the moral atmosphere of the leaders of the nation, town, and community. This is determined by the ideals and actions of adults, and particularly of civic officers and those who are entrusted to enforce the law. If we are sincere in our desire to reduce the delinquency among youth, let us look to ourselves as members of the community and as leaders and officials in civic circles. A nation that has conquered great material difficulties and harnessed the physical powers must have some more effective means of combating the cynicism of its youth--the cynicism born of widely flaunted dishonesty of those in high places, insincerity of leadership, and gaudy pageantry of crime. Yes, we are living in perilous times, but let us hope that they may be to the present generation as the fiery furnace that consumes the dross but purifies the gold. A clean man is a national asset. A pure woman is the incarnation of true national glory. A citizen who loves justice and hates evil is better than a battleship. The strength of any community consists of and exits in the men who are pure, clean, upright, and straightforward, ready for the right and sensitive to every approach of evil. Let such ideals be the standard of citizenship. Let us here and now express gratitude for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with its priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations especially organized to combat the evils of crime and juvenile delinquency. It was established by divine revelation of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Its glorious mission is to proclaim the birth of the restored gospel; to uplift society that people may mingle more amicably one with another; to create in our communities a wholesome environment in which our children may find strength to resist temptation and encouragement to strive for cultural and spiritual [page 9] attainment; to make ineffective the influence of designing men who would make profit out of their fellows who are fallen so low as to be slaves to their appetites and passions, who would fill their purses through the weaknesses of addicts of gambling, drunkenness, and nicotine. The gospel is a rational philosophy that teaches mankind how to attain happiness in this life and exaltation in the life to come. God help us to discharge our responsibilities to our youth by making an environment in home, in school, in Church, and in our communities that will be uplifting, wholesome, faith-inspiring, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 5, 1965 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay APPRECIATION TO PRIESTHOOD MEMBERS Brethren of the Priesthood of the Church: Few, if any, of you can appreciate my feelings when I say, I am happy to meet you. I had a message in my heart and I put it on paper, anticipating this moment, but I have been advised that I had better conserve what little strength I have. I say to you, I am happy to be in your presence. I feel honored to work with my counselors, and the Twelve, and the other General Authorities. My heart is filled to overflowing in appreciation for your companionship and your prayers; for your ability and willingness to carry on the Priesthood of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have asked my son, Edward, (Dr. Edward R. McKay) to read a paragraph or two that I have written, and if he will do that, I shall just close with a prayer in my heart for God's blessings to be with you always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. The Choir and the congregation sang the hymn, "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet." PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Read by Dr. Edward R. McKay a son of President McKay My dear brethren in the priesthood: What is the end and purpose of religion, "swaying the lives of men the centuries through"? The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints answer in the words of the Lord revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith that the end and purpose of true religion, which is the work of God, is ". . . to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) And what is the crowning glory of man in this earth so far as his individual achievement is concerned? It is character--character developed through obedience to the laws of life as revealed through Jesus Christ, who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Man's chief concern in life should not be the acquiring of gold or of fame or of material possessions. It should not be the development of physical prowess, nor of intellectual strength, but his aim, the highest in life, should [page 80] be the development of a Christlike character. One of the most significant statements in the Word of Wisdom, one which carries with it evidence of the inspiration of the Prophet Joseph Smith, is found in the following statement, "In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarned you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation--" (D&C 89:4.) ". . . evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men . . ."--the purport of that statement impressed me way back in the twenties and thirties of this century. I ask you to recall the methods employed by certain tobacco interests to induce women to smoke cigarettes. You remember how insidiously they launched their plan: first, by saying that smoking would reduce weight. Their slogan was: "Take a cigarette instead of a sweet." Later, some of us noticed in the theater that they would have a young woman light the gentleman's cigarette. Following this a woman's hand would be shown on billboards lighting or taking a cigarette. A year or two passed, and soon they were brazen enough to show the woman on the screen or on the billboard smoking the cigarette. I have a newspaper clipping which I set aside in 1931 which corroborates this idea. It reads: "It is well-known that the cigarette manufacturers are now after the young women and girls. They say there are twenty-five million of these in the United States, and if they can popularize smoking among them, they will be able to increase their sales from three billions, six hundred million dollars annually, to six billion dollars. This is their claim and their aim." Now, as you all know, it is common to see beautiful young women depicted on billboards and in magazine advertisements smoking cigarettes, and now most insidious of all are the cigarette advertisements which come into our homes by way of television and are viewed by our boys and girls, showing young men and young women smoking in the most enticing scenes possible. Do these conspiring men have evil designs upon our youth? Keep your eyes and ears open to observe if they are not taking the same steps now to get our boys interested as they did to entice women to use that vile weed. Our youth should be taught the hazards of cigarette smoking to health. They should be taught that doctors and scientists now have established a direct tie to cancer and cigarette smoking. Emerson Foote, chairman of the National Interagency Council on Smoking and Health, has testified that " 'it has been concluded by responsible scientific authorities' that cigarette smoking is responsible for at least 125,000 and possibly 300,000 deaths a year in this country. "`But death is not the only thing. . . . It is beyond doubt that there are millions of people who suffer varying degrees of disability brought on by cigarette smoking.' " (Washington [Associated Press], Deseret News, March 23, 1965, p. A-7.) Somewhere between sixty and eighty percent of boys and men and a somewhat lesser number of girls and women are already habituated to cigarettes or they are confirmed addicts. The high death rates from cigarette smoking have created a demand from many interested groups for positive action that will lessen the dangers to health. The Royal College of Physicians of Great Britain, the American Cancer Society, and the United States Public Health Service have led the way in creating public reaction against smoking. The Cancer Society has supported research generously and has kept the public and the medical profession informed on the problems connected with smoking. The Surgeon General of the Public Health Service has used his official and moral influence in emphasizing the dangers involved in smoking. These agencies, as well as the great body of research scientists, have compiled the evidence and stated the facts so clearly that every reasonable mind is fully aware of the danger entailed from smoking. Notwithstanding the admission of danger from smoking, the advertising [page 81] of cigarettes by the tobacco companies has been stepped up to an all-time peak. Yet there is never a hint that smoking is already a major threat to life. Instead, the advertising constantly emphasizes the mildness of the cigarette and its pleasurable qualities. This cigarette advertising is promoted with such reckless abandon, in spite of what research has already proved regarding the dangers from smoking, that the most charitable conclusion to be drawn is that the promoters have no regard whatever for the value of human life. It seems that success for the tobacco industry is more important than the avoiding of suffering and of death. One hundred thirty-two years ago a twenty-seven-year-old youth told the world that tobacco was harmful for the human body. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given by divine revelation the Word of Wisdom, in which they were advised to refrain from the use of tobacco in any form. They were promised better health as a result. This was strange as no one knew of any danger from smoking at that time. Most of the members accepted and applied the instructions given. The demonstration presented today by more than two million people of the Church should be impressive to any skeptic. Hundreds of thousands of teenage youths have never smoked. They know that smoking is a destructive habit that mars the human body as well as the mind. Our homes should establish the fact that the boy who indulges in cigarettes is not contributing to his advancement and growth in the Church and kingdom of God; neither is he preparing himself for his responsible place in society. The word of God to the Prophet Joseph Smith is that tobacco is not good for man. The statement is not qualified in any way. Scientists have demonstrated it; men who have tried to disprove it have failed; and we as a people stand committed to that command from God. Keep the habit of smoking and the use of tobacco in any form out of the lives of our boys. Resistance of the appetite will react upon the character and strengthen it, and just because a man has developed the habit is no justification for his continuing it. Just because some man may think he is immune from the ill effects of tobacco is no justification for its use in the priesthood of God. Fathers and members of the priesthood have the obligation of setting an example worthy of imitation to the youth. Boys want to look upon you as men. Their ideals incorporate in your life all the Christlike attributes, as nearly as you can develop them, which Christ had when the Roman governor pointed to him saying, "Behold the man!" (John 19:5.) Remember, even though you have the habit, overcoming it will make you stronger. "It is easy enough to be virtuous When nothing tempts you to stray, When without or within no voice of sin Is luring your soul away. But it is only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire, And the soul that is worth the honor of earth Is the soul that resists desire." (Adapted from Ella Wheeler Wilcox, "Worth While.") To our boys I would say that if they want to live physically; if they want to be men strong in body, vigorous in mind; if they want to be good in sports, enter the basketball game, enter the football game, enter the contest in running and jumping; if they want to be good Scouts; if they want to be good citizens, in business, anywhere, avoid tobacco and live strictly the religious life. May God help us as men of the priesthood, as fathers, to reach our boys and young men and impress upon them this great lesson, this divine truth, that to be carnally minded is to be miserable, unhappy, but to be spiritually minded, which means to obey the principles of the gospel in all that it means, is to have life, life eternal and peace, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 1, 1965 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Brethren and sisters: It is truly a joy to meet with you. I want to take this opportunity to thank you and to tell you how grateful I am for your thoughtful solicitations and your faith and prayers. God bless every one of you for your integrity and devotion to the work of the Lord! It is an honor and a continual joy to be associated with you in the Church of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the blessing of the Lord to his Church in all the world, for the assurance of his divine guidance and inspiration. With deep gratitude we acknowledge in your presence the Lord's nearness and his goodness, and in that spirit of prayerful appreciation, proclaim that our souls [page 7] respond in harmony with the glorious vision given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. "Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior. "Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out. . . . "For thus saith the Lord--I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and truth unto the end." (D&C 76:1-2, 5.) I deeply sense my inadequacy in trying to express in words the message I have in my heart this morning. I earnestly pray for your help and assistance, and especially for the inspiration of the Lord, that we may sense his presence during this opening session and all the sessions of this conference. I am delighted to see these doorways crowded by interested listeners. It is a sight we all should take to heart, a manifestation of those who love the Lord and keep his commandments. Two Great Forces I cannot get my thoughts off the fact that there are two great forces in the world more potent than ever before, each force more determined to achieve success, more active in planning, and on the one side, scheming, than ever before. Satan Sought Power These two great forces are hate and love. Hate had its origin in our preexistent state. There is a significant reference in the Apocalypse to "a war in heaven." (Rev. 12:4.) It is not only significant, but seemingly contradictory, for we think of heaven as a celestial abode of bliss, an impossible condition where war and contention could exist. The passage is significant because it implies a freedom of choice and of action in the spirit world. In the Pearl of Great Price we are given this account: "Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; "And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice." (Moses 4:3-4. Italics added.) Two things you will note in that passage: one, that Satan was determined to destroy the free agency of man. Free agency is a gift of God. It is part of his divinity. The second point is that he desired to supplant God. I quote, "Give me thy glory." (See Ibid., 4:1.) The world does not comprehend the significance of that divine gift to the individual. It is as inherent as intelligence which, we are told, has never been nor can be created. In the spirit of hate, as is manifest today in the world, the very existence of God is denied, the free agency of man is taken from him, and the power of the state supplanted. I do not know that there was ever a time in the history of mankind when the Evil One seemed so determined to take from man his freedom. Free Agency Fundamental A fundamental principle of the gospel is free agency, and references in the scriptures show that this principle is (l) essential to man's salvation; and (2) may become a measuring rod by which the actions of men, of organizations, of nations may be judged. "Therefore," we are told in the scripture, "cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves--to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life." (2 Nephi 10:23.) "For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves." (D&C 104:17.) "Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. "And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." (Ibid., 101:79-80.) "My independence is sacred to me," said Brigham Young, "it is a portion of that same Deity that rules in the heavens. There is not a being upon the face of the earth who is made in the image of God, who stands erect and is organized as God is, that would be deprived of the free exercise of his agency so far as he does not infringe upon other's rights, save by good advice and a good example." (Discourses of Brigham Young, 1943 ed., p. 62.) The history of the world with all its contention and strife is largely an account of man's effort to free himself from bondage and usurpation. Man's free agency is an eternal principle of progress, and any form of government that curtails or inhibits its free exercise is wrong. Satan's plan in the beginning was one of coercion, and it was rejected because he sought to destroy the agency of man which God had given him. God-Given, eternal principle of progress When man uses this God-given right to encroach upon the rights of another, he commits a wrong. Liberty becomes license, and the man, a transgressor. It is the function of the state to curtail the violator and to protect the individual. Next to the bestowal of life itself, the right to direct our lives is God's greatest gift to man. Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give. It is inherent in the spirit of man. It is a divine gift to every normal being. Whether born in abject poverty or shackled at birth by inherited riches, everyone has the most precious of all life's endowments--the gift of free agency, man's inherited and inalienable right. It is the impelling source of the soul's progress. It is the purpose of the Lord that man becomes like him. In order for man to achieve this, it was necessary for the Creator first to make him free. To man is given a special endowment not bestowed upon any other living thing. God gave to him the power of choice. Only to the human being did the Creator say: ". . . thou mayest choose for thyself for it is given unto thee; . . ." (Moses 3:17.) Without this divine power to choose, humanity cannot progress. Free agency--responsibility With free agency, however, there comes responsibility. If man is to be rewarded for righteousness and punished for evil, then common justice demands that he be given the power of independent action. A knowledge of good and evil is essential to man's progress on earth. If he were coerced to do right at all times or helplessly enticed to commit sin, he would merit neither a blessing for the first nor punishment for the second. Man's responsibility is correspondingly operative with his free agency. Actions in harmony with divine law and the laws of nature will bring happiness, and those in opposition to divine truth, misery. Man is responsible not only for every deed, but also for every idle word and thought. Freedom of the will and the responsibility associated with it are fundamental aspects of Jesus' teachings. Throughout his ministry he emphasized the worth of the individual and exemplified what is now expressed in modern revelation as "his work and his glory." (Moses 1:39.) Only through the divine gift of soul freedom is such progress possible. Individual Freedom Threatened Force rules in the world today. Individual freedom is threatened by international rivalries and false political ideals. Unwise legislation, too often prompted by political expediency, if enacted, will seductively undermine man's right of free agency, rob him of his rightful liberties, and make him but a cog in the crushing wheel of regimentation. Though it is not a pleasing thought, [page 9] we must realize that over half the world is under the influence of hate as manifest by the Chinese leader, manifest by the communist group in Russia, and manifest right next door to us in Cuba. Accompanying the spirit of hate is the denial of the existence of God. Satan was cast down because he tried to replace the Creator. But his power is still manifest. He is active and is prompting at this moment the denial of God's existence, of the existence of his Beloved Son, and denying the efficacy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Associated Press sometime ago related some instances that are taking place in China to change men's minds in a nation of over six hundred million people, whose hearts, whose minds have been changed as far as they could be changed by the spirit of hate. Forty-five or fifty years ago there was a spirit of tolerance and respect in China for Americans. In a school at Peking which was fostered by Americans, I personally saw some of the most active young men in junior high school that I have ever seen in my life. I have never seen more courtesy in any country in the world. Today all that is changed. The Associated Press made this report: Power Based on Hate "A decade ago Mao Tze-Tung's newly-created People's Republic of China threw its Red Shadow across an alarmed Asia. Today, the lengthening Shadow has crept half way across the earth to the Americas. No one can say with certainty where it will stop.... In his sixty-sixth year this round-faced lofty-browed son of peasants has been raised by his communist followers to the eminence of a demi-god. His words actions, and even his thoughts, are holy writ for 630 million people. He is one of the most powerful men on earth, and much of his power is based on the most debilitating of human emotions--hate. Hatred for the United States, hatred for rich landlords, for counter-revolutionaries, for Chiang Kai-Shek, hatred for anyone who fails to conform. `Hatred,' said a traveler recently returned from Mao's China, `has become an institution, particularly hatred for the United States. It is horrible to see this vast human machinery run by only one fuel--hatred! If it used love instead it could become the most powerful nation on earth' " (Associated Press, appearing in the Salt Lake Tribune, Sunday, December 11, 1960.) A Modern Assault Upon God In the spirit of hate these men would supplant God. In the spirit of hate they deny his existence. They deny the existence of his Only Begotten Son. They would destroy the free agency of man. Here, in the spirit of love, we praise his name and teach his precepts. Jesus, the Man of Love and Goodwill Let us for a moment or two consider Jesus, the man of love. He revered and worshiped God, and is himself revered and worshiped by all Christian nations and classes of individuals. "Whatever may be the surprises of the future," wrote Renan, "Jesus will never be surpassed." Millions of people, speaking different languages and cherishing various ideals, worship him and revere him today. We revere him because his wisdom and spirituality comprehend and exceed that of all others. He it is who said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12.) He also said to his disciples, ". . . I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (Ibid., 13:15.) First, in the spirit of love, let us consider Jesus' attitude toward God. That is the great question before the world today. The communists deny him, Mao ridicules him, and they have poisoned untold millions of minds against Christ What about Jesus as manifest in the flesh? In announcing his birth the heavenly hosts sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14.) In that message there is godliness, peace, and brotherly kindness. Godliness, Jesus exemplified every [page 10] hour of his earthly existence. On the banks of the Jordan at the beginning of his ministry, we hear him say to John: "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." (Matt. 3:15.) On the Mount of Temptation, which rises just above the Jordan where Jesus was baptized, he was tempted by that Tempter who tried to supplant God; tempted with all the things of earth and the power thereof. We hear him say in sublime majesty, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Ibid. 4:10.) When he taught the disciples to pray, he included in the first petition godliness--"Hallowed be thy name." (Ibid., 6:9.) Addressing the Twelve at the Last Supper, he said, "This is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3.) That is the spirit of love, the spirit of faith in God the Creator of heaven and earth through his Beloved Son. God is worshiped by his Only Begotten Son. "Peace be unto you" What about the condition of peace? Peace has been defined as the happy, natural state of man, the "first of human blessings." Without it there can be no happiness, and "Happiness," said the Prophet Joseph Smith, "is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; . . . (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 255.) Jesus said, ". . . In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) On the same occasion, he said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. . . ." (Ibid., 14:27.) All through his life peace was on his lips and in his heart, and when he came forth from the tomb and appeared unto his disciples, his first greeting was, "Peace be unto you. . . ." (Ibid., 20:21.) Peace as taught by the Savior is exemption from individual troubles, from family broils, from national riots and difficulties. Such peace refers to the person just as much as it does to communities. That man is not at peace who is untrue to the whisperings of Christ--the promptings of his conscience. He cannot be at peace when he is untrue to his better self, when he transgresses the law of righteousness, either in dealing with himself by indulging in passions or appetites, in yielding to the temptations of the flesh, or whether he is untrue to trust in transgressing the law. Peace does not come to the transgressor of law, Peace comes by obedience to law, and it is that message which Jesus would have us establish among men--peace to the individual that he may be at peace with his God; perfect harmony existing between his Creator and himself, perfect harmony existing between himself and law, the righteous laws to which he is subject and from which he never can escape peace in the home, families living at peace with each other and with their neighbors. There are some who would say his teachings are not applicable today. The Testimony of Joseph Smith A few years ago there was a boy among boys who saw him, who heard him and received his teachings. Joseph Smith saw the Redeemer, and he has given that testimony to the world; he has recorded his message, and emphasized again the eternal truth that Christ's teachings are divine and as applicable to the civilized world today as to the people among whom Jesus walked and talked. The Power of Thinking Fundamental in all Christ's teachings was the crime of wrong thinking. He condemned avarice, enmity, hate, jealousy as vehemently as he did the results that avarice, enmity, and hate produce. Modern psychology, as all [page 11] students know, proves the virtue of such teachings regarding the injury that follows the harboring of hate. He who harbors hatred and bitterness injures himself far more than the one towards whom he manifests these evil propensities. Equally applicable to present conditions are his teachings regarding the value and sacredness of human life, the virtue of forgiveness, the necessity of fair dealings, the crime of hypocrisy, the sin of covetousness, the saving power of love, the immortality of man. Attacks upon Peace and Righteousness If men ever reject the fact that Christ is our Lord and Savior and fill their souls with hatred as that nation of over six hundred million people are compelled to do, and not only deny Christ, but deny that his mission is to redeem man from the sordid life of selfish indulgence and sin, and lift him into a realm shown only by him of self-sacrifice, generosity, beauty, and love; if the majority of nations fail to recognize Christ as the only "name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12); if doubting men reject the possibility of obtaining that spiritual assurance of Christ's divinity disclosed by Thomas when he reverently exclaimed: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28); if the acts of men generally be in accordance with such rejection rather than in accordance with their acceptance of him as the Divine One, then this world will continue to be torn by contention, made miserable by hideous warfare, and ignominiously wrecked on the shoals of materialism, selfish indulgence, and disbelief and hatred. Rejecting Him will bring the bondage of the Jungle Without Jesus of Nazareth, the Crucified Christ, the Risen Lord, the traits of the jungle will hold the human family in bondage. In conclusion, the obligation and duty rests upon the Church of Jesus Christ to proclaim the mighty truth that the Man of Galilee, the resurrected Christ, is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life--that he is in very deed the Savior of all mankind. Pernicious efforts and sinister schemes are cunningly and stealthily being fostered to deprive man of his individual freedom and have him revert to the life of the jungle. With faith in the revealed word of God, let all true believers in individual freedom cherish the spiritual ideals of the Christ, and ever strive to make real the dream that all men shall be free, and that some day many nations will unite, not for war, but for peace and the establishing of the kingdom of God on earth. That this condition may soon be possible and real and that men may strive to bring it about, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 2, 1965 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY Brethren, this is a glorious hour, not only for those of us who are assembled here, but for those who are assembled in four hundred other places all holding the priesthood. All are under obligation to set a proper example, especially in the world of youth. Authority, Divine and Human Priesthood is inherent in the Godhead. It is authority and power which has its source only in the Eternal Father and his Son Jesus Christ. If we appoint a member in a business concern, we give him our authority as voice to do the right thing as a representative, and what he does we are bound to uphold. We speak of certain powers and prerogatives possessed by the President of the United States, of rights and privileges vested in Congress, of power held by the Supreme Court of the United States; and the source of such authority we can easily comprehend. Ultimately the origin centers in the people as an organized body. There is no man living, or who has lived, who has the right to assume the right and authority of the priesthood. In seeking the source of the priesthood, however, we can conceive of no condition beyond God himself. In him it centers. From him it must emanate. Priesthood, being thus inherent in the Father, it follows that he alone can give it to another. Priesthood, therefore as held by man, must ever be delegated by authority. There never has been a human being in the world who had the right to arrogate to himself the power and authority of the priesthood. There have been some who would arrogate to themselves that right, but the Lord has never recognized it. As an ambassador from any government exercises only that authority which has been given him by his government, so a man who is authorized to represent Deity does so only by virtue of the powers and rights delegated to him. However, when such authority is given, it carries, within limitations, all the privileges of a power of attorney, by which one is empowered by another to act in another's stead. All official action performed in accordance with such power of attorney is as binding as if the person himself had performed it. Power Manifested In the Lives of Men We can conceive of the power of the priesthood as being potentially existent as an impounded reservoir of water. Such power becomes dynamic and productive of good only when the liberated force becomes active in valleys, fields, gardens, and happy homes. So the priesthood, as related to humanity, is a principle of power only as it becomes active int he lives of men, [page 104] turning their hearts and desires toward God and prompting service to their fellowmen. Strictly speaking, priesthood as delegated power is an individual acquirement. However, by divine decree men who are appointed to serve in particular offices in the priesthood unite in quorums. Thus, this power finds expression through groups as well as in individuals. The quorum is the opportunity for men of like aspirations to know, to love, and to aid one another. "To live is not to live for one's self alone." There are two conditions which should always be considered when the priesthood is conferred. The first of these is the individual's worthiness to receive it. The second is the service which he can render to the Church and to his fellowmen. The Creator, the Source of Power Recognizing the fact that the Creator is the eternal and everlasting source of this power, that he alone can direct it and that to possess it is to have the right, as an authorized representative of direct communion with God, how reasonable yet sublime are the privileges and blessings made possible of attainment through the possession of the power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood--they are the most glorious that the human mind can contemplate. Priesthood, Never Failing Source of Happiness A man who is thus in communion with his God will find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decide quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of right; he will find the priesthood a never failing source of happiness--a well of living water springing up unto eternal life. Priesthood Direct from God You who have the priesthood are his servants by divine right. I know the world thinks we are unreasonable, fantastic in our ideas when we tell them there is no other authorized church, but that is true. The priesthood came direct from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the great High Priest; and he authorized Peter, James, and John, on whom he bestowed that priesthood, to bestow it upon Joseph Smith. And you brethren--seventy thousand on the air who hear my voice, and everyone present--can trace your ordination probably within five steps right back to the Savior himself. If the representatives of our Father in heaven will live close to him, try to be true representatives, the Lord will guide them in their work. The priesthood, though, may be given to those who disregard it, who fail to be true representatives, and when such is the case, ". . . Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. "Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks to persecute the saints, and to fight against God" (D&C 121:37-38), and to apostatize from the Church. The only way we can keep the priesthood and keep in touch with the Holy Spirit, the only way we can be true representatives, is to live up to the ideals of the Church which bears his name. Mightiest Force in the World The Church of Jesus Christ is the mightiest force in the world, but you and your companions constitute the source of that force. The Lord cannot use his quorums without you, and everyone has the responsibility of doing his best to maintain the standards of the Church. Our boys and girls in high schools, in junior colleges, in universities need our help. Their parents need our help. It is time now to put forth extra effort to know the difference between right and wrong. We are facing conditions in the world which demand the highest intelligence, the deepest spirituality, the greatest effort that the priesthood of God can possibly put forth. "To guide people over whom you preside" Oh my brethren, presidents of stakes, bishops of wards, God bless you in [page 105] your leadership, in your responsibility to guide, to bless, to comfort the people over whom you have been appointed to preside. Lead them to come to you, if necessary, in confession. Guide them to go to the Lord and seek inspiration so to live that they may rise above the low and the mean and live in the spiritual realm. Recognize those who preside over you, and when necessary, seek their advice. The Savior himself recognized his authority on earth. You will remember the experience that Paul had just as he neared Damascus with papers in his pocket to arrest all who believed in Jesus Christ. A light suddenly shone about him, and he heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And Saul said: ". . . what wilt thou have me to do?" The Lord answered, ". . . go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:4, 6.) He could have told Saul in a few words what he should do, but there was a branch of the Church in Damascus, presided over by a humble man named Ananias, and Jesus recognized that authority. He knew Saul's nature. He knew that in the future it would be difficult for Saul to recognize the authority of the Church, as instances later proved. Saul had to receive from the very man whom he was going to arrest instructions regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Recognize the Bishop Here is a lesson for all of us ill this Church. Let us, too, recognize the local authority. The bishop may be a humble man. Some of you may think you are superior to him, and you may be, but he is given authority direct from our Father in heaven. You recognize it. Seek his advice, the advice of your stake president. If they cannot answer your difficulties or your problems, they will write to the General Authorities and get the advice needed. Recognition of authority is an important principle. I pray that we may be blessed with the spirit of humility, blessed with the spirit and desire to be one in all things relating to the welfare and advancement of the kingdom of God. We can do that by sustaining the authority which is always delegated, you remember; and when it is rightly delegated you will be able to go to the source, which is God, in whom is inherent the authority of the Holy Priesthood. Assist the Weak God bless the men who find and assist those who are too weak to be true to the priesthood! I hope you got the message given here tonight by Brother Isaacson, especially concerning the young men who are inclined to join in social activities and aspirations of other young men. Do not deceive yourself that you can tamper with whiskey or cigarettes, things forbidden by the Lord, and which, if indulged in, will lead you away from the power which you have been given by those authorities who hold the priesthood. I am glad to see these young men here this night. They are here by the hundreds, and as some came in I said "Are you going to the priesthood meeting?" and they answered, "Yes, we are going to the priesthood meeting." They are proud of it. God bless them that they may be true to the ideals of the priesthood and never hesitate to say "no" to anybody who tells them, "Oh, indulge just a little--it will be all right." Be True to Ideals of the Priesthood God help us all to be true to the ideals of the priesthood--Aaronic and Melchizedek. It is a sobering thought to think what this great body of bearers of the priesthood can do to stir the people to acts of honesty, truthfulness; stir them so that they will become examples to the world. We have that right and that inspiration. God help us to magnify our calling, and to set a proper example to the other men of the world who think that they are better than the humble men who, by right of that delegation and ordination, hold the right and power to instruct all men--not members in this one. but all men--to live [page 106] higher and better lives than they have ever lived before; to help them all to be better husbands, better neighbors better leaders, under all conditions, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 3, 1965 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Jesus Christ, the Personification of Perfection My dear brethren and sisters: As we come to this parting hour, I hope that the teachings and life of the Master seem to you all to be more beautiful, more necessary, and more applicable to human happiness than ever before. Never have I believed more firmly in the perfection of humanity as the final result of man's placement here on earth. With my whole soul I accept Jesus Christ as the personification of human perfection--as God made manifest in the flesh, as the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. Accepting him as my Redeemer Savior, and Lord, I accept his gospel as the plan of salvation, as the one perfect way to human happiness and peace. There is not a principle which was taught by him but seems to me to be applicable to the growth, development, and happiness of mankind. Every one of his teachings seems to me to touch the true philosophy of living. I accept them with all my heart and pray that all who participated in this great conference, either as listeners or speakers, may have that same desire in their hearts. Let us strive so earnestly to represent him or to follow him that our spirits may be eternally young. If thoughts affect the physical being, might it not be true that eternal truths will contribute to the eternal nature of the spirit within? On the night of his betrayal, the Savior said: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3.) And how may we know of the doctrine? "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (Ibid., 7:17.) Effort Required to Gain Righteousness Wisdom comes through effort. All good things require effort. That which is worth having will cost part of your [page 145] physical being, your intellectual power and your soul power--"Ask, and it shall be given you seek, and ye shall find knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" (Matt. 7:7.) But you have to seek, you have to knock. On the other hand, sin thrusts itself upon you. It walks beside you, it tempts you, it entices, it allures. You do not have to put forth effort. It is like the poor, fallen woman who lies in wait to deceive. It is like the billboard advertising attracting you to drink and to smoke. It is like the message that comes into your very homes with the television and radio or the golden packet put right into your hand. Evil seeks you, and it requires effort and fortitude to combat it. But truth and wisdom are gained only by seeking, by prayer, and by effort. We cannot be true to ourselves and to our loved ones, to our associates without feeling a determination to know more about this great truth to which testimonies have been borne here throughout this conference. The spirit within bears testimony that truth exists in this old world. "What Seek Ye?" "What seek ye?" were the first words that Christ uttered to some of his Twelve, or some who afterwards became members of the Twelve. "Master, where dwellest thou?" He didn't say over here or over there, but he said, "Come and see." (John 1:38-39.) And they went with him that day and spent the rest of the afternoon in his presence. I ask the youth of the Church today, "Whom do you seek?" Would you keep that youth which is yours now? Then love the Lord your God with all your mind, with all your heart, and with all your soul- and though the body becomes decrepit and like an old house begins to tumble, your spirit will still be young, as young as the little babe that might be in that tumbled-down house, because your body, after all, is but the house in which you live. Even when your heart stops beating, your eyelids close, and you respond no more to your physical environment, that spirit, still young, will go into the presence of him whom you have made your ideal. Then truly will it be demonstrated that: "The stars shall fade away, the sun himself Grow dim with age, and Nature sink in years; But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth, Unhurt amidst the war of elements, The wreck of matter, and the crash of worlds." (Joseph Addison, Cato, Act V, sc 1.) And now this great conference draws to a close. Our anticipation, our hopes and our prayers that it might prove to be uplifting and inspirational have been realized, and for that we are grateful to our Heavenly Father, grateful for the inspiration he has given to us and to the world. Truly, our hearts have been filled with gratitude that the Lord has magnified each one who has spoken to the end that his words have emanated from the presence of our Father. Resolve to Hold Fast to good As we leave to go to our various homes, let us make real the good feelings that have been aroused in our souls. Let us not permit to evaporate from our minds and feelings the good resolutions we have formed. Let us resolve that from now on we are going to be men of higher and more sterling character, more conscious of our own weaknesses, more kind and charitable towards others' failings. As we depart let us be more determined to be kinder husbands, more thoughtful wives, more exemplary to our children, more determined that in our homes we are going to have just a little taste of heaven here on earth. Cherish Testimony of Truth Cherish in your hearts the testimony of truth; make it as solid and as firm and unwavering as the fixed stars in the heavens. May there come into everyone's heart and into all our homes [page 146] the true Spirit of Christ, our Redeemer, whose reality, whose inspiring guidance I know to be real. May a kind heaven help us to cherish worthy ideals and noble aspirations. Whatever our joys and sorrows, let us ever remember that what we ardently desire in our hearts will determine what we really are. How constantly and consistently we cherish noble aspirations in our minds and follow them will determine whether we drift as failures along life's highway or fulfill the divine purpose of our being. Be Faithful to Constitutional Government Finally, let us be true to our country and to our country's ideals. Nearly three thousand years ago an ancient prophet said that this is a land choice above all other lands (see 1 Nephi 2:20), and it is, and the Constitution of the United States, as given to us by our fathers, is the real government under which individuals may exercise free agency and individual initiative. Let us oppose any subversive influence that would deprive us of our individual freedom or make this government a dictator instead of a servant to the people. God bless you officers and leaders of the Church. May the love of the Redeemer be in each heart, and that means that that love will be expressed in serving one another. God bless these brethren of the General Authorities with increased health and strength to carry on their responsibilities throughout the world. I know that God lives, that his Son Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and that divine beings restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith the gospel of Jesus Christ as he established it in the Meridian of Time. I bear you this testimony as we part this afternoon and pray the blessings of the Lord to be upon each and every one of you, that the influence of the priesthood quorums, of auxiliaries, and of the missionaries may be more effective from this time forward than ever before in leading the honest in heart of the whole world to turn their hearts to the worship of God and give them power to control the animal nature and live in the Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 9, 1966 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY ". . . Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." (Mark 16:6.) My dear brethren and sisters, I commend to all the excellent sermon just delivered by one of the Presiding Bishopric of the Church, Bishop Simpson. I am grateful and happy to meet with you and worship with you this morning in this historic building in a general conference of the Church. I extend greetings and my blessings to you and to our vast audience of members and friends who are tuned in by radio and television. It is a joy and a privilege to be associated with you in this great latter-day work. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ As I stand before you to give you a message regarding the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I pray for the blessings of the Lord, that he might uphold me, and that he may enlighten our minds to see and touch our hearts to feel more deeply than mere words can denote the significance of this message. Throughout Christendom we are celebrating, this Eastertide, the greatest event of all history--the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ. For over four thousand years, man had looked into the grave and had seen only the end of life. Of all the millions who had entered therein, not one person had ever returned as a resurrected, immortal being. "There was in all earth's area, not one empty grave. No human heart believed; no human voice declared that there was such a grave--a grave robbed by the power of a victor stronger than man's great enemy, Death." It was, therefore, a new and glorious message that the angel gave to the women who fearfully and lovingly had approached the sepulcher in which Jesus had been buried: ". . . Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." (Mark 16:6.) The greatest miracle If a miracle is a supernatural event whose antecedent forces are beyond man's finite wisdom, then the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most stupendous miracle of all time. In it stand revealed the omnipotence of God and the immortality of man. The resurrection is a miracle, however, only in the sense that it is beyond man's comprehension and understanding. To alI who accept it as fact, it is but a manifestation of a uniform law of life. Because man does not understand the law, he calls it a miracle. There are many people who reject the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. They believe, or profess to believe, in the teachings of Christ, but do not believe in the virgin birth, nor in his literal resurrection from the grave; yet, this latter fact was the very foundation of the early Christian church. Even some of the religious leaders of the present day are claiming that Jesus is dead. Someday man's enlightenment may bring the momentous event of the resurrection out of the dusk of mystery into the broad day of understanding. Just recently a scientist, in speaking before a university audience, said, "Man has only begun the search. I cannot stop being amazed and reverent at the wonders of the Universe around me. It is hard to imagine that this just happened without the intervention of a power beyond man's comprehension. Anyone who denies the existence of a power beyond man's specific knowledge, lacks the necessary humility and objectivity which is vital for good scientific work." (Dr. Elie A. Shneour quoted in Church News, March 12, 1966.) Establish it as a fact that Christ did take up his body and appeared as a glorified, resurrected being, and you answer the question of the ages: "If a man die, shall he live again?" (Job Disciples witnesses of resurrection That the literal resurrection of Christ from the grave was a reality to the disciples who knew him intimately is a certainty. In their minds there was absolutely no doubt. They were witnesses of the fact; they knew because their eyes beheld, their ears heard, their hands felt the corporeal presence of the risen Redeemer. Peter, the chief apostle, on the occasion when the eleven had met to choose one to take the place of Judas Iscariot, said, "Wherefore of these men . . . must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:21, 22.) It always interests me to study about the class of men who surrounded the apostles at that time, from whom the apostles chose this special witness. [page 57] They were men who had been "witnesses" of the resurrection. Only such a one was considered eligible and worthy to be chosen as one of the Twelve Apostles. On another occasion Peter declared before their enemies, the very men who had put Jesus to death on the cross: "Ye men of Israel, hear these words. . . . This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses." (Acts 2:22, 32.) Of the value and significance of the nearness and intimacy of the authors of the epistles, the author Beverly Nichols writes: "[They] were within hailing distance, historically, of Christ; at any rate, when their ideas, which they afterwards transmitted to paper, were formed. The winds had hardly had time to efface the sacred print of his steps in the sands over which He walked. The rain had hardly had time to wash away, with its callous tears, the blood from the rotting wood of the deserted cross. "Yet these men knew--I can't go on using the word 'believe,' which is far too vapid and colourless--that God had descended to earth in the shape of a certain man, that this man had met an obscene and clownish death and that the grotesque mode of his dying had redeemed mankind from sin. They knew, moreover, that He had risen from the dead on the third day and ascended into heaven." (Beverly Nichols, The Fool Hath Said [New York: Doubleday, 1936], pp. 56-57.) Nearness to the event gives increased value to the evidence given by the apostles. A deeper value of their testimony lies in the fact that with Jesus' death the apostles were stricken with discouragement and gloom. For two and one-half years they had been upheld and inspired by Christ's presence. But now he was gone. They were left alone, and they seemed confused and helpless. Not with timidity not with feelings of doubt, gloom, and discouragement is a skeptical world made to believe. Such wavering, despairing minds as the apostles possessed on the day of the crucifixion could never have stirred people to accept an unpopular belief and to die martyrs to the cause. Sustained by Revelation What, then, was it that suddenly changed these disciples to confident, fearless, heroic preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It was the revelation that Christ had risen from the grave. "His promises had been kept, His Messianic mission fulfilled." I urge all within the sound of my voice to consider carefully the testimonies of these eyewitnesses as recorded in the New Testament, whose honesty is not questioned even by skeptical criticism. That the spirit of man passes triumphantly through the portals of death into everlasting life is one of the glorious messages given by Christ our Redeemer. To him this earthly career is but a day and its closing but the setting of life's sun. Death, but a sleep, is followed by a glorious awakening in the morning of an eternal realm. When Mary and Martha saw their brother only as a corpse in the dark and silent tomb, Christ saw him still a living being. This fact he expressed in the two words: ". . . Lazarus sleepeth. . . ." (John 11:11.) If everyone participating in Easter services knew that the crucified Christ actually rose on the third day--that after having greeted others and mingled with others in the spirit world, his spirit did again reanimate his pierced body, and after sojourning among men for the space of forty days, he ascended a glorified soul to his Father--what benign peace would come to souls now troubled with doubt and uncertainty! Resurrection, the consummation of His earthly mission The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands with Peter, with Paul, with James, and with all the other early apostles who accepted the resurrection not only as being literally true, but as the consummation of Christ's divine mission on earth. The risen Lord appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith Eighteen hundred years after Jesus died upon the cross, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared that the risen Lord appeared to him, saying: ". . . I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith 2:17.) Later, speaking of the reality of this vision, he testifies as follows: ". . . I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation." (Joseph Smith 2:25.) Other modern witnesses If Joseph Smith's testimony stood alone, it would be, as Christ said of his testimony when he spoke of himself, of no avail; but Jesus had God's testimony and that of the apostles. And Joseph Smith had other witnesses whose testimonies cannot be questioned. Three witnesses corroborated Joseph Smith's testimony, the truth of which was made known bY the appearance to them of the Angel Moroni. Confirming the irrefutable testimony of Christ's early apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims the glorious vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith: The Testimony: "That he lives!" "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! "For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-- "That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (D&C 76:22-24.) In the light of such unimpeachable testimonies as given by the ancient apostles--testimonies dating from a few years subsequent to the event itself--in the light of that most marvelous revelation in this age of the living Christ, it seems difficult indeed to understand how men can still reject him and can doubt the immortality of man. World need today: Unwavering faith in Christ An unwavering faith in Christ is the most important need of the world today. It is more than a mere feeling. It is power that moves into action, and should be in human life the most basic of all motivating forces. It was in this sense that an eminent doctor of medicine, who had but recently lost his mother in death, admonished his students to keep their faith. Said he, "Those of yOu who have discarded faith will live to regret it. There are times such as this when you lose a loved one by death that science is entirely inadequate. I commend you to think seriously about these matters. They give comfort and solace which can be obtained in no other way. Many have discarded religion because it appears unscientific. I believe you will find in the last analysis that Faith is scientific." Death as natural as birth There is no cause to fear death; it is but an incident in life. It is as natural as birth. Why should we fear it? Some fear it because they think it is the end of life and life often is the dearest thing we have. Eternal life is man's greatest blessing. If only men would "do his will," instead of looking hopelessly at the dark and gloomy tomb, they would turn their eyes heavenward and know that Christ is risen! No man can accept the resurrection and be consistent in his belief without accepting also the existence of a personal God. Through the resurrection Christ conquered death and became an immortal soul. "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28) was not merely an idle exclamation of Thomas when he beheld his risen Lord. Once we accept [page 59] Christ as divine, it is easy to visualize his Father as being just as personal as he; for, said Jesus, ". . . he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. . . ." (John 14:9.) The Son of the living God The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints declares to all the world that Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world! No true follower is satisfied to accept him merely as a great reformer, the ideal teacher, or even as the one perfect man. The Man of Galilee is--not figuratively, but literally--the Son of the living God. The immortality of man Belief in the resurrection connotes also the immortality of man. Jesus passed through all the experiences of mortality just as you and I. He knew happiness, he experienced pain. He rejoiced as well as sorrowed with others. He knew friendship. He experienced, also, the sadness that comes through traitors and false accusers. He died a mortal death even as you will. Since Christ lived after death, so shall you, and so shall I, and so shall your soldier boy who gives his life on the battlefield. Jesus was the one perfect man who ever lived. In rising from the dead, he conquered death and is now Lord of the earth. How utterly weak, how extremely foolish is he who would willfully reject Christ's way of life, especially in the light of the fact that such rejection leads only to unhappiness, misery, and even to death! "Born again" No man can sincerely resolve to apply in his daily life the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth without sensing a change in his whole being. The phrase "born again" has a deeper significance than what many people attach to it. This changed feeling may be indescribable, but it is real. Happy is the person who has truly sensed the uplifting, transforming power that comes from this nearness to the Savior, this kinship to the living Christ. I am thankful that I know that Christ is my Redeemer He is the first step to everlasting peace. He is the first step to everlasting peace When Christians throughout the world have this faith coursing in their veins, when they feel a loyalty in their hearts to the Resurrected Christ and to the principles connoted thereby, mankind will have taken the first great step toward the perpetual peace for which we daily are praying. Reject him and the world will be filled with hatred and drenched in blood by recurring wars. Members of the Church of Christ are under obligation to make the sinless Son of Man their ideal. He is the one perfect being who ever walked the earth; the sublimest example of nobility; godlike in nature; perfect in his love--our Redeemer; our Savior; the immaculate Son of our Eternal Father the Light, the Life, the Way. The message of the resurrection As Christ lives after death, so shall all men, each taking that place in the next world for which he is best fitted. The message of the resurrection The message of the resurrection therefore, is the most comforting, the most glorious ever given to man, for when death takes a loved one from us, our sorrowing hearts are assuaged by the hope and divine assurance expressed in the words: "He is not here he is risen!" With all my soul I know that death is conquered by Jesus Christ, and because our Redeemer lives, so shall we. I bear you witness that he does live. I know it, and I hope you know that divine truth. May all mankind some day have that faith, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 9, 1966 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay Message of President McKay read by Robert R. McKay. PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY Read by his son, Robert R. McKay It is a joy and a great privilege to meet with this vast audience of priesthood members gathered in this historic Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and more than four hundred other buildings throughout the United States and Canada. I extend my affectionate greetings and blessings to each of you. "I charge thee. . . ", wrote Paul to Timothy, "before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. . .; "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." (2 Tim. 4:1-2.) In the same letter he prophetically [page 106] declared, ". . . that in the last days perilous times shall come. "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, . . . ". . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. . . ." (2 Tim. 3:1-2, 4-5.) Perilous times It is in the spirit of Paul's charge and prophecy that I call attention to the rising crime wave that is sweeping over the country. Few will question that we are living in perilous times and that many people have lost their moorings and are being "tossed to and fro, . . . with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Eph. 4:14.) Cost of crime Crime is costing this nation twenty-seven billion dollars a year and an annual toll of death, injury, suffering and anguish for thousands of Americans. Just recently Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, in referring to the decline in moral standards, said, "Most radical social changes come slowly. But not this time. It is almost as if the demonic powers in sex--and make no mistake, sex has its demonic side--had been released in a sudden explosion that has blasted away the restraints and traditions of centuries. The spark that has set off this explosion is a twisted concept of freedom, a `new freedom' that too often leaves its adherents in chains." And then Dr. Peale gives a Newsweek report which states: "Undoubtedly the key to the new morality is the widespread belief that a boy and girl who have established what the college calls a meaningful relationship have the moral right to sleep together." Who is hurt? The young people want to know what difference it makes if no one is getting hurt, but Dr. Peale says, "This sounds fine in theory, but multiply this attitude by millions of eager experiments and what do you get? You get such statistics as these: `Between the years 1940 and 1957 the illegitimacy rate increased: 112 percent in the 15-19 age group; 300 percent in the 20-24 age group; 462 percent in the 2529 age group; 478 percent in the 30-34 age group, 456 percent in the 35-39 age group; and 196 percent in the 40-44 age group. "`Venereal disease among adolescents rose 130 percent between the years 1956 and 1961. The illegitimacy rate has tripled since 1953. By 1970, ten-million Americans will have been born out of wedlock. Forty percent of the unwed mothers are between the ages of 15 and 19.' "No one is getting hurt?" continues Dr. Peale. "What a laugh! What a hollow, tragic, gruesome laugh! And the hurt is not confined to individuals; it damages and degrades our nation throughout the world. From the beginning of recorded history, men have known that the sex drive had to be controlled if civilization was to replace anarchy. Dr. J. D. Unwin, Historian of the Cambridge University, made a study of eighty civilizations ranging over a period of four-thousand years and concluded that a society either chooses sexual promiscuity and decline, or sexual discipline and creative energy. Writes Dr. Unwin: `Any human society is free to choose either to display great energy, or to enjoy sexual freedom, the evidence is that they cannot do both for more than one generation.' " (Excerpt from Sin, Sex and Self-Control by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, pp. 49, 53-56.) Neglect of families One important cause of the increase in delinquency, especially in our youth, is a letdown in home ideals. A growing desire for economic independence or a too eager willingness to improve financial circumstances has influenced a great many mothers to neglect the greatest of all responsibilities--the rearing of a family. J. Edgar Hoover, the national director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, makes the definite statement that [page 107] "in the background of these youthful offenders lies the story of shocking neglect. Boys and girls are being deprived of the care and guidance necessary to the proper foundation of their characters. Their lawlessness had its roots in every instance in broken homes, in homes where mothers and fathers because of their neglect, misunderstanding, or irresponsibility had failed in their primary obligation. More often than not, God was unknown, or, more important, was unwelcome in their homes. On the other hand, in nearly every instance the youthful offender would have been a strong, upright citizen had he been given a chance." Keep homes intact The inspiration of God is seen in requiring the Latter-day Saints to keep their homes intact and to teach their children the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. "And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord." This command from the Lord, given to us in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 68, verse 28, leaves no question as to the responsibility of parents to teach their children--a responsibility too frequently shifted to the shoulders of the Church, public schools, and officers of the law. Use family home evening I believe that parents in the Church generally are teaching their children the gospel, yet I am convinced that there is still much opportunity for improvement in this regard, especially in light of present-day conditions. I am grateful and pleased that so many are responding to our program for the family home evening, in which parents gather their children around them and instruct them in truth and righteousness and in family love and loyalty. A great number of families have testified to the rich blessings that have come to them from these family home evenings. Unwavering loyalty to God If you ask me where I first received my unwavering faith in the existence of a God, I would answer you: in the home of my childhood--when Father and Mother invariably called their children around them in the morning and at night and invoked God's blessing upon the household and upon mankind. There was a sincerity in that good patriarch's voice that left an undying impression in the souls of his children, and Mother's prayers were equally impressive. I ask tonight that every father in the Church see to it that in all sincerity he impress his children with the reality of the existence of God and with the reality that God will guide and protect his children. You carry that responsibility. Home is one of the units--the fundamental unit--of society. Before I heard my father testify that he had heard a divine voice, I knew that he lived near to his Maker. I also know, through a nearness to that same Eternal Father since, that my father told the truth when he said that when he was on his mission in Scotland, in answer to fervent prayer, he received the following admonition given in audible tones: "Testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God." Such is the reality of the true Latter-day Saint's conception of God the Father. Warning against evils Ever since the organization of the Church, its leaders have raised their voices warning that infidelity and sexual immorality are two principal evils that threaten to weaken and to wreck present-day civilization. Unfortunately, the trends of modern life are disintegrating the very foundation of the Christian home. Sexual laxity, intemperance, and crime are its insidious and vicious enemies. One standard of morality In the Church there is but one standard of morality. No young man has any more right to sow his wild oats in youth than has a young girl; she is taught that second only to the crime of taking human life is that of losing her virtue, and that should be also the ideal among young men. I know from experience that the [page 108] world does not believe us when we tell them that that ideal is followed in the Church, but we know in our hearts it is true. That young man who comes to his bishop and asks for a recommend to take a pure girl to the altar is expected to give just the same purity that he expects to receive. Peace in righteous living No one can transgress the laws of chastity and find peace. That is the message that we must give as parents and priesthood members to the young men and women and all others throughout the Church. No matter what the opportunity, no matter what the temptation, let the young man know that to find happiness he must hold sacred his true manhood. Let him know that he is going to live, and live completely, by refusing to yield to temptations. Then he is happy. There is peace instead of turbulency in his soul. A happy marriage begins when a young couple kneels at the altar, each giving to the other what each demands and each covenanting to be true to the other. Marriage is of divine origin For the proper solution of the great problem of marriage, we may turn with safety to Jesus for our guide. He declared that the marriage relation is of divine origin and that marriage is ordained of God, that only under the most exceptional conditions should it be set aside. In the teachings of the Church of Christ, the family assumes supreme importance in the development of the individual and of society. "Happy and thrice happy are they who enjoy an uninterrupted union and whose love unbroken by any complaints, shall not dissolve until the last day." It will not dissolve when a worthy couple is sealed by the authority of the Holy Priesthood throughout all eternity. The marriage ceremony when thus sealed produces happiness and joy unsurpassed by any other experience in the world. To no other group of men in all the world is given a better opportunity to instruct and inspire our young men and women to keep themselves unspotted from the sins of the world. Members of the Church and especially of the priesthood have the opportunity to be engaged in the noblest calling in life--to establish salvation and peace to the extent that their individual efforts, their talents, and their means are consecrated, and their lives are dedicated to make the world a better and fitter place for man. Great worth of souls The Prophet Joseph Smith was given the divine message: "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. . . ." (D&C 18:10.) Such is the philosophy expressed by the Redeemer in the seemingly paradoxical statement ". . . he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 10:39.) The meaning of this becomes clear in the light of another passage which says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.) Just to be associated with men striving toward such an aim is a joy, and to assist them in their quest, an inspiration. If you are true followers of the Savior, you are striving to serve your fellowmen in love. Unwavering allegiance to God To the thousands assembled in this historic Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and to the thousands listening in by direct wire, I pray with an earnest heart, God keep you away from the base, scheming plans of him who enthrones passion, who decries self-control, who renounces the sacredness of the family, and who, in the words of the communist, Marx himself, would "dethrone God." Officers, leaders, men of the priesthood, you are chosen of God. Go forth radiating a testimony that this is God's work. Feel it yourselves, and then the men and women in your wards and stakes will feel it, the young people especially will feel it, for you are radiating not just what you say, but what you are and what you do. God guide us, and help us, and [page 109] inspire us in this great work, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Statement concerning the position of the Church on Communism, made by President David O. McKay at the general priesthood session of the 136th Annual Conference of the Church held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Saturday, April 9,1966, at 7:00 p.m., read by Robert R. McKay. In order that there may be no misunderstandings by bishops, stake presidents, and others regarding members of the Church participating in nonchurch meetings to study and become informed on the Constitution of the United States, Communism, etc., I wish to make the following statements that I have been sending out from my office for some time and that have come under question by some stake authorities, bishoprics, and others. Members are free Church members are at perfect liberty to act according to their own consciences in the matter of safeguarding our way of life. They are, of course, encouraged to honor the highest standards of the gospel and to work to preserve their own freedoms. They are free to participate in nonchurch meetings that are held to warn people of the threat of Communism or any other theory or principle that will deprive us of our free agency or individual liberties vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States. Church is politically neutral The Church, out of respect for the rights of all its members to have their political views and loyalties, must maintain the strictest possible neutrality. We have no intention of trying to interfere with the fullest and freest exercise of the political franchise of our members under and within our Constitution, which the Lord declared he established "by the hands of wise men whom [he] raised up unto this very purpose" (D&C 101:80) and which, as to the principles thereof, the Prophet Joseph Smith, dedicating the Kirtland Temple, prayed should be "established forever." (D&C 109:54.) The Church does not yield any of its devotion to or convictions about safeguarding the American principles and the establishments of government under federal and state constitutions and the civil rights of men safeguarded by these. Communism greatest threat to peace and the spread of God's word to men The position of this Church on the subject of Communism has never changed. We consider it the greatest satanical threat to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God's work among men that exists on the face of the earth. In this connection, we are continually being asked to give our opinion concerning various patriotic groups or individuals who are fighting Communism and speaking up for freedom. Our immediate concern, however, is not with parties, groups, or persons, but with principles. We therefore commend and encourage every person and every group who is sincerely seeking to study Constitutional principles and awaken a sleeping and apathetic people to the alarming conditions that are rapidlY advancing about us. We wish all of our citizens throughout the land were participating in some type of organized self-education in order that they could better appreciate what is happening and know what they can do about it. Citizens should educate themselves Supporting the FBI, the police, the congressional committees investigating Communism, and various organizations that are attempting to awaken the people through educational means is a policy we warmly endorse for all our people. Communism's atheism and hate The entire concept and philosophy of Communism is diametrically opposed to everything for which the Church stands--belief in Deity, belief in the dignity and eternal nature of man, and the application of the gospel [page 110] to efforts for peace in the world. Communism is militantly atheistic and is committed to the destruction of faith wherever it may be found. The Russian Commissar of Education wrote: "We must hate Christians and Christianity. Even the best of them must be considered our worst enemies. Christian love is an obstacle to the development of the revolution. Down with love for one's neighbor. What we want is hate. Only then shall we conquer the universe." On the other hand, the gospel teaches the existence of God as our Eternal and Heavenly Father and declares: ". . . him only shalt thou serve." (Matt. 4:10.) Communism debases and destroys Communism debases the individual and makes him the enslaved tool of the state, to which he must look for sustenance and religion. Communism destroys man's God-given free agency. No member of this Church can be true to his faith, nor can any American be loyal to his trust, while lending aid, encouragement or sympathy to any of these false philosophies, for if he does they will prove snares to his feet. April 10, 1966 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY Brethren and sisters, we have had a glorious conference. I do not know when I have been more thrilled with the messages than I have been by those given at this conference, which began on the sixth and has continued through Saturday and Sunday. Response to calls of duty One thing has stood out in my mind as most significant. It is the response of brethren and sisters to calls to duty either in the Church locally or away on calls that require absence from the town in which they live. I have been impressed with the responsiveness of men, women, and children to a call of the Church to duty that they need to perform at home or abroad. Peace Corps The government has a great plan for calling the youth of the country to perform service, not for themselves but a mission for the country itself. They are not succeeding so well as they had anticipated in getting the young men of the United States to fill the calls made. But you do not find a responsiveness to duty unheeded by the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ. Calls to serve in the Church I have had occasion to be thrilled with the willingness of the church membership to respond to the call of missionary work, whether it is local or foreign. Every man, almost without exception, and particularly every woman says he or she is ready to respond to any call that the Church makes. I don't know of anything more impressive in this Church than this response to a call to service by these faithful members. When you think of the thousands of missionaries most of them men, but many of them women, who are giving their time their means, in response to calls of bishops, stake presidents, and others in the service of this great Church, it is wonderful. Many have said, "I will sell my home, I will make any sacrifice in order to fulfill the call to duty." As I stand here before you, I think I cannot refer to one refusal to a call to duty. I have in mind a postponement for a year, or for six months and sometimes more, but I cannot think of one person who has said, "I cannot accept a call." One of them might say, "Give me six months, a year, two years, and I will fulfill the call, the duty, that you now give me." Yes, I can think of one, a young man, who said, "No, I think I can't fulfill that call." He is thinking of it now and worrying. He will accept it, I am sure; if he is given a few months, maybe six months, he will come back and say, "I will take that call and do the best I can." Now, when you multiply the calls in the missionary area alone, it is wonderful that the membership of the Church is so responsive to any duty any responsibility that the Church desires of them. It is apparent to all the Church, this responsiveness of the membership to the call to duty; it is [page 154] an outstanding feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Young men, young women, older men, and older women, stand ready to respond to a call of the Church and to make any sacrifice necessary in order to give the call of the Church preference in preaching the gospel, not only a missionary call that requires a sacrifice to duty, but the rendering of finances, sometimes reaching millions of dollars, in order to make the call more successful as a service to the Church. What I am saying is this: that every man and every woman with the Spirit of the Lord in his or her heart will deny himself or herself in order to make the calls to the work of the Lord successful. It is not only a half-dozen persons that I am referring to, but thousands in this Church will give an affirmative response to the call to an office in a ward or a stake. Brethren, I am saying to you with appreciation, God bless you for your ready response to the calls that come to you either in your ward or stake or area. And the Lord is mindful of your willingness to make a ready response and to do what you can to extend the work of the Lord at home and abroad. Some of you may feel as though the General Authorities are unappreciative, but I want you to know that we appreciate more than ever before in the history of this Church the willingness of men and women to respond to the service which the Church needs in the furtherance of the establishment of the gospel. God bless you! Don't feel discouraged. ". . . seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," and all else will be added. (Matt. 6:33.) You are showing your willingness thus to do your best and give your all if necessary. I have in mind men who say, "Well, if you need us in this area, if you need more help, if you need money, just let us know." It is the spirit of willingness and the response to the call of duty that overwhelms us sometimes. I am saying at the end of this glorious conference that never before in the history of the Church has there been manifest such willingness to give financially or intellectually anything the Lord wants of you as is manifest throughout the Church today. Blessings for willingness to serve May the Lord bless you for your willingness to deny yourselves physically, intellectually, and temporally for the good of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I should like to say this in better terms, but I cannot express it as I should like to. Not only are my legs defiant, but my tongue gets twisted. The Lord bless you in your homes, in your church appointments, whether at home or abroad. God bless you, you young men and girls, in living the honorable life your parents would have you live, and God will make you happy by being true to the ideals of virtue and purity and will bring happiness to your parents, happiness to your wards, happiness to the membership of the kingdom of God. I ask that you uphold and sustain your authorities in the wards and the stakes. Be true to the standards of right as taught by your fathers and mothers. Be true to your individual selves by upholding the ideals of righteousness, I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. September 30, 1966 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY We are grateful for the blessings of the Lord to his Church in all the world and for the assurance of his divine guidance and inspiration. With deep gratitude we acknowledge his nearness and his goodness. It is a source of real encouragement to contemplate the loyalty and energetic efforts of the members of the Church who are contributing of their time and their means to building up the kingdom of God on earth. There is a general response, as the figures and reports of the Church indicate, on the part of the people of the Church everywhere. The responsibilities they carry, the undertakings that they adopt and employ to raise their share of the cost of our houses of worship are most remarkable. I love life I love life! I think it is a joy to live in this age. Every morning, as I view from my window the mountains to the east and greet the sun as it ushers in these unexcelled autumn days, I feel the joy and privilege of life and appreciate God's goodness. I appreciate and realize the accomplishments, to a certain degree, of this wonderful atomic age in which we are living. Scientific discoveries of today stagger the imagination. Nearly every day we read of almost unbelievable accomplishments. The age of the atom has only begun, and no one knows what exciting developments may yet unfold when the atomic research now in progress is completed. Its potential for good far outweighs its potential for destruction. The discoveries and inventions of this age are unequaled by any previous period in the world's history, discoveries latent with such potent power either for the blessing or the destruction of human beings, as to make man's responsibility in controlling them the most gigantic ever placed in human hands. Perils and possibilities Yes, it is a glorious age in which we live, but no thinking man will doubt that this age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities. There are causes for real apprehension over world conditions. As we study and learn of the increase in crime and disrespect for law and order that exist right here in our own country, we become alarmed. Just the other day, I read an editorial in the Deseret News giving the information that an estimated six million Americans suffer from alcoholism. The Public Health Service ranks alcoholism as the fourth major public health problem in the United States. At the moment Utah, fortunately, contributes less than its share to this problem. Contrary to what many people think, Utah ranks forty-sixth from the top among the 50 states in the number of alcoholics it has in proportion to the total population. Furthermore, it is the only state in which per capita consumption of alcohol, as well as the alcoholism rate, has consistently decreased for several years. Let us hope that Utah will not adopt the proposed legislation for "liquor by the drink" and thereby entice more people to drink in more places more of the time. As the editorial points out, our state, with our traditions and standards, should be doing just the opposite. Liquor by the drink, as a recent study of the experience in Iowa shows, only increases drinking and the attendant evils of alcoholism. The impaired morals, ruined health, broken homes, and increased traffic deaths that result from drinking are well known by all of us. It is because of these threatening dangers that the world should become anchored in the eternal truths of Jesus Christ and realize that there are eternal verities in this changing world. Dr. Charles Foster Kent, commenting upon the "chaotic state" of our civilized world, says: "Political organizations and ideals that have both fortified and handicapped us have been thrown into the discard. Long accepted social theories have suddenly been rejected, and new ones are being adopted. Many of the moral standards of our Fathers are being set aside in theory as well as [page 5] in practice. The rising generation has no fear and little respect for Elders. . . Religious dogmas, long regarded as the corner stones of religion and the Church, are being disproved, or supplanted." Free agency threatened Efforts are being made to deprive man of his free agency, to steal from the individual his liberty; and we must never forget that next to life itself free agency is the greatest gift of God man. The two most important documents affecting the destiny of America are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Both of these inspired, immortal papers relate primarily to the freedom of the individual. Founded upon that principle of free enterprise fostered by these documents, the United States of America, in less than two centuries, has achieved a greatness that far exceeds that of any other country in the world. The deep concern of every loyal citizen regarding the threatened loss of our freedom has been well expressed by Fred G. Clark, who is chairman of the American Economic Foundation, New York City. In a speech given over a decade ago, he expressed the fear that the "code of the people" is replacing the "code of God." His words so impressed me that I quoted them in an address delivered in 1952. He declared that "something is wrong with America. America imperiled "At this moment of history when the task of world leadership has been thrust upon us, we stand confused, reluctant, and hesitant. . . . . "We are no longer certain what we stand for, and this, I believe, is because have forgotten the circumstances surrounding the birth of our nation. . . . "For decades it has been popular in America for the cynical intellectuals to sneer and scoff at what we call the traditions of Americanism. "The instruments of this sabotage were words and thoughts--plausible half-truths, sly appeals to that spark of larceny that lurks in every human was heart, subtle suggestions of an atheistic obvious that the nature, and the careful nurturing of a patronizing attitude toward anything America has held to be fine and sacred. "The people who planted these words and thoughts may have been either stupid or vicious, fools or foreign agents, smart-alecs or smart organizers. "What they were does not now matter. The thing that does matter is to counteract what they have done. "Everybody in every position of leadership has to get into this act because the damage has affected every phase of our life. "The places in which this sabotage occurred were the schools, the churches, the Communist-dominated labor halls the lecture platforms, the motion pictures, the stage, the pages of our newspapers and magazines, and the radio. Every means of communication has been utilized against us. . . . "The man (or nation), who has a plan--a way of life--in which he believes, has mental security. "To destroy this security, one must destroy that man's faith in his plan. . . . "[It is a] reliance on a code of life which, if held in common with one's fellow men, brings peace of mind, develops the abilities of the group. . . . "The degree to which the American code of life has been weakened can best be demonstrated by simply calling attention to the degree to which the foundation of that code has been weakened. . . . "That foundation (and of this there cannot be the slightest shadow of a doubt) is made up of the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. "Within this moral code, we have a complete way of life. "Acceptance of these precepts takes care. of every phase of human life--spiritual, political, social, and economic. . . . "America was a nation of people who had faith in their political and economic systems because they had faith in God, and had built those systems around the teachings of God. "Every collectivist from Karl Marx to [the present leader] has agreed that faith in God must be destroyed before socialism can take over. "Therefore, it was obvious that the [page 6] problem of sabotaging America's faith in America was the problem of transferring the people's faith in God to faith in the State. "That thing called morality in politics, business, and private contracts, had to be broken down. "To an increasing extent the people have come to look upon morality as an old-fashioned superstition. "Religion has for many church members become a safe way of dying rather than a good way of living." (From "The Code of the People Is Replacing the Code of God," by Fred G. Clark.) We all know that these threatening upsets in national standards have increased since that speech was given. We know, also, that there has been an alarming increase in the abandoning of the ideals that constitute the foundation of the Constitution of the United States and of the American home, and you will agree with me that ears from the truth, and shall be there is real cause for apprehension. At this very moment while we are here worshipping, war is raging and blasting out the lives of young men, old men, women, and children in Viet Nam. The standards of the home, even the criteria for the rearing of children, have broken down. Evidences of danger J. William Hudson, formerly professor of philosophy at the University of Missouri, states: "The leisure occupations of youth, always symptomatic in any age, are not only unguidedly and frankly hedonistic, but have gone across the borders of what was once considered decorous, not because of a new and liberalizing moral standard, as we sometimes pretended, but because of the lack of any. The popularity of certain recent dances, formerly forbidden even in the 'red-light' districts, is typical. So is much of our periodical reading matter, and any number of 'movie' plays, over the edge of the decadently erotic, with a censorship that does not censor because of moral and financial doubt." He also mentions the fact that "dishonesty is permeating public and private life alike, tainting the administration of justice, tainting our legislative halls, tainting the conduct of private business, polluting at times even the church itself." He goes on to assert that "if there is to be social and political regeneration in out Republic and in the rest of the world, it must be by tremendous regeneration of moral ideals." "What shall we do?" What shall we do about all this? When Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he sent a letter to Timothy, saying in substance: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (Timothy 4:2-4.) It is just as important today as when Paul wrote that farewell message to Timothy that officers and teachers and members and everywhere "preach the word; be instant [that is, to be eager, earnest] in season, [and] out of season." Today, in the midst of the world's perplexity, there should be no question in the mind of any true Latter-day Saint as to what we shall preach. The answer is as clear as the noonday sun in a cloudless sky. In the year 1830, there was given to the people of this land and the world a divine plan whereby individuals can find security and peace of mind and live in harmonious accord with their fellow beings. In all man's theories and experiments since history began, human intelligence has never devised a system which, when applied to the needs of humanity, can even approach this plan in effectiveness. Offer the Gospel plan of Salvation In simple words, then, this is the word that we should preach--the gospel plan of salvation. The founders of this great republic had faith in the economic and political welfare of this country because they [page 7] had faith in God. Today it is not uncommon to note an apologetic attitude on the part of men when they refer to the need of God's governing in the affairs of men. Indeed, as has already been pointed out, success of Communism depends largely upon the substitution of belief in God by belief in the supremacy of the state. But I say to you, preach in season and out of season belief in God the Eternal Father, in his Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. Proclaim that fundamental in the gospel plan is the sacredness of the individual; that God's work and glory is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) Under this concept, it is a great imposition, if indeed not a crime, for any government, any labor union, or any other organization to deny a man the right to speak, to worship, and to work. The least child was sacred to Jesus. ". . . it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." (Matt. 18:14.) What would that simple truth mean in this world? "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.) And in this modern day, he said, "Remember the worth of souls is great...." (D&C 18:10) A proper conception of this divine principle would change the attitude of the world to the benefit and happiness of all human beings. It would bring into active operation the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." (See Matt. 7:12.) What a different world this would be if men would accumulate wealth, for example, not as an end but as a means of blessing human beings and improving human relations. Declare the truth that man has the inherent power to do right or to do wrong. In this he has his free agency to choose the right and obtain salvation, or he may choose to do evil and commit abominations. Respect for governments divinely established Preach that the plan of salvation involves the belief that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man. Man was not born for the benefit of the state. Preach that no government can exist in peace, and I quote from the Doctrine and Covenants, "except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life." (D&C 134:2.) Necessity for honesty and loyalty Proclaim the necessity of honesty and loyalty, doing an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Preach that honesty in government is essential to the perpetuation and stability of our government as it is necessary to the stability of character in the individual. "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; . . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." (13th Article of Faith.) Proclaim that God lives, and that his Beloved Son is the Redeemer and Savior of mankind; that he stands at the head of his Church that bears his name; that he guides and inspires those who are authorized to represent him here on earth, authorized by the priesthood when heavenly messengers bestowed upon the Prophet Joseph Smith and others associated with him divine authority. Responsibility of everyone Preach that the responsibility of declaring this plan of life, this way of life, this plan of salvation, rests upon the entire membership of the Church but most particularly upon those who have been ordained to the priesthood and who have been called as leaders and servants of the people. Verities promulgated by the Son of God These eternal verities are as applicable in the year 1966 as they were [page 8] when Jesus first promulgated them and they will remain fundamental and essential in man's progress and happiness as long as life and being last. In the questioning days of early boyhood, I first felt a kinship with Christ, our Lord and Savior. I know his love and his divine guidance. He is the sinless Son of man. "He is the first and the last . . . and [is] alive for evermore." (See Rev. 1:18.) Only by obedience to his teachings can man find happiness and peace. Our Father is a kind and loving Heavenly Father who is as ready and eager today as ever to bless and to guide all his children who will sincerely seek him, and I bear you witness to that truth. God help us all to walk in the light as he is in the light, thereby avoiding the unhappiness, sinfulness, and misery of a misguided world, and find joy and peace and beauteous life here in this probation and in the life to come, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 1, 1966 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay Brother Robert R. McKay, son of President David O. McKay, will now read his message to the priesthood. President David O. McKay My dear brethren of the priesthood: When we realize that eighty-five thousand or more members of the priesthood of the Church are assembled in this historic Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and in 472 other buildings throughout the United States and Canada, each one of whom can say in his own heart, "I know that my Redeemer lives," we can sense, at least dimly, the strength of this Church; for upon the priesthood rests the entire structure of the Church of Jesus Christ. This vast assembly of priesthood members of itself is an inspiration, especially when you contemplate its significance and realize that in the brotherhood of Christ we are all one, supporting one another. It is truly sublime! I pray for your sympathy, for your faith and prayers, and above all, for the inspiration of the Lord, that the message I give may be of interest and contributive to the advancement of God's work. The mission of the Church The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be considered in two great aspects: (1) the proclamation to the world of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ--the declaration to all mankind that God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared in this dispensation to the Prophet Joseph Smith; (2) the other great purpose of the Church is to translate truth into a better social order or, in other words, to make our religion effective in the individual lives of men and in improving social conditions. It is the first great purpose to which I wish to call attention this evening. On a momentous occasion two thousand years ago, eleven men assembled near a mountain in Galilee--eleven humble, obscure men who had been chosen and ordained apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to appointment, these men met the resurrected Christ, who made what to them must have been a startling declaration. They had been with their Master fewer than three years and had been expressly enjoined by him to go not in the way of the Gentiles, to enter no city of the Samaritans, but to go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matt. 10:6.) At this meeting, however, as his final parting instructions, he opened their eyes to the universality of the gospel by giving them this divine commission: The Divine charge "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matt. 28:19-20.) In the restricted experience of these eleven disciples, the idea of preaching Christ and his saving doctrine to any but members of their own race germinated very slowly. Indeed, the Savior of men found it necessary to give another direct revelation to Peter, the chief apostle, before he fully realized that the Gentiles "should hear the word of the gospel, and believe." (Acts 15:7.) However, as the light of truth dawned in their hearts, these earnest followers set about to give the gospel to the world--"twelve simple men, with only the wind to bear them over the seas, with only a few pence in their pockets, and a shining faith in their hearts. They fell far short of their ideal, their words were twisted and mocked, and false temples were built over their bones, in praise of a Christ they would have rejected. And yet, by the light of their inspiration many of the world's loveliest things were created, and many of the world's finest minds inspired." (Beverly Nichols, The Fool Hath Said [New York: Doubleday, 1936].) Ravages of time and change The followers of the Redeemer were reviled, persecuted, and martyred, but they continued to testify to the truth of their risen Lord. Three hundred years passed, and Christianity became the dominant religion of the most powerful nation in the world, and the persecuted became the persecutors. Pride and worldliness supplanted humility and faith. The church became corrupt. Doctrines of men supplanted the commandments of God; spiritual darkness enshrouded the nations of the world. Later, courageous, God-fearing men began to protest against the evil practices of a corrupt clergy. The dawn of a spiritual awakening appeared, but none either claimed or received divine authority to re-establish the Church. Roger Williams, pastor of the oldest Baptist Church in America, resigned his position because, said he, "There is no regularly constituted church on earth, nor any person authorized to administer any church ordinance; nor can there be until new apostles are sent by the Great Head of the Church, for whose coming I am seeking." (From Picturesque America, page 502. The return of authority We know that that authority came early in the nineteenth century by the personal appearance of the risen Lord. Again was given the divine injunction for authorized servants to be sent forth to the East and to the West, to the North and to the South that "every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." (D&C 1:20-23.) In Section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that "behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." (D&C 4:1-2.) When this revelation was given to the Prophet Joseph, he was only 23 years of age. The Book of Mormon was not yet published, no man had been ordained to the priesthood. The Church was not organized; yet the statement was made and written without qualification that "a marvelous work [was] about to come forth among the children of men." Another significant feature of this revelation, and of others given about the same period, is the naming of essential qualifications of those who were to participate in the bringing about of this marvelous work. These qualifications were not the possession of wealth, not social distinction, not political preferment, not military achievement, not nobility of birth; but a desire to serve God with all your "heart, might, mind and strength"-- spiritual qualities that contribute to nobility of soul. I repeat: No popularity, no wealth, no theological training in church government--yet "a marvelous work [was] about to come forth among the children of men." The power accompanying the marvelous work Manifestly, some higher power was operating to bring about this marvelous work other than through mere human and material means. The same charge that was given by the risen Lord to his authorized disciples more than nineteen hundred years ago has been given by direct revelation to his authorized servants today. Missionary work prospers despite adversity Though the Church is still young and has had to struggle through persecution, mobocracy, drivings, poverty, misrepresentation by egotists, uninformed preachers, apostates, and by a prejudiced public sentiment, it is moving steadily forward toward its worldwide destiny. Almost immediately after the organization of the Church, the proclamation of the restored gospel began. The Church was scarcely seven years old before the scope of missionary work had included the United States, Canada, and the British Isles. Since that humble beginning in [page 87] 1830, 75 missions, including one in Italy that has just recently been organized, have been established throughout the world. Our missionaries, each paying individually, or with the aid of his parents, his or her own expenses, are now declaring to a troubled world that the message heralded at the birth of Jesus--"peace on earth, good will toward men"--may become a reality here and now by obedience to the principles of the gospel. They are instructed that they go out as representatives of the Church, as representatives of their families, and most important, as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose servants they are. They are instructed that a representative of any organization, economic or religious, must possess at least one outstanding quality, and that is trustworthiness. These missionaries go out in the spirit of love, seeking nothing from any nation to which they are sent--no personal acclaim, no monetary acquisition. What is the outstanding message that they have to give Christian, as well as non-Christian, countries? There must surely be something distinctive to justify their presence in all parts of the world. Declare the divine mission of the Lord Jesus Christ First, they are to declare the divinity of the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Redeemer and Savior of mankind. They declare with Peter of old that "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) Declare the restoration of the Gospel The second distinctive message is the restoration of his gospel by the appearance of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that divine authority through the priesthood has been given to represent Deity in establishing Christ's Church upon the earth. Thus, they are fulfilling to the best of their ability the injunction to preach the gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever the Lord has commanded. True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for our fellowmen. This is the spirit of missionary work. Our hearts respond with the poet: O Brother Man! fold to thy heart thy brother; Where pity dwells, the peace of God is there, To worship rightly is to love each other, Each smile a hymn, each kindly deed a prayer." (From "Worship," by John Greenleaf Whittier.) These declarations to the world This, then, is a worldwide Church organized preparatory to the establishment of the kingdom of God on high. God has given us the power of whispering across space, of transmitting thoughts within minutes from one end of the earth to another. Geological conditions or distances are the same, but modern means of transportation have made practically nations neighbors. Modern means of declaration Now, I am going to ask Brother Bernard P. Brockbank of the Church Information Committee and Brother Arch L. Madsen, president of Church Broadcasting, to tell you what the church is doing to disseminate the gospel by these modern means through church information service and broadcasting facilities. May God bless you men of the Priesthood. God bless our missionaries and brethren everywhere for their willingness to consecrate their time, their means, and their ability to the advancement of the kingdom of God. I bear you my testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and when I say this, it means that I know that Jesus lives, that he is our Redeemer, and that this is his Church. We are merely his representatives. [page 88] When we accept that, then the reality of God the Father, the Father of our spirits, is easy to accept. With all my heart I bless you, and pray that peace and love and kindness will abide not only in your hearts but in your homes, that your wives, our wives, and our children, may have memories sweet of a home in which God would be pleased to dwell. May this be our lot, our experience throughout the Church in all the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 2, 1966 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay And now, my brethren and sisters, we have come to the closing session of another great conference of the Church. My soul, with yours, has been filled with thanksgiving and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the outpouring of his Holy Spirit throughout the entire conference. We have heard inspirational and uplifting messages from the leaders of the Church. I love these associates of the general authorities, and love them in the spirit of the true meaning of that word--the love of the brotherhood of Christ. God bless them! Testimonies of the conference reviewed During these various sessions of conference, we have had testimony of the Spirit that we are children of our Father in heaven. We have had testimony that God is a living being. We have had testimony that Christ, who was crucified and who rose the third day a resurrected being, is the head of his Church. We have had testimony of the Spirit that he has revealed in this dispensation the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is again established on earth in all its fullness. The gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, is in very deed in every way the power of God unto salvation. It gives to every man the perfect life here, and through obedience to gospel principles it gives us eternal life. What is eternal life? In that glorious prayer of intercession offered by Jesus, our Redeemer just before he crossed the brook cedron and received the traitor's kiss that betrayed him into the hands of the soldiers, we find these words: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3.) To know God and his Son is eternal life. There is the key. Life eternal is what I desire. I desire it more than I desire anything else in the world--life eternal for me and mine, for you, and for all the world. And there in the words of the Redeemer himself we have the secret. How may we know Him? But how may we know him? That is the next question. Has he at any time, or on any occasion, answered that question? If so, we want the answer, because it is vital. In searching the record as it is given to us by men who associated daily with the Lord, we find that upon one occasion men who were listening to him cried out against him. They opposed his works, as men today oppose him. And one voice cried out and said in effect, "How do we know that what you tell us is true? How do we know that your profession of being the Son of God is true." And Jesus answered him in just a simple way (and note the test):"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17. Italics added.) That test is most sound. It is most philosophical. It is the most simple test to give knowledge to an individual of which the human mind can conceive. Doing a thing, introducing it into your very being, will convince you whether it is good or whether it is bad. You may not be able to convince me of that which you know, but you know it because you have lived it. That is the test that the Savior gave to those men when they asked him how they should know whether the doctrine was of God or whether it was of man. We have answered the question that if we shall do his will we shall know but now comes the question, what is "the will"? And therein is the whole essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as plainly as Jesus stated and defined what eternal life is, or how we shall know it, just as plainly as he laid down that test, just as plainly has he expressed what his will is. The will of God is revealed to the world The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears testimony to the world that this will of God has been made manifest in this dispensation, that the principles of the gospel, the principles of life, have been revealed. They are in harmony with the principles that Christ taught in the meridian of time. It is impossible to give here all the principles that constitute that will, but they are so simple that, as the scriptures say, "the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." (Isa. 35:8.) Serve mankind After obeying the principles and ordinances of the gospel, "the will" of God is to serve your fellowmen, benefiting them, making this world better for your having lived in it. Christ gave his all to teach us that principle. And he made the statement: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.) This is the message God has given to us. This Church is God's Church, which is so perfectly organized that every man and every woman, every child, may have an opportunity to do something good for somebody else. It is the obligation of our priesthood members, it is the responsibility of the auxiliary organizations and of every member to serve and do God's will. If we do, and the more we do it, the more we shall become convinced that it is the work of God, because we are testing it. Then, by doing the will of God, we get to know God and get close to him and to feel that life eternal is ours. We shall feel to love humanity everywhere, and we can cry out with the apostles of old, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." (1 John 3:14.) He lives! God does reveal today to the human soul the reality of the resurrection of the Lord, the divinity of this great work, the truth, the divine and eternal truth that God lives, not as a power, an essence, a force, but as our Father in heaven. Oh, why do men try to make that power, recognized by science and religion everywhere, a mere force? I sometimes wish men would kneel down and try to pray to electricity or atomic power. Imagine trying to pray to these forces. You cannot do it, and yet they are great and known forces. You can, however, pray to God the Father, a personal being. God reveals to the soul his existence. He reveals the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to make known to us the great reality of the existence of God and his Son; and in that spirit, and with such witness in my soul, I bear testimony today that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world. "I know that my Redeemer lives; What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead. He lives, my ever-living head. "He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same; O sweet the joy this sentence gives: `I know that my Redeemer lives!' " (Samuel Medley) Blessings for everyone God help us and all the world to sense the reality that the gospel of Jesus Christ is established among men, and that through obedience to it the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man may be realities to every mother and father, every son and daughter. God hasten the day when that testimony will be real in every heart. God bless you men of the priesthood. May you hold it in dignity and righteousness that comes from within, not from without. God bless our friends of the radio and television audience and the managers and owners of the stations who have made these broadcasts possible. God bless our friends with whom we associate and who are contributing to the advancement of this great Church. We are grateful for their fellowship. God bless us that we may go home with a firmer resolve than we have ever had before to live the gospel of Jesus [page 138] Christ, to be kind to our families and to our neighbors, to be honest in all our dealings so that men seeing our good works may be led to glorify our Father in heaven. I leave my blessings with you, with the sick and afflicted, with our soldier boys, some of whom are paying the supreme sacrifice for freedom, with our missionaries scattered around the world. I pray that God's protecting care will be with them wherever they are. May God bless you all, and may he guide and help you that righteousness, harmony, and love for one another may dwell in each home, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1967 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) My dear brethren and sisters: It is with mixed feelings that I greet you this morning, and with all my heart bid you welcome--you who are assembled in the Tabernacle and all who are listening in to this opening session of the 137th Annual Conference of the Church. I acknowledge with deep gratitude the blessings of the Lord and express profound appreciation to the members of the Church throughout the world for their prayers in my behalf, which have upheld and sustained me. I am grateful for your loyalty and devotion, and I know that our Heavenly Father is pleased with the unselfish service of the officers and teachers of the stakes and wards, and of every man and woman who is helping to advance the cause of truth. You are truly fellow servants of the Lord, and I extend my blessings and love to all of you. It is a great privilege to join with you and partake of the inspiration of a general conference of the Church. The proceedings will be widely disseminated, and I am pleased to announce that during this conference we will usher in the use of space-age communications in carrying the messages of the gospel. Satellite to relay conference For the first time, a radio broadcast of the Sunday morning session of this conference will be sent overseas via the Lani Bird satellite, in orbit 22,000 miles above the Pacific Ocean. This historic broadcast will be heard in Hawaii, its destination, six-tenths of a second after our words are uttered here in the Tabernacle, after traveling over 100,000 miles through space. Thus, we begin to utilize another great communication tool in the work of our Heavenly Father. It is estimated that the April conference will be seen and heard by the largest audience ever to witness the proceedings of a general conference of the Church. We are truly living in a marvelous age of history, and the work of the Lord is being carried forward throughout the world in wondrous ways. We acknowledge his goodness and his blessings to this people. However, as I read in the daily press and national magazines of the conditions that are existing in the world about us, I become greatly concerned. I wonder whether we are so absorbed in our personal and too often selfish [page 5] pursuits that we have forgotten what God has done for us and what he has said about this country. Have we forgotten the promises he has made which will bring us both peace and victory over evil if we will but accept the Lord at his word? Forces of evil arrayed It seems to me that never before been arrayed in such deadly formation as they are now. Few will question the fact that we are living in critical times and that many people have lost their moorings and are being ". . . tossed to and fro, . . . with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Eph. 4:14.) Satan and his forces are attacking the high ideals and sacred standards that protect our spirituality, and as one of our brethren just recently stated, "He encompasses us round about by encircling us with allurements and temptations which already have destroyed high standards among many people of the world, and by which he now hopes to infiltrate our ranks. "By making sin popular with the world, he hopes to make it equally popular among us. "In the world about us, high standards are falling, and lower ones . . . are being set up. Some efforts are being made toward no standards at all." (Editorial, Church News, January 14, 1967.) Marriage dishonored, moral decline and delinquency Among the glaring evils of our day are two which seem to be most detrimental and which must be curbed if we would preserve true Christian ideals. These are: first, an increasing tendency to dishonor the marriage vow; and second, the moral decline and the mounting juvenile delinquency. I am very happy and deeply grateful for the high type of young manhood and womanhood being reared in the Church, and I acknowledge that there are many worthy young men and young women throughout the world. It is because I adore youth and earnestly desire that their lives be directed along the pathways of righteousness, success, and happiness that I call attention to the threatening dangers that are clearly on the horizon. One cannot help being alarmed to note in local newspapers and national magazines the ever-increasing crime wave. Even children are being corrupted by it, and youth are caught in its whirlpool and are being contaminated overwhelmingly by it. J. Edgar Hoover, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has repeatedly warned the nation of the calling attention to the fact that youthful offenders are responsible for 72 percent of the total arrests for crime, and that the cost of crime has reached the staggering sum of over 27 billion dollars a year! I again call attention to Mr. Hoover's statement given at a dinner held in his honor in Chicago, Illinois, on November 24, 1964: "What a grim and unhappy commentary on the moral climate of this great nation! The moral strength of our nation has decreased alarmingly. We must return to the teachings of God if we are to cure this sickness. These shocking statistics, together with the public's apparent indifference to them, are indicative of the false morality we are tolerating today. It is a false code which is based on the worship of things of man's own creation. It is as imperfect and feeble as a man himself! However captivating to the senses, this type of moral climate cannot give the support nor the strength which is so vital to our national survival. This breakdown in our moral standards can only render us impotent as a people and as a nation." And this is from a man who is probably our nation's leading authority on crime. Many citizens are deeply troubled over the increase in crime, the high divorce and illegitimacy rates, the increasing incidents of venereal diseases, the scandals in high office, and other symptoms of private and public dishonesty. Is there a moral breakdown? Is there cause for alarm? The world is all about [page 6] us, and the statistics we read about are frightening indeed, and they are a necessary warning. I believe that all Americans are seriously concerned over the immorality, the disregard for law and order that are weakening this great land of ours. Mission of the Church: to overcome evil The mission of the Church is to minimize and, if possible, eliminate these evils from the world. It is evident that we are in need of a unifying force to eliminate these evils. Such a uniting force, such an ideal is the gospel of Jesus Christ, as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It explains man's life and its purpose and has within it the vital saving elements, noble ideals, and spiritual uplift for which the heart of man is yearning. Right-thinking, upright men and women everywhere are desirous of eliminating from our communities evil elements that are constantly disintegrating society--the liquor problem with its drunkenness, the narcotic habit with all its attendant evils, immorality, poverty, etc. The Church is seeking to make both home and community environment better and brighter. The enemy is active. He is cunning and wily, and seeks every opportunity to undermine the foundation of the Church, and strikes wherever it is possible to weaken or to destroy. To every normal person God has given the freedom of choice. Our moral and spiritual progress depends upon the use we make of that freedom. In the most impressive prayer ever offered, Jesus prayed for his disciples on the night that he faced Gethsemane, saying to his Father-- "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. . . . "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I an not of the world. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep then from the evil." (John 17:11, 14-15. Italics added.) Nor did he pray for his disciples alone, but as he said, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for then also which shall believe on me through their [the disciples'] word." (John 17:20.) In the text is a clear implication of the divine purpose for man's being in this mortal probation. This purpose is expressly stated in the book of Abraham by the Eternal Father to his fellow intelligences as follows: ". . we will make an earth where these [organized intelligences] may dwell; "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." (Abraham 3:24-25.) And so our place in this world is divinely appointed. We are not to be out of it. Christ himself prayed that we should not be taken out of it. There can be little doubt that war and materialistic science have had a deadening effect upon the moral sensibilities of too many of our youth. One critic goes so far as to say, "Self-interest alone remains as a motive, and pleasure as the sole end of life." Duty to teach and to demonstrate It is the duty of parents and of the Church not only to teach but also to demonstrate to young people that living a life of truth and moral purity brings joy and happiness, while violations of moral and social laws result only in dissatisfaction, sorrow, and, when carried to extreme, in degradation. Man has a dual nature--one, related to the earthly or animal life--the other the spiritual life, akin to the divine. Man's body is but the tabernacle in which his spirit dwells. Too many, far too many, are prone to regard the body as the man and consequently, to direct their efforts to the gratifying of the body's pleasures, its appetites, its desires, its passions. Too few recognize that the real man is an immortal spirit which "intelligence or light of truth" was animated as an individual entity, with all its distinguishing traits, will continue after the body ceases to respond to its earthly environment. Whether a man remains satisfied within what we designate the animal world, satisfied with what the animal world will give him, yielding without effort to the whim of his appetites and passions, and slipping further and further into the realm of indulgence or whether, through self-mastery, he rises toward intellectual, moral, and spiritual enjoyments depends upon the kind of choice he makes every day--nay, every hour of his life. Man's two creators "Man has two creators," says William George Jordan, "his God and himself. The first Creator furnishes him the raw materials of his life--the flaws and conformity with which he can make that life what he will. The second creator--himself--has marvelous powers he rarely realizes. It is what a man makes of himself that counts." We need not shut our eyes to the fact that too many of our young folk respond to the call of the physical, because it seems the easy and natural thing to do. Too many are vainly seeking shortcuts to happiness. It should always be kept in mind that that which is most worthwhile in life requires strenuous effort. When a man seeks something for nothing and shuns effort, he is in no position to resist temptation. Too many prefer to revel on the lower animal plane of life rather than to strive for the higher and better things of life. Persons who condemn their will to the service of their appetites suffer the penalties. Charles Wagner in The Simple Life says of those who have condemned their will to the service of their appetites: "I have been listening to what life says, and have recorded, as I have heard them some of the truths that resound in every square. Has drinking, inventive as it is of new drinks, found the means of quenching thirst? Not at all. It might rather be called the art of making thirst inextinguishable. Frank libertinage, does it deaden the sting of the senses? No, it envenoms it converts natural desire into a morbid obsession and makes it the dominant passion. Let your needs rule you, pamper them, and you will see them multiply like insects in the sun. The more you give them, the more they demand. He is senseless who seeks for happiness in material prosperity alone." It is said that one Roman emperor offered a reward to anybody who would invent a new pleasure. Nero set Rome on fire for the mere pleasure of a new form of diversion. Rome fell because of extravagance, luxury, and dissipation. In personal, as in national life, these are unfailing signs of decline and decay. Truly, ". . . he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Gal. 6:8.) In their yearning for a good time, young people are often tempted to indulge in the things that appeal only to the baser side of humanity, five of the most common of which are: (1) vulgarity and obscenity; (2) drinking and the using of narcotics and now the vicious LSD drug, especially among the young; (3) unchastity; (4) disloyalty; and (5) irreverence. It is right, indeed, essential, to the happiness of our young people that they meet in social parties, but it is an indication of low morals when for entertainment they must resort to physical stimulation and debasement. Such indulgence weakens and degrades character, discredits the family name, robs the future wife or husband of a priceless treasure, and sows seeds that will ripen into bitter fruit and marital suspicion, unhappiness, and divorce. A girl who sacrifices self-respect for social popularity debases true womanhood. A spotless character, founded upon the ability to say "no" in the presence of those who mock and jeer, wins the respect and love of men and women whose opinion is most worthwhile. Drinking, using narcotics, and lewd parties form an environment in which the moral sense becomes dulled and unbridled passion holds sway. It then becomes easy to take the final step downward in moral disgrace. Church dedicated to one moral standard In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there is but one standard of morality. No young man [page 8] has any more right to sow his wild oats in youth than has a young girl. He who is unchaste in young manhood is untrue to a trust given to him by the parents of the girl, and she who is unchaste in maidenhood is untrue to her future husband and lays the foundation of unhappiness in the home suspicion, and discord. Do not worry about these teachers who encourage promiscuity and self-gratification. rust keep in mind this eternal truth, that chastity is a virtue to be prized as one of life's noblest achievements. In this day when modesty is thrust into the background, and chastity is considered an outmoded virtue, I appeal to parents especially, and to my fellow teachers, both in and out of the Church, to teach youth to keep their souls unmarred and unsullied from this and other debasing sins, the consequences of which will smite and haunt them intimately until their conscience is seared and their character becomes sordid. A chaste not a profligate, life is the source of virile manhood. The test of true womanhood comes when the woman stands innocent at the court of chastity. All qualities are crowned by this most precious virtue of beautiful womanhood. It is the most vital part of the foundation of a happy married life and is the source of strength and perpetuity of the race. Spiritual attributes distinguish nobility of man Health, happiness, peace of mind and character come through self-restraint. The only thing that places man above the beast of the field is his possession of spiritual gifts. Man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts his mind, his soul, upon things which will contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make life's aims and purposes the acquisition of spiritual qualities. The Savior's constant desire and effort were to implant in the mind right thoughts, pure motives, noble ideals knowing full well that right words and actions would inevitably follow. He taught, and modern physiology and psychology confirm, that hate and jealousy and other evil passions destroy a man's physical vigor and efficiency. No man can disobey the word of God and not suffer by so doing. What a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are aroused gives the measure of that man's character. In these reactions are revealed the man's power to govern or his forced servility to yield. Brethren and sisters, spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimest experiences. Being "honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men" are attributes that contribute to spirituality, the highest acquisition of the soul. It is the divine in man, the supreme, crowning gift that makes him king of all created things, the one final quality that makes him tower above all other animals. Divine is that admonition and promise given to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts" ". . . let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly [a wonderful statement]; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. "The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." (D&C 121:45-46.) God help us to keep that admonition, and to follow the ideals of the Church established by direct revelation in this day, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 8, 1967 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay (Elder Robert R. McKay then read the message prepared for the General Priesthood Meeting by President David O. McKay.) President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) Brethren of the priesthood, and esteemed fellow workers, my heart is full of gratitude tonight for the privilege of participating in this meeting with you. There is a concentration of power in these priesthood meetings that is inspiring. No one who attends can escape that influence, and the responsibility of giving a message to you is overwhelming. I, therefore, pray for your sympathy, your faith, and prayers that the message given may be divinely directed. "Beloved associates" It has always been my nature to enjoy the company of my associates. I love to be with my friends, and the older I grow the more intense becomes my appreciation of fellowship in the brotherhood of Christ, and I sense that tonight more deeply, more sincerely than ever before. As I feel of your spirit, I picture those of you who are gathered in the Assembly Hall, and in the 478 other meetings being held at this hour across the United States and in Canada. I have nothing but blessing in my heart for you. I like to call you my beloved associates and fellow workers, and that love is akin to the love we have for our families. If we can keep this unity, this confidence nothing in the world can stop the progress of this work. Comfort of close relationship with God The greatest comfort in this life is the assurance of having a close relationship with God, and I believe in the statement that "the greatest battle of life is fought within the silent chambers of your own soul." It has been said that "consciousness of God is the highest achievement in human experience and is the supreme goal of human life. This is true religion. It is a mental, spiritual experience of the highest order." Many of you priesthood members know what that experience is. It is a good thing to sit down [page 85] and commune with yourself, to come to an understanding with yourself and decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your family, to your Church, to your country, and what you owe to your fellowmen. Need for spirituality, meditation, communion In view of the responsibilities facing this body of priesthood holders and leaders in the Church, especially during these uncertain and crucial times, I should like to emphasize the need for more spirituality, for more meditation and communion with our Father in heaven. I ask that you men of the priesthood--you stake presidents, you bishops, and other leaders in stakes and wards--see to it that a spirit of reverence is maintained in our homes and houses of worship. Our houses of worship furnish a wonderful opportunity to commune with one's self and to commune with the Lord, especially during the sacrament period. Sunday is a day of worship, which we turn over to him. We may rest assured that he will be there in that house of worship to inspire us if we come in proper attunement to meet him. We are not prepared to meet him if we bring thoughts regarding business affairs, and especially if we come knowing we have been disloyal to our wives and other members of our families, and bring feelings of hatred, enmity, and jealousy toward our fellowman. Most certainly no individual can hope to come into communion with the Father if that individual has such disloyalty or entertains any such feelings, as they are foreign to worship and are particularly out of tune with the partaking of the sacrament. Value of meditation I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion. In our worship there are two elements: One is spiritual communion arising from our own meditation; the other, instruction from others, particularly from those who have authority to guide and instruct us. Of the two, the more profitable introspectively is meditation. Meditation, spiritual language Meditation is the language of the soul. It is defined as "a form of private devotion or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme." Meditation is a form of prayer. We can say prayers without having any spiritual response. We can say prayers as the unrighteous king in Hamlet, who said: "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go." (William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act III, scene 3.) The poet Robert Burns, contrasting the outward form of worship and the prayer of the soul, said: "The Power, incens'd, the pageant will desert. The pompous strain, the sacerdotal stole; But haply, in some cottage far apart, May hear, well-pleas'd, the language of the soul, And in His Book of Life the inmates poor enroll." (Robert Burns, "The Cotter Saturday Night.") Sacred door to the presence of the Lord Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord. Jesus set the example for us. As soon as he was baptized and received the Father's approval--"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17)--Jesus repaired to what is now known as the Mount of Temptation where, during forty days of fasting, he communed with himself and his Father and contemplated the responsibility of his own great mission. One result of this spiritual communion was such strength as enabled him to say to the tempter: "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Matt. 4:10.) Before he gave the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, he was in solitude, in communion. He did the same thing after that busy Sabbath day, when he arose early in the morning after having [page 86] been the guest of Peter. Peter undoubtedly found the guest chamber empty, and when he and others sought Jesus, they found him alone. It was on that morning that they said: "All men seek for thee." (Mark 1:37.) Again, after Jesus had fed the 5,000 he told the Twelve to dismiss the multitude. Then Jesus, the historian says, went to the mountain for solitude; and "when the evening was come, he was there alone." (Matt. 14:23.) Meditation! Prayer! Meditation at the Lord's Supper I believe the short period of administering the sacrament is one of the best opportunities we have for such meditation, and there should be nothing during that sacred period to distract our attention from the purpose of that ordinance. One of the most impressive services I have ever attended was a group of over 800 people to whom the sacrament was administered, and during that administration not a sound could be heard except the ticking of the clock -- 800 souls, each of whom at least had the opportunity of communion with the Lord! There was no distraction no music, no singing, no speaking. Each one had an opportunity to search himself introspectively, and to consider his worthiness or unworthiness to partake of the sacrament. His was the privilege of getting closer to his Father in heaven. That is ideal! More reverence during meditation I strongly urge that this sacred ordinance be surrounded with more reverence, with perfect order; that each one who comes to the house of God may meditate upon and silently and prayerfully express appreciation for God's goodness. It is up to you bishops to see to it that the sacrament is administered only by boys and young men who are worthy to attend to this sacred ordinance, and that it is done reverently with a full understanding of its significance to them and to the audience. Let the sacrament hour be one experience of the day in which the worshiper tries at least to realize within himself that it is possible for him to commune with his God. Response to inspiration of the Almighty Never forget that great events have happened in this Church because of such communion, and because of the responsiveness of the soul to the inspiration of the Almighty. I know it is real! You will find that when these most inspirational moments come to you, you are alone with yourself and your God. They come to you probably when you are facing a great trial, when a wall is across your pathway and it seems that you are facing an insurmountable obstacle, or when your heart is heavy because of some tragedy in your life. I repeat, the greatest comfort that can come to us in this life is to sense the realization of communion with God. Great testimonies have come in those moments. It is just such an experience as that which came to my father in the north of Scotland when he prayed to God to remove from him a spirit of gloom and despondency that overwhelmed him. After a night of worry and restlessness, he arose at daylight and repaired to a cave on the shore of the North Sea. He had been there before in prayer. There, just as the rays of the morning light began to come over the sea, he poured out his soul to God, as a son would appeal to his father. The answer came: "Testify that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God." The cause of his discouragement flashing upon his mind, he said aloud: "Lord, it is enough!" Those who knew my father could testify as to his integrity and his honesty. A testimony of that kind has one hundred percent value. These secret prayers, these conscientious moments in meditation, these yearnings of the soul to reach out to feel the presence of God--such is your privilege and mine! Reverence, manifestation of spirituality Inseparable from the acceptance of the existence of God is an attitude of reverence. The greatest manifestation of spirituality is reverence; indeed, reverence is spirituality. Reverence is profound respect mingled with love. It [page 87] is a "complex emotion made up of mingled feelings of the soul." Carlyle says it is "the highest of human feelings." If reverence is the highest, then irreverence is the lowest state in which a man can live in the world. Be that as it may, it is nevertheless true that an irreverent man has a crudeness about him that is repellent. He is cynical often sneering, and always iconoclastic. Reverence embraces regard, deference, honor, and esteem. Without some degree of it, therefore, there would be no courtesy, no gentility, no consideration of others' feelings or of others' rights. Reverence is the fundamental virtue in religion. It is one of the signs of strength; irreverence, one of the surest indications of weakness. "No man will rise high," says one man, "who jeers at sacred things. The fine loyalties of life must be reverenced or they will be foresworn in the day of trial." Your attitude toward the Infinite Presence Churches are dedicated and set apart as houses of worship. This means that all who enter do so, or at least pretend to do so, with an intent to get nearer the presence of the Lord than they can on the street or amidst the worries of a workaday life. In other words, we go to the Lord's house to meet him and to commune with him in spirit. Such a meeting place, then, should first of all be fitting and appropriate in all respects, whether God is considered as the invited guest, or the worshipers as his guests. Whether the place of meeting is a humble chapel, or a "poem in architecture" built of white marble and inlaid with precious stones, makes little or no difference in our approach and attitude toward the Infinite Presence. To know that God is there should be sufficient to impel us to conduct ourselves orderly, reverently. Presiding authorities in stake, ward, and quorum meetings, and especially teachers in classes, should make a special effort to maintain better order and more reverence during the hours of worship and study. Less talking behind the pulpit will have a salutary effect upon those who face it. By example and precept, children should be impressed with the inappropriateness of confusion and disorder in a worshiping congregation. They should be impressed in childhood, and have it emphasized in youth, that it is disrespectful to talk or even to whisper during a sermon, and that it is the height of rudeness, except in an emergency, to leave a worshiping assembly before dismissal. The language of reverence Reverence for God's name should be dominant in every home. Profanity should never be expressed in a home in this Church. It is wrong; it is irreverent to take God's name in vain. There is no provocation that will justify it. Let us apply that quality and that virtue of reverence at all times. If there were more reverence in human hearts there would be less room for sin and sorrow, and there would be increased capacity for joy and gladness. To make more cherished, more adaptable, more attractive this gem among brilliant virtues is a project worthy of the most united and prayerful efforts of every parent, every officer, and every member of the Church. My testimony My soul is stirred with deep emotions when I think of what the gospel has done for this people, and what it will yet do if we will but keep in tune with his Spirit and commandments. I love the gospel and believe in it with all my soul; I know it is the power of God unto salvation. I bear witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ was revealed in its completeness to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I pray that our young people, and all people everywhere, will be led to know of its truth. God bless you men of the priesthood you teachers of youth, you parents, and all good people everywhere. May the ecclesiastical groups of the Church be blessed with the spirit of unity and harmony. May there be banished from their hearts the spirit of enmity, backbiting, and evil speaking, and may they keep in their hearts the truth expressed by Jesus when he said, ". . . if ye are [page 88] not one ye are not mine." (D&C 38:27.) Live for the companionship of the Holy Spirit I pray we may have the strength so to live that we may merit divine guidance and inspiration; that through worship, meditation, communion, and reverence we may sense the reality of being able to have a close relationship with our Father in heaven. I bear you my testimony that it is real; that we can commune with our Heavenly Father. And if we so live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Spirit, he will guide us unto all truth; he will show us things to come, he will bring all things to our remembrance; he will testify of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ and restoration of the gospel. God bless you all for your faith and loyalty, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 8, 1967 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) The hour is now drawing to a close wherein this great annual conference of the Church soon will have become an event of the past. The sessions themselves will be mere history, but we pray that the messages given will ever remain on the tablets of our memories and will become moving factors in our daily lives. All that has been said and done, all the testimonies borne have directly or indirectly led to this divine admonition--". . . seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.) The center of our lives Let us make God the center of our lives. That was one of the first admonitions given when the gospel was first preached to man. To have communion with God, through his Holy Spirit, is one of the noblest aspirations of life. It is when the peace and love of God have entered the soul, when serving him becomes the motivating factor in one's life and existence, that we can touch the lives of others, quickening and inspiring them, even though no word be spoken. There is operative in the world a spiritual force as active and as real as the waves that have carried the messages of this conference over a vast network of television and radio stations. To foster happiness, subdue self May we realize as never before that mastery of one's personal inclinations s the heart of the Christian religion and of all religions. By nature the individual is selfish and inclined to follow his immediate impulses. It requires religion, or something higher than an individual or even a societY of individuals, to overcome the selfish impulses of the natural man, which will lead him to a more successful, fuller life. Self-mastery comes through self-denial of little things. Christ in these singular words said: ". . .whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 16:25.) Whenever you forget self and strive for the betterment of others, and for something higher and better, you rise to the spiritual plane. If, in the moment of quarreling, in the moment of temptation to find fault with another, we will lose our self-centered self for the good of the Church of which we are members, for the good of the community, and especially for the progress of the gospel of Jesus Christ we will be blessed spiritually, and happiness will be our reward. "What though I conquer my enemies And lay up store and pelf! I am a conqueror poor indeed Till I subdue myself." (Unknown) "Seek ye first the kingdom of God" ". . . seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness- and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.) Seeking first the kingdom [page 134] of God, making him the center of our life, is an essential and fundamental part of religion; indeed, you cannot imagine religion without it. Faith in God as a supreme being is the fundamental principle of religion. When God becomes the center of our being, we become conscious of a new aim in life--spiritual attainment. Physical possessions are no longer the chief goal in life. To indulge, nourish and delight the body as any animal may do is no longer the chief end of mortal existence. God is not viewed from the standpoint of what we may get from him, but rather from what we may give him. Only in the complete surrender of our inner life may we rise above the selfish, sordid pull of nature. What the spirit is to the body, God is to the spirit. When the spirit leaves the body, it is lifeless, and when we eliminate God from our lives, spirituality languishes. We accept God as indeed our Father. Christ taught us to address him as "Our Father which art in heaven." (Matt. 6:9.) To us he is so real that we accept his appearance in this dispensation as an expression of his love for his children. God is not merely a force though he is that. He is not merely something away out of our touch, but he is as near as your father is to you and my father to me. I like to think when I have a task to perform that in secret I can say, "Father, guide me today," and feel that I shall have added strength to do that task. I may not succeed always. My own inhibitions and weaknesses may prevent my doing so, but there is strength in the assurance that I can go to him and ask him for help and guidance. That is what you can do. Christ declared: ". . . I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10.) In him we have our life, our guide. His name is the only one whereby mankind will find peace, safety, comfort, and salvation. He who would have the abundant life must follow him. As we depart now to go to our various homes, let us make real the good feelings that have been aroused in our souls throughout this conference. Let us not permit to evaporate from our minds and feelings the good resolutions we have formed. First, let us resolve that from now on we are going to be men and women of higher and more sterling character, more conscious of our weaknesses, more kind and charitable toward the failings of others. Let us resolve that we shall practice more self-control in our homes- that we shall control our tempers, our feelings, and our tongues that they may not wander beyond the bounds of right and purity; that we shall do more seeking to develop the spiritual side of our lives and realize how dependent we are upon God for success in this life, and particularly for success in the positions we hold in the Church. With the prevalence in the world, and around about us, of pernicious ideas and subversive teachings that pervert the minds of the unstable and uninformed, and, as has been noted in the meetings of this conference, divert some of our young people from Church standards, may parents, stake presidencies, bishoprics, quorums of the priesthood, and auxiliary leaders realize that they have a greater responsibility than ever before to do all they can to counteract these poisonous influences. Let us testify to the youth that God is our Father, that the spirit within us is just as eternal as he. This body is physical. It is a mere house, just as physical as this building, which, if left alone, is lifeless, no matter how beautiful or how substantial, and will not fill its purpose if left unoccupied. Live as the offspring of Deity Our body will not fulfill its purpose--it cannot--without that life-giving something within which is the offspring of Deity as eternal as the Father. When death comes, his power ends with the silencing of the physical heart. He does not, he cannot touch that eternal part of man any more than he touched Christ's spirit while his body lay in a borrowed tomb. He himself lived and moved and had his being. It is also true that death cannot touch that spirit within us. That spirit within, young man, young woman, is the real you. What you make of yourself [page 135] depends upon you as an individual. You are in this world to choose the right or the wrong, to accept the right or yield to temptation. Upon that choice will depend the development of the spiritual part of you. That is fundamental in the gospel of Jesus Christ. May parents especially realize that the most potent influence in child life is the home, and that the Lord has directly placed the responsibility of teaching their children upon the parents. I wish the following paragraph, given by revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, could be written and put upon the wall of every home in the Church: ". . . inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents." (D&C 68:25.) Home for child training The character of a child is formed largely during the first twelve years of his life. He spends 16 times as many waking hours in the home as in the school, and 126 times as many hours in the home as in the church. Each child is, to a great degree, what he is because of the ever-constant influence of home environment and the careful or neglectful training of parents. Home is the best place for the child to learn self-control, to learn that he must submerge himself for the good of another. It is the best place in which to develop obedience, which nature and society will later demand. Homes are more permanent through love. Oh, then, let love abound! Though you fall short in some material matters, study and work and pray to hold your children's love. Establish and maintain your family hours always. Stay close to your children. Pray, play, work, and worship together. This is the counsel of the Church. Would you have a strong and virile nation?--then keep your homes pure. Would you reduce delinquency and crime?--then lessen the number of broken homes. It is time that civilized peoples realized that the home largely determines whether children shall be of high or low character. Home-building, therefore, should be the paramount purpose of parents and of the nation. With all my heart I say, God bless you, brethren and sisters, you parents, you men of the priesthood, you leaders of our stakes, wards, and missions, you temple presidents, you missionaries. God bless and protect the valiant young men who are in the armed forces of our country. I pray that the spirit of this great conference will remain in all our hearts and be felt throughout the uttermost parts of the earth, wherever there is a mission or a branch in all the world, that that spirit might be a unifying power in increasing the testimony of the divinity of this work; that it may grow in its influence for good in the establishment of peace and brotherhood throughout the world. I bear you my testimony that the head of this Church is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know of the reality of his existence; of his willingness to guide and direct all who serve him. I know that in this dispensation he restored with his Father through the Prophet Joseph Smith the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness. May we have increased power to be true to the responsibilities that the Lord has placed upon us as General Authorities, and upon you, my brethren and sisters, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. September 29, 1967 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) My dear brethren and sisters and friends of the radio and television audience: With a deep sense of the responsibility that rests upon me in giving to the membership of the Church a message at a general conference, I earnestly pray for your sympathy, your understanding, and your spiritual support. I pray that the blessings of the Lord will be with us that we shall have a spiritual response to the truths of the gospel as never before, not only during this opening session, but throughout all the meetings of this 137th semi-annual conference. I extend to each of you a hearty welcome, and want you to know that I am grateful for your presence here in this historic tabernacle, the one-hundredth anniversary of which we are celebrating this month. I acknowledge with deep gratitude the loyalty and faith of the members of the Church, and again express heartfelt appreciation for your prayers in my behalf, which have sustained and upheld me. It is truly a joy and a rich blessing to be associated with you in the work of the Lord, and I am grateful for the success and growth of the Church during the past six months. You no doubt will be interested in knowing that for the first time sessions of this conference are being televised in color over more than 200 stations in [page 5] the United States and Canada, and will reach a potential of 40 million homes. "That they may all be one" "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one." (John 17:14-22.) This text is taken from one of the most glorious prayers--I suppose the greatest prayer--ever uttered in this world, not excepting the lord's Prayer. This was Christ's prayer uttered just before he entered the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of his betrayal. It must have been impressive for John to remember so much of it and to write it word for word, as he has here. The occasion itself would be impressive to John, and undoubtedly as they knelt there in that upper room before they went through that beautiful gate into Gethsemane, the garden of olives at the base of the Mount of Olives, he noted particularly the plea of the Savior. I know of no more important chapter in the Bible. The parts I have quoted contain two important messages to you and to me. One of these messages is found in the words, "Make them,, one as thou, Father, and I are one. The principle of unity It is the principle of unity that has enabled the wards, stakes, branches, and missions of the Church to progress and to accomplish the purposes for which the Church was established. It could not have been done by dissension and hatred. There have been difficulties. Each member of the Church has his own ideas. Sometimes they are not the same as those of the bishopric, and not the same as those of the presidency of the stake, and not the same as the Presidency of the Church; but each has had to submerge his own ideas to the good of the whole, and in that united purpose we have achieved something that is wonderful. To the future of the Church Al I think of the future of this Church and of the welfare of the young men and women, as well as of the mothers and fathers, I feel impressed that there Is no more important message to give than "to be one," and avoid things that may cause a rift among members. I know that the adversary has no stronger weapon against any group of men or women in this Church than the weapon of thrusting in a wedge of disunity, doubt, and enmity. The Prophet Joseph Smith spoke of the cloud that hangs over the Church when we are not united. He said: "The cloud that has been hanging over us has burst with blessings on our heads, and Satan has been foiled in his attempts to destroy me and the Church, by causing jealousies to arise in the hearts of some of the brethren; and I thank my heavenly Father for the union and harmony which now prevail in the Church." (Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 355. Italics added.) The experiences of the chosen children of the Lord upon other occasions signal to us the causes of temporary failure coming out of disunity, and an unwillingness to abide the will of God. Unto the Jews of ancient Jerusalem, the Lord said: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often [page 6] would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (Matt. 23:37-38.) And in our own dispensation, to the saints who again by division and disunity did not see the redemption of Zion, he said: "Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now." (D&C 105:2.) The challenge is before us; we cannot fail in the divine commitments given to us as a people. Unity of purpose, with all working in harmony within the structure of Church organization as revealed by the Lord, is to be our objective. Let each member, teacher, and leader feel the importance of the position that each one holds. All are important to the successful accomplishment of God's work, which is our work. Unity in the Faith Unto the Ephesian saints the Apostle Paul gave this wise counsel: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Eph. 4:4-6, 11-13.) Unity of purpose, with all working in harmony, is needed to accomplish God's work In a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith about one year after the Church was organized, the Lord in a broad sense makes known why his great work, to be accomplished, has been restored for the benefit of mankind and to prepare the way for his second coming. Said he: "And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me." (D&C 45:9.) Herein we learn of the great obligations placed upon this people to assist the Lord in bringing these things to pass among men. It requires unity and dedication to its purposes. Concerning this need, the Lord has given this warning: ". . . Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand." (Matt. 12:25.) The greatest safeguard The greatest safeguard we have for unity and strength in the Church is found in the priesthood, by honoring and respecting it. Oh, my brethren-- presidents of stakes, bishops of wards, and all who hold the priesthood--God bless you in your leadership, in your responsibility to guide, to bless, to comfort the people whom you have been appointed to preside over and to visit. Guide them to go to the Lord and seek inspiration so to live that they may rise above the low and the mean, and live in the spiritual realm. Recognize those who preside over you and, when necessary, seek their advice. The Savior himself recognized this authority on earth. You will remember the experience that Paul had just as he neared Damascus with papers in his pocket to arrest all who believed in Jesus Christ. A light suddenly shone about him, and he heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And Saul said: "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:4, 6.) He could have told Saul in a few words what he should do, but there was a branch of the Church in Damascus, presided over by a humble man named Ananias, an Jesus recognized that authority. He knew Saul's nature. He knew that in the future it [page 7] would be difficult for Saul to recognize the authority of the Church, as instances later proved. Saul had to receive from the very man whom he was going to arrest instructions regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Recognize local authority Here is a lesson for all of us in this church. Let us, too, recognize the local authority. The bishop may be a humble man. Some of you may think you are superior to him, and you may be, but he is given authority direct from our Father in heaven. Recognize it. Seek his advice and the advice of your stake president. If they cannot answer your difficulties or your problems, they will write to the General Authorities and get the advice needed. Recognition of authority is an important principle. Unity and its synonyms Unity and its synonyms--harmony, goodwill, peace, concord, mutual understanding-- express a condition for which the human heart constantly yearns. Its opposites are discord, contention, strife, confusion. I can imagine few, if any, things more objectionable in the home than the absence of unity and harmony. On the other hand, I know that a home in which unity, mutual helpfulness, and love abide is just a bit of heaven on earth. I surmise that nearly all of you can testify to the sweetness of life in a home in which these virtues predominate. Most gratefully and humbly I cherish the remembrance that never once as a lad in the home of my youth did I ever see one instance of discord between father and mother, and that goodwill and mutual understanding has been the uniting bond that has held together a fortunate group of brothers and sisters. Unity, harmony, goodwill are virtues to be fostered and cherished in every home. Beware selfishness and envy One of the first conditions that will bring about disunity will be selfishness; another will be envy: "Brother So-and-so passed me by and said nothing to me about the matter." "The bishopric chose Sister So-and-so to be organist, and she can't play half as well as I." "I'm not going to priesthood meeting any more because the bishopric appointed a certain man to act as adviser of the priests." "The Sunday School chose So-and-so as a teacher." "The superintendent released me, and I feel hurt." "The presidency of the stake has never recognized me, and I feel offended." The General Authorities do not always see eye to eye." Oh! a hundred and one little things like that may come up--little things, insignificant in themselves when we compare them with the greater and more real things of life. And yet, I know from experience that the adversary can so magnify them that they become mountains in our lives, and we are offended, and our spirituality starves because we entertain those feelings. Beware Fault-finding There is another element--fault-finding--associated with that spirit of envy. We find fault with a neighbor. We speak ill of each other. When that feeling comes, it is a good thing just to sing that simple little Mormon hymn, "Nay, Speak No Ill." "Nay, speak no ill; a kindly word Can never leave a sting behind; And, oh, to breathe each tale we've heard Is far beneath a noble mind. Full oft a better seed is sown By choosing thus the kinder plan, For, if but little good is known, Still let us speak the best we can. "Then speak no ill, but lenient be To other's failings as your own. If you're the first a fault to see, Be not the first to make it known, For life is but a passing day; No lip may tell how brief its span; Then, O the little time we stay, Let's speak of all the best we can." (Hymns, 116.) The parable of the rose, the hawthorn twig and the lily "Let us speak of all the best we can." Would not that be a glorious lesson in the world today in the midst of the [page 8] false propaganda that is going out from one nation to another--reviling, defiling, defaming? Is it not terrible when you think of it in the light of the gospel? And that reminds me of a beautiful story that I read many years ago. It happened before the English guns opened the doors to the Japanese nation. During those days they worshiped their ancestors as they do now, but they worshiped beautiful spots in nature, too; and even today, if you follow a walk up one of those hills, you will be sure that it will lead you to a magnificent view where you may contemplate the beauties of nature. The story says that an old philosopher used to meet the people and teach them the lessons of virtue and uprightness that he drew from the flowers and shrubs that grew so luxuriantly in that land. One morning, following his lecture, the old philosopher was accosted by a workman who said, "Tonight, when you come back from your walk, will you please bring me a rose that I may study its stamens, its petals, and see the lesson that you gave us last night?" The old philosopher said, "I will give you the rose tonight." And a second accosted him and said, "Will you bring me a hawthorn twig that I may continue my study of that?" And he replied, "I will bring you a hawthorn twig." And a third said, "Will you please bring me a lily tonight that I may study the lesson of purity?" "I will bring you a lily." After working hours the three were at the gate to meet the philosopher. To the first he gave the rose, to the second the hawthorn twig, and to the third the lily, as he had promised. Suddenly the man with the rose said, "Oh, here's a thorn on the stem of my rose!" And the second said, "And here's a dead leaf clinging to my hawthorn twig." And the third, encouraged by the remarks of his companions, said, "And here's dirt clinging to the root of my lily." "Let me see," said the old philosopher, and he took the rose from the first, the hawthorn twig from the second, and the lily from the third. From the rose he broke the thorn and gave it to the first. He plucked the dead leaf from the hawthorn twig and handed it to the second. He took the dirt from the roots of the lily and placed it in the hands of the third. Holding the rose, the hawthorn twig, and the lily, he said, "Well, each of you has what attracted him first. I left the thorn on the rose purposely, the dead leaf on the hawthorn twig, and the dirt on the lily. Each of these attracted you first. You may keep them now, and I will keep the rose, the twig, and the lily for the beauty I see in them." Not a few of us have a thorn in the flesh as did Paul. Perhaps to some of us a dead leaf of some past act is clinging. It may be that there is a little dirt in our character, but each one has also a rose in his life, a hawthorn twig, or a lily. And it is a glorious lesson for us to learn: to see the rose and be blind to the thorn; to see the hawthorn twig and he blind to the dead leaf; to see the lily and not the dirt in our fellow's character. Goodwill among men I do not know of anything that will contribute more to unity in a ward, in a stake, and in the Church than for members to see the good in man, and to speak well of each other. On the world horizon calamities continue to menace the people--the tragedy of war with the suffering of the innocent, the broken harmony of the homes in the death of a valiant son or husband. The seeds of discord and confusion among the masses caused by riots and violence of all sorts make important the need for complete unity within our own ranks, as we see these worldwide disturbances tear apart the home, and undermine our very civilization. Be alert against discord As we concern ourselves with unity in the Church, we must not be insensible to the evil forces around us, both here in America and in the world at large--the influences, the avowed [page 9] object of which is to sow discord and contention among men with the view of undermining, weakening, if not entirely destroying constitutional forms of government. If I speak plainly and, in condemnation, refer to reprehensible practices and aims of certain organizations, please do not think that I harbor ill will or enmity in my heart toward other United States citizens or the citizens of any country whose views on political policies do not coincide with mine. But when acts and schemes are manifestly contrary to the revealed word of the Lord, we feel justified in warning people against them. We may be charitable and forbearing to the sinner, but we must condemn the sin. Evils and designs of evil forces Timely references and appropriate warnings have been given from time to time on the danger and evils of war. There is another danger even more menacing than the threat of invasion of a foreign foe of any peace- loving nation. It is the unpatriotic activities and underhanded scheming of disloyal groups and organizations within any nation, bringing disintegration, that are often more dangerous and more fatal than outward opposition. For example, an individual can usually protect himself from thunder showers, and even from tempests, from freezing weather or intense heat, from drought, or floods, or other extremes in nature; but he is often helpless when poisonous germs enter his body or a malignant growth begins to sap the strength of some vital organ. Treachery of "the enemy within" The Church is little, if at all, injured by persecution and calumnies from ignorant, misinformed, or malicious enemies. A greater hindrance to its progress comes from faultfinders, shirkers, commandment-breakers, and apostate cliques within its own ecclesiastical and quorum groups. So it is with any government. It is the enemy from within that is most menacing, especially when it threatens to disintegrate established forms of good government. Today, there are in this country enemies in the form of "isms." I call them anti-Americanisms, and what is true in America is true in other countries. Only a few of the leaders fight openly; most of the army carry on as termites, secretly sowing discord and undermining stable government. Of the truth of this statement, investigations made by a committee of the United States Senate and the FBI bear ample evidence. Of the menace of one of these, Dr. William F. Russell, dean of Teachers College, Columbia University, and one of the many authorities whom we might quote as to the pernicious activity of these groups, said nearly 30 years ago in an address that has since proved to be prophetic: The plan of the enemy "Communist leaders have steadily insisted that Communism cannot live in just one country. Just as we fought to make `the world safe for democracy, so they are fighting to make the world safe for Communism. They are fighting this fight today. Every country must become Communistic, according to their idea. So they have sent out missionaries. They have supplied them well with funds. They have won converts. These converts have been organized into little groups called `cells,' each acting as a unit under the orders of a superior. It is almost a military organization. They attack where there is unemployment. They stir up discontent among those oppressed. They publish and distribute many papers and pamphlets." Continuing, Dr. Russell states: "These are scurrilous sheets. In one issue I noted twenty-nine errors of fact. After a recent address of mine they passed out a dodger attacking me, with a deliberate error of fact in each paragraph. . . . The idea is to try to entice into their web those generous and public-spirited teachers, preachers, social workers, and reformers who know distress, and want to do something about it. These Communists know what they are doing. They follow their orders. Particularly they would like to dominate our newspapers, our colleges, and our schools. The campaign is much alike all over the world. [page 10] I have seen the same articles, almost the same pamphlets, in France and England as in the United States." ("How to Tell a Communist and How to Beat Him," an address given in 1939.) The treachery of Civic disobedience One of our U. S. senators just recently called attention to conditions existing in our country today. He said: "America has been afflicted over the past three or four years by an epidemic of acts of so-called civil disobedience. Municipal ordinances and state statutes have been wilfully and intentionally disobeyed by individuals and groups. Private property has been subject to deliberate trespass. "Mobs have taken to the streets, interfering with commerce, creating public disorder, and breaching the peace. Civil disobedience has at times been advocated from some of the pulpits throughout the land and encouraged, upon occasion, by ill-advised statements of public officials. Mobs have frequently been so large that the police were helpless to make arrests. "These acts of so-called disobedience have been proclaimed by important political personages to be in the finest American tradition. It was said to be good Christian doctrine to disregard man-made laws which conflicted with one's own conscience, and, of course, by implication, those who enforced man- made laws were likewise to be disregarded. This [is indeed] a strange and false doctrine. . . . "Few people have dared to voice an objection for fear of being labeled `bigot,' and representatives of law and order have become pictured as villains while lawless marchers and sit-downers have become the figures for compassion." The menace of dishonoring discipline The senator then continues, "Finally, perhaps the most responsible and damaging factor underlying the riots, growing crime rate, and disrespect for law and order, is that of a lessened discipline, which is evident today among an increasing number of young people in our society. The American home is not what it once was and this is reflected in a parental discipline which is not what it used to be. "All too many children are not taught to respect their elders. The general atmosphere of permissiveness permeates too many homes, too many schools and too many churches in America. A few, but highly articulate and vocal, churchmen advocate the decease of divinity. "These are all symptoms of a sick society, a sickness which, if left to run its course unchanged, will destroy law and order and a progressive society of free men. "In such an atmosphere of permissiveness, civil disobedience and disrespect for civil law, the seeds of crime have taken deeper root and the nation is now reaping the harvest." (Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, Deseret News, August 7, 1967.) Thus, we are witnessing the attempts that are being made at this very time by insidious forces to induce contention and confusion in organized societies of mankind. "Keep them from evil" And now, brethren and sisters, I echo the prayer of the Savior: "Make them one, Father, as thou and I are one. In the world, but not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (See John 17:15 ff.) God help us that we may continue to serve humanity; that we may feel in our hearts that we are privileged to serve God's children; that we shall be united as his people, and that we shall be united as a country. "Walk uprightly before the Lord" May every father magnify the priesthood of God in his own home and, with his beloved wife and companion, teach his children the ways of the Lord as revealed to us. Priesthood bearers are to watch over the Church always, for the Lord has given this instruction, that our families may walk uprightly before our Father in heaven: "The teacher's duty is to [page 11] watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; "And see that there is no iniquity in the truth, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking; "And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty." (D&C 20:53-55.) I bear testimony that we are engaged in God's work, in the saving of souls. May we find the strength, by unity within the Church, to go forward in the accomplishment of his purposes. This I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 1, 1967 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert McKay) As this great conference draws to a close, I bear testimony that our anticipations, our hopes, and our prayers that it might prove to be uplifting and inspirational have been realized. May there come into everyone's heart, and into all our homes, the true spirit of Christ, our Redeemer, whose reality, whose inspiring guidance I know to be real. The gospel is our anchor. We know what it stands for. If we live it, feel it, and bear record to the world by the way we live, we will contribute to its growth and upbuilding. Speak well of it, of the priesthood, of the Authorities; let the standards of the gospel radiate in our lives. Contribute to the better life We cannot go from this great conference without an added responsibility to contribute to a better life around us. As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts. We must not encourage vile thoughts or low aspirations. We shall radiate them if we do. If we think noble thoughts, if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them. The gospel finds its greatest expression in the individual. It finds expression in the home, as we have heard in this conference. Our homes radiate what we are, and that radiation comes from what we say and how we act in the home. No member of this Church--husband, father, or child--has the right to utter an oath in his home or ever to express a cross word to his wife or to his children or to parents. We contribute to an ideal home by our character, by controlling our passions, our temper, by guarding our speech, because those things will make our homes what they are and what thee will radiate to the neighborhood. Anger, hatred, jealousy are but tools of destruction. Radiation of divine influence The Savior set us the example--always calm, always controlled, radiating something which people could feel as they passed. Remember the woman who touched his garment? The Savior felt something go from him--that radiation which is divine. Each individual soul has that divine radiation. The body is only the house in which we live. God help us to radiate strength, control, love, charity (which is another name for love), consideration, and best wishes for all human beings. We should do what we can to produce peace and harmony, no matter what we may suffer. We leave this conference today with greater responsibility than ever before--as men of the priesthood, as women of the Church, and as the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow--to make our homes such as will radiate to our neighbors harmony, love, community duties, loyalty. And what is the responsibility which rests upon every member of the Church? Read the 107th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, and there find enumerated the duties of the various organizations of the priesthood. In the 99th verse, we find the following: "Every man learn his duty" "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence." Two principles in that admonition stand out as the duty of the officers to whom this revelation was given: first, to learn--to know what one's duty is; and second, to act in all diligence in the performance of duty. To know one's duty, to learn the truth, is the duty of every member of the Church, of every man and woman in the world. All mankind, I believe, are being impelled, lifted upward by that Spirit which makes them desire the truth. There is a natural feeling which urges men and women toward truth; it is a responsibility placed upon mankind. That responsibility rests upon members of the Church in a greater degree than upon their fellowmen. There is no one great thing that we can do to obtain eternal life, and it seems to me that the great lesson to be learned in the world today is to apply in the little acts and duties of life the glorious principles of the gospel. Let us not think that because some of the things we have heard during this conference may seem small and trivial, they are unimportant. Life, after all, Is made up of little things. Our life, our being, physically is made up here of little heartbeats. Let that little heart stop beating, and life in this world ceases. The great sun is a mighty force in the universe, but we receive the blessings of its rays because they come to us as little beams, which, taken in the aggregate, fill the whole world with sunlight. The dark night is made pleasant by the glimmer of what seem to be little stars; and so the true Christian life is made up of little Christ-like acts performed this hour, this minute, in the home, in the priesthood quorum, in the organization, in the town, wherever our life and acts may be cast. In an article written at 88 years of age by Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick, New York City's Riverside Church minister, author of 35 books, and known nationwide for his Sunday broadcasts and his dauntless dedication of his own life to the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God, when asked, "Isn't it hard to believe there is a moral order in the universe when we look around us today?" he said, "No harder than it always has been. There never were any `good old days.' The tragedy of the human heart has been the same since time began--the tragedy of man's blinding self-concern that prevents him from accepting God's ways. "In this world if we want physical results, we must fulfill physical conditions. If we want spiritual results, we must fulfill spiritual conditions. This is the law of life, and it is both stern and magnificent. Modern religion says: Go out in God's world and fulfill His conditions. If you want health, fulfill [page 151] the conditions of health-physical, mental, and spiritual. What a man sows he indeed reaps. Sow friendliness and reap friendship. Sow unselfishness and reap an enlarged life. Sow goodwill and reap a better world for our children. Sow worship--the uplift of the heart toward the Highest--and reap openhearted responsiveness to things Eternal." (Reader's Digest, October 1966, p. 71.) Gospel is established among men God help us and all the world to sense the reality that the gospel of Jesus Christ is established among men, and that through obedience to it the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man may be realities to eve mother and father, every son and daughter. God hasten the day when that testimony will be real in every heart. Throughout this conference you have heard testimony from men who, with tears in their eyes, if you were close enough to see, their lips quivering with emotion, testified that they know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that the Father and the Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and gave instructions about organizing Christ's Church; and that Peter, James, and John, who held the authority from the Christ himself, gave that authority in this dispensation; that the Melchizedek Priesthood was bestowed upon the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery; that John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ, bestowed the Aaronic Priesthood. My testimony You know that, and you know these men who have given you their testimonies during this conference. I give you my testimony that God lives; that he is close to us; that his Spirit is real; that his voice is real; that Jesus Christ, his Son, stands at the head of this great work; and that no matter how much of the atheistic philosophy takes hold of the blinded boys and girls and men who hear Satan's voice, the truth stands as declared by the Father and the Son to that boy Prophet. You and I, and all true members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have the responsibility to declare that truth to the world; and the world is full of honest men and women waiting to hear that truth. Let us not condemn them. Condemn the evil men who would blind them with their sophistry and with false reasoning. Some of our young boys are so blinded, but it is our duty as officers of the Church to lead them from the things of the world. Now, what do we mean by the world? It is sometimes used as an indefinite term. I take it that the world refers to the inhabitants who are alienated from the saints of God. The are aliens to the Church, and it is e spirit of this alienation from which we should keep ourselves free. We are told by Paul not to conform to the fashions of the world. Timothy was warned not to partake of those things--the evils of the world--and to "flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Tim. 2:22.) The pure in heart Purity of heart! Zion is the pure in heart, we have been told, and the strength of this Church lies in the purity of the thoughts and lives of its members. It is then that the testimony of Jesus abides in the soul and strength comes to each individual to withstand the evils of the world. It is the responsibility of every member of the Church to preach the restored gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that the evils of the world may be met by the counteracting forces of truth. Quicken discernment and recognition of temptation When do temptations come? They come to us in our social gatherings; they come to us at our weddings; they come to us in our politics; they come to us in our business relations; on the farm, in the mercantile establishment. In the dealings in the affairs of life we find these insidious influences working; and it is when they manifest themselves to the consciousness of each [page 152] individual that the defense of truth ought to exert itself. There may never come a greater opportunity to defend this Church. When that still small voice calls to the performance of duty, insignificant though it seems, and its performance unknown to anyone save the individual and God, he who responds gains corresponding strength. Temptation often comes in the same quiet way. Perhaps the yielding to it may not be known by anyone save the individual and his God, but if he does yield to it, he becomes to that extent weakened and spotted with the evil of the world. Beware hidden influences of evil It is the unseen influence at work in society that is undermining the manhood and womanhood of today. It is these unseen influences that come from the world that overcome us when we are least prepared to defend ourselves. When we do not withstand the encroachments of these evil influences, we weaken the possibility of defending the Church of Jesus Christ. This is an individual work, and what the individuals are, that the aggregate is. Divine blessings for righteousness God bless you, my dear fellow workers. Bless you in your homes. Make your faith shown by your works in your home. Husbands, be true to your wives, not only in act, but in thought; wives, be true to your husbands. Children, be true to your parents; do not arrogate to yourselves that they are old-fashioned in their beliefs and that you know more than they do. Girls, follow that sweet mother and her teachings. Boys, be true to your fathers, who want happiness and success for you, which come only through living the principles of the gospel. Strangers, seeing such homes, will say, "Well, if that is the result of Mormonism, I think it is good." You will show by your faith and acts in everyday life what you really are. To no other group of men in all the world is given a better opportunity to serve mankind than that which is afforded the elders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To establish salvation and peace to the extent of their individual efforts, their lives are dedicated. To make the world a better or a safer or a fitter place for man, their talents and means are consecrated. Just to be associated with you, with men striving toward such an aim, is a joy, and to assist you in this quest, an inspiration. Unselfishly you are trying to serve your fellowmen in love. You are true followers of the Master, for to those who have the Christian faith, the most sublime of his teachings, and to him who penetrates its deepest sense, the most human of all is this: To save mankind, the Lord came to dwell among us in the form of man, and was willing to make himself known by this -simple, though glorious, principle love. The animal world is filled with selfishness, each thing seeking its own life, its own perpetuation. But Christ lived for love. ". . . love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . . And . . . thy neighbour as thyself." (Matt. 22:37, 39.) God bless the elders and the sisters who, if not with perfect love, at least with a desire to bring joy and peace to others, are engaged in the noblest calling of life. Worth servants of Christ you are!--our teachers, followers of the true Redeemer, our Lord. There is nothing greater than this noble work, none more righteous. Yours is the joy promised by the Savior, who said: "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! "And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (D&C 18:15-16.) Blessing to hold and honor divine authority God bless you men of the priesthood. May you hod it in dignity and righteousness [page 153] that comes from within, not from without. To hold the priesthood of God by divine authority is one of the greatest gifts that can come to a man. He is greatly blessed who feels the responsibility of representing Deity. He should feel it to such an extent that he is conscious of his actions and words under all conditions. God bless our friends who are contributing to the advancement of this great Church. We are grateful for their friendship and goodwill. God bless us that we may go home with a firmer resolve than we have ever had before to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, to be kind to our families and to our neighbors, to be honest in all our dealings so that men, seeing our good works, may be led to glorify our Father in heaven. I leave my blessings with you, with the sick and afflicted, with our men in the service, and with our missionaries scattered around the world. I pray that God's protecting care will be with them wherever they are. God bless you officers and leaders, stake presidencies and bishoprics, of the Church. May the love of the Redeemer be in each heart, and that means that the love will be expressed in serving one another. God bless these brethren of the General Authorities for their devotion and untiring efforts in furthering his work on earth. May they be blessed with increased health and strength to carry on their great responsibilities throughout the world. I know that God lives, that his Son Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and that divine beings restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith the gospel of Jesus Christ as he established it in the meridian of time. I bear this testimony as we part this afternoon, and pray the blessings of the Lord to be upon each of you, that the influence of the priesthood quorums, of auxiliaries, and of the missionaries may be more effective from this time forward than ever before in leading the honest in heart of the whole world to turn their hearts to the worship of God and give them power to control the animal nature and live in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 5, 1968 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son, David Lawrence McKay) My dear brethren and sisters, and friends of the radio and television audience: At this moment there is just one supreme wish in my heart. It is that the Spirit of the Lord and of this great conference may be felt in every home and in every heart in the Church, as well as in the hearts and homes of all peoples everywhere who may come within the radius of the broadcasts of the various sessions, which will be carried worldwide. Thanksgiving for blessings I pray for the blessings of the lord, not only during this session, but [page 5] throughout all of the sessions of this 138th annual conference of the Church. My heart is filled with thanksgiving for our blessings and for God's great love for his children. The older I grow, the more grateful and impressed I am with the glorious truths and great possibilities and opportunities of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I appreciate the loyalty, faith, brotherly love, and prayers of the membership of this Church. Realizing the great responsibility that rests upon me this morning in giving to the Church a message at a general conference, I earnestly pray for his guidance and for your faith and prayers. I extend a hearty welcome to all present in this historic Tabernacle, erected on Temple Square by our pioneers 100 years ago, and to all who may be listening in, and pray that God's blessings may be with each of you in rich abundance. The greatest event of history On April 14, there will be celebrated throughout Christendom the greatest event of all history--the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In speaking of that event, the Apostle Paul declared: ". . . if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain. . . . "Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ. . . ." (1 Cor. 15:14-15.) He who can thus testify of the living Redeemer has his soul anchored in eternal truth. In our time, the most direct confirmation that Jesus rose from the grave is the appearance of the Father and the Son to the Prophet Joseph Smith, eighteen hundred years after the event Christendom will celebrate this Easter. That the spirit of man passes triumphantly through the portals of death into everlasting life is one of the glorious messages given by Christ, our Redeemer. To him this earthly career is but a day, and its closing but the setting of life's sun; death, but a sleep, is followed by a glorious awakening in the morning of an eternal realm. When Mary and Martha saw their brother only as a corpse in the dark and silent tomb, Christ saw him still a living being. This fact he expressed in just two words: "Lazarus sleepeth." (See John 11:11.) Reality of the resurrection If everyone participating in Easter services knew that the crucified Christ actually rose on the third day from the tomb, that after having greeted others and mingled with others in the spirit world his spirit did again reanimate his pierced body, and after sojourning among men for the space of 40 days he ascended a glorified soul to his Father, what benign peace would come to souls now troubled with doubt and uncertainty! On the reality of the resurrection in the minds of the apostles, the beginning of early Christianity was founded. For over four thousand years man had looked into the grave and had seen only the end of life. Of all the millions who had entered therein, not one had ever returned. It was, therefore, a new and glorious message that the angel gave to the woman who, fearfully and lovingly, had approached the sepulcher in which Jesus had been buried: ". . . Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here. . . ." (Mark 16:6.) A stupendous miracle If a miracle is a supernatural event whose antecedent forces are beyond man's finite wisdom, then the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most stupendous miracle of all time. In it stand revealed the omnipotence of God and the immortality of man. The resurrection is a miracle, however, only in the sense that it is beyond man's comprehension and understanding. To all who accept it as a fact, it is but a manifestation of a uniform law of life. Because man does not understand the law, he calls it a miracle. Someday man's enlightenment may bring this momentous event out of the dusk of mystery into the broad day of understanding. That the literal resurrection from the grave was a reality to the disciples who knew Christ intimately is a certainty. In their minds there was absolutely no doubt. They were witnesses of the fact. They knew, because their eyes beheld, their ears heard, their hands felt the corporeal presence of the risen Redeemer. Gloom of death banished At Jesus' death, the apostles were stricken with gloom. When he lay dead, their hopes all but died. Their intense grief, the evident preparation for a permanent burial, combined to illustrate the prevalence of a fear that the redemption of Israel had failed. Notwithstanding the often-repeated assurances of Christ that he would return to them after death, the apostles did not seem fully to comprehend it. At the crucifixion, they were frightened and discouraged. For two and one-half years they had been upheld and inspired by Christ's presence. But now he was gone. They were left alone, and they seemed confused, fearful, helpless. The world would never have been stirred by men with such wavering, doubting, despairing minds as the apostles possessed on the day of the crucifixion. What was it that suddenly changed these disciples to confident, fearless, heroic preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It was the revelation that Christ had risen from the grave. His promises had been kept, his messianic mission fulfilled. In the words of an eminent writer, "The final and absolute seal of genuineness has been put on all his claims, and the indelible stamp of a divine authority upon all his teachings. The gloom of death had been banished by the glorious light of the presence of their Risen, Glorified Lord and Savior." Testimony of eyewitnesses On the evidence and testimony of these unprejudiced, unexpectant, incredulous eyewitnesses of the risen Christ, faith in the resurrection has its impregnable foundation. The direct evidence that the tomb did not hold Jesus is threefold: (1) the marvelous transformation in the spirit and work of his disciples; (2) the practically universal belief of the early Church, as recorded in the Gospels; and (3) the direct testimony of Paul, the earliest New Testament writer. Latter-day witness In the very beginning of this dispensation of the fulness of times, the 14-year-old Joseph Smith said: ". . . I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith 2:17.) Later, speaking of the reality of this vision, he testifies as follows: ". . . I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation." (Joseph Smith 2:25.) Confirming the irrefutable testimony of Christ's early apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims the glorious vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! "For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father." (D&C 76:22-23.) In the light of such unimpeachable testimony as given by the ancient apostles' testimony, dating from a few years subsequent to the event itself; in the light of that most marvelous revelation in this age of the living Christ, it seems difficult indeed to understand how men can still reject him and can doubt the immortality of man. The way, the truth, and the life "How can we know the way?" asked Thomas, as he sat with his fellow apostles and their Lord at the [page 7] table after the supper on the memorable night of the betrayal; and Christ's divine answer was: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:5-6.) And so he is! He is the source of our comfort, the inspiration of our life, the author of our salvation. If we want to know our relationship to God, we go to Jesus Christ. If we would know the truth of the immortality of the soul, we have it exemplified in the Savior's resurrection. If we desire to learn the ideal life to lead among our fellowmen, we can find a perfect example in the life of Jesus. Whatsoever our noble desires, our lofty aspirations, our ideals in any phase of life, we can look to Christ and find perfection. So, in seeking a standard for moral manhood, we need only to go to the Man of Nazareth and in him find embodied all virtues that go to make the perfect man. Virtues of perfect character The virtues that combined to make this perfect character are truth, justice, wisdom, benevolence, and self-control. His every thought, word, and deed were in harmony with divine law and therefore, true. The channel of communication between him and the Father was constantly open, so that truth, which rests upon revelation, was always known to him. His ideal of justice is summed up in the admonition: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. (See Matt. 712.) His wisdom was so broad and deep that it comprehended the ways of men and the purposes of God. The apostles could not always comprehend the significance and depth of some of his simplest sayings; the lawyers could not entrap him, nor get the better of him in a discussion or argument; the greatest teachers were but pupils in his presence. Every act that is recorded of his short, though eventful, life was one of benevolence that comprehends charity and love. His self-control, whether exemplified in his power over his appetites and passions or his dignity and poise when before his persecutors, was perfect--it was divine. Now, what are the teachings of the Church regarding these virtues and all they comprehend? If the Church fails to make men true, fails to foster moral manhood, then there is no reason for its existence, and its pretension to be Christ's Church is a farce. Love of truth No man can be a true member of this Church and not love truth. Being true is a fundamental doctrine of the Church. When we stop to consider what this means, we begin to realize what an important element in character building truth is. A man who is true is upright, is conscientious, is honorable in all his dealings; he is faithful in fulfilling his obligations; he is trustworthy and diligent in the performance of duty; he is true to himself and, therefore, to his fellowmen and to his God. Justice As for justice, all the teachings of the Church cry out against injustice, and its condemnation is most severe upon him who oppresses his brother. Members are admonished to use their authority justly, for "the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness." (D&C 121:36.) Justice is rendering to every man his due. To he just, one must of necessity be honest, fair, and impartial. He will be respectful and reverential. It is impossible for a man to be just and at the same time be disrespectful or irreverent, for when disrespectful or irreverent, he is unjust in not giving respect and reverence where they are merited. True manhood possesses justice and is an attribute of the divine nature. Honesty Honesty, as included in justice, is the first virtue mentioned in the Church's thirteenth Article of Faith. It is impossible to associate manhood with dishonesty. To be just with one's self, one must be honest with one's self and with others. This means honesty in speech as well as in actions. It means to avoid telling half-truths as well as [page 8] untruths. It means that we are honest in our dealings--in our buying as well as in our selling. It means that an honest debt can never be outlawed, and that a man's word is better than his bond. It means that we will be honest in our dealings with the Lord, for "true honesty takes into account the claims of God as well as those of man; it renders to God the things that are God's, as well as to man the things that are man's." Wisdom Wisdom: ". . . seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." (D&C 88:118.) Such is the commandment of the Lord given to this generation through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the full significance of it may be more fully realized when we know that man's eternal salvation--God's greatest gift to man--is dependent upon his knowledge; for it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (D&C 131:6.) Wisdom is the right use of knowledge and comprehends judgment, discrimination, prudence, discretion, and study. "To know is not to be wise," says Spurgeon. "Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. Benevolence Benevolence in its fullest sense is the sum of moral excellence, and comprehends every other virtue. It is the motive that prompts us to do good to others and leads us to live our life for Christ's sake. All acts of kindness, of self-denial, of self-devotion, of forgiveness, of charity, of love, spring from this divine attribute. So when we say "we believe in being benevolent," we declare a belief in all the virtues that go to make a Christ-like character. A benevolent man is kind and true to his family, is active for good in his city and state, and is a faithful worker in the Church. Virtue of self-control Great as are these virtues I have named, they do not seem so practical and applicable to daily life as the virtue of self-control. It is as impossible to think of moral manhood apart from self-control as to separate sunlight from the day. Self-control means the government and regulation of all our natural appetites, desires, passions, and affections; and there is nothing that gives a man such strength of character as the sense of self-conquest, the realization that he can make his appetites and passions serve him and that he is not a servant to them. This virtue includes temperance, abstinence, bravery, fortitude, hopefulness, sobriety, chastity, independence, tolerance, patience, submission, continence, purity. One of the most practical teachings of the Church regarding this principle is the Word of Wisdom. It is true. It deals principally with the appetite. You show me a man who has complete control over his appetite, who can resist all temptations to indulge in stimulants, liquor, tobacco, marijuana, and other vicious drugs, and I will show you a youth or man who has likewise developed power to control his passions and desires. Loss Through Indulgence As I have read recently of the prevalent use of these drugs among our high school and university students and others, I have become greatly alarmed. With all my heart I warn the youth of our Church and of this nation that they will lose their manhood and womanhood if they yield to this enticement of Satan. A person who indulges his appetites, either secretly or otherwise, has a character that will not serve him when he is tempted to indulge his passions. The sexual impurity of the world today is the result of the loss of true manhood through indulgence. Unchaste thoughts have bred unchaste words, and unchaste words, unchaste acts. In the teachings of the Church, next to the crime of murder comes that [page 9] of adultery, and sexual unchastity. If the members of the Church will remain true to their belief in chastity, and will develop true manhood through practicing self-control in other ways, they will stand as beacon lights whose rays will penetrate a sin-stained world. A Troublous Age We are indeed living in a troublous age, and many people in the Church, as well as millions in the world, are stirred with anxiety; hearts are heavy with feelings of foreboding. At the crucifixion of Christ, a little group of men faced a future that was just as threatening and foreboding to them as that which the world faces today. Their future, so far as Christ's triumph on earth was concerned seemed all but blighted. They had been called and set apart to be "fishers" of men, and to Peter had been given the keys of the kingdom. Notwithstanding all this, in that hour of despondency, when the resurrected Christ said to Peter, the discouraged leader of the Twelve, who had turned to his old vocation of fishing: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" Peter answered, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee." Said the Lord, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-16.) On that occasion Peter became conscious of his responsibility, not only as a fisher of men, but also as a shepherd of the flock. It was then that he sensed finally and completely the full meaning of the divine injunction, "Follow me." (John 21:19.) With that neverfailing light, those 12 humble men succeeded in changing the course of human relations. True guide to mankind Jesus' teachings may be applied just as efficaciously to social groups and national problems as to individuals, if men would only give them a trial. In our efforts to develop true manhood, we must accept Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Light of Humanity. In that light man sees his way clearly. When it is rejected, the soul of man stumbles in darkness. It is a sad thing when individuals and nations extinguish that light--when Christ and his gospel are supplanted by the law of the jungle and the strength of the sword. The chief tragedy in the world at the present time is its disbelief in God and his goodness. The gospel, the glad tidings of great joy, is the true guide to mankind; and that man or woman is happiest and most content who lives nearest to its teachings, which are the antitheses of hatred, persecution, tyranny, domination, injustice--things which foster tribulation, destruction, and death throughout the world. What the sun in the heavenly blue is to the earth struggling to get free from winters grip, so the gospel of Jesus Christ is to the sorrowing souls yearning for something higher and better than mankind has yet found on earth. What a glorious condition will be in this old world when it can truthfully be said to Christ, the Redeemer of mankind, "All men seek for thee." (Mark 1:37.) Selfishness, envy, hatred, lying, stealing, cheating, disobedience, quarreling, and fighting among nations will then be no more! Testimony of risen Lord Brethren and sisters, I have cherished from childhood the truth that God is a personal being and is, indeed, our Father whom we can approach in prayer and receive answers thereto. My testimony of the risen Lord is just as real as Thomas', who said to the resurrected Christ when he appeared to his disciples: "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28.) I know that he lives. He is God made manifest in the flesh; and I know that "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) I know that he will confer with his servants who seek him in humility and in righteousness. I know because I have heard his voice, and I have received his guidance in matters pertaining to his kingdom here on earth. Divinity of restored church I know that his Father, our Creator, [page 10] lives. I know that they appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and revealed to him the revelations which we now have recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants and in other Church works. This knowledge is as real to me as that which occurs in our daily lives. When we lay our bodies down at night, we know--we have an assurance--that the sun will rise in the morning and shed its glory over all the earth. So near to me is the knowledge of Christ's existence and divinity of this restored Church. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are under obligation to make the sinless Son of Man their ideal--the One Perfect Being who ever walked the earth. God bless the Church, particularly our young people who are going to maintain its standards. God bless fathers and mothers and teachers who instill this faith in the hearts of the youth and proclaim it throughout the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1968 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son, David Lawrence McKay) The Prophet Joseph Smith and President Brigham Young both saw in vision the place in the Rocky Mountains to which the Saints would eventually be driven. I am wondering whether they also saw in vision such a gathering of priesthood as we have here in this Tabernacle and in the more than 400 other buildings tonight. I think the Prophet must have seen it, for he said: ". . . the Saints [will] become [a great and] a mighty people." (Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 5, p. 85.) Impression made by guide I am impressed not only with the power that you radiate, but also with the responsibility that each one of you carries. I am reminded of an incident I have related on other occasions. Some years ago, a dinner was given in honor of Mr. Gordon Rentschler, who was then chairman of the board of the National City Bank of New York. When that gentleman expressed his appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him, he said, among other things: "One of my first experiences--twenty-odd years ago--Orville Wright and I came here one day with four or five others. We went over to the temple grounds. We were taken around by some man--we never learned his name. Here was an extraordinary individual telling the story--I think it was at noontime. Orville Wright and I came back to this hotel [the Utah], and Orville said: `You know, that fellow has got something that we are all missing, and that is the reason these fellows are a great people.' We spent one of the most interesting hours I have ever spent in my life." Authority given from on high Now, we do not arrogate to ourselves the thought that we merit these adjectives. I am referring to it only because there was something which impressed those men as being peculiar to our people. Well, if they only could have known it, that something is represented here tonight by this large gathering of the priesthood. That something is the priesthood, the divine authority, the authority given from on high for each one to represent God in the particular field in which that one is assigned to labor. I tell you, brethren, it is a wonderful thing to have the privilege of being one of this group and being considered worthy to be a representative of the Most High. I said I was conscious of a great responsibility, too. The instance that I related--the remark made by the renowned inventor of the airplane--brings home to us the responsibility of maintaining that something distinctive which has impressed other renowned visitors who have been in our midst, and which in the future should continue to impress them. Youth need religion We shall be privileged during this meeting to witness a filmstrip on the timely subject "After High School, What?" with a narration by President Brown. Education, as this presentation will portray, has always been an essential part of the gospel plan. Members of the priesthood, especially, should seek constantly for that upliftment which will qualify them for the good life and service in the cause of the Master. Well might we ask, "After ordination to the priesthood, what?" Education to be complete must include spiritual growth. In this sense, youth need religion. Religion stabilizes society I shall offer only three reasons this evening for giving proper religious training to youth. First: Youth should have religion in order to stabilize society. Goethe has rightly said that "the destiny of any nation at any given time depends on [page 91] the opinions of its young men under five and twenty." On this same thought, Roger W. Babson many years ago had the foresight to comment as follows: "Although the airplane opens up boundless opportunities, it also threatens limitless perils. All depends upon whether we can match this flood of new material powers with an equal gain in spiritual forces. The coming generation can see in a minute more than the former generation could see in a week. The coming generation can out-hear and out-travel the former generation. Horse-power has expanded beyond all dreams. But what about man power? What about spiritual power, and the power of judgment, discretion, and self-control? Unless there is a development of character equal to this enlargement of physical forces, there is sure trouble ahead. Twenty-five years ago, an intoxicated man might tip the buggy over, but commonly the old horse would bring him home. Today, a driver under the influence of liquor, maims and kills. Tomorrow, therefore, is something to ponder over. Without moral progress, in pace with physical progress, the airplane will merely make dissipation more disastrous, immorality more widespread, and crime more efficient. As one result of the automobile has been to put hell on wheels, the airplane will put hell on wings unless righteousness, too, is speeded up. On the development of character depends whether the airplane shall bring prosperity or calamity." (Forum, April 1931.) Science, says Millikan, "without religion obviously may become a curse rather than a blessing to mankind. But science dominated by the spirit of religion is the key, to progress and the hope of the future. Hayden gives a similar warning, as follows: "Today, as seldom if ever before, human society is threatened with disintegration, if not complete chaos." Why? "All the ancient evils of human relationships, injustice, selfishness, abuse of strength, become sinister and terrible when reinforced by the vast increase of material power. The soul of man cowers, starved and fearful, in the midst of a civilization grown too complex for any mind to visualize or to control. Joy and beauty fade from human living. Yet life abundant, beauteous, laughing life has been our age-long labor's end. What other conceivable worth has the mastery of the material world, the exploitation of the resources of nature and the creation of wealth, except as a basis for the release of the life of the spirit?" And then he adds: "We are witnessing either the crumbling of civilization under the weight of its material mechanism, or the birth of a new organization with a spiritual ideal." So much for the relation of religion to the stabilizing of society. Religion satisfies the soul Second: Youth need religion to satisfy the innate longing of the soul. Man is a spiritual being, and sometime or another every man is possessed with a longing, an irresistible desire, to know his relationship to the Infinite. He realizes that he is not just a physical object to be tossed for just a short time from bank to bank, only to be submerged finally in the ever-flowing stream of life. There is something within him that urges him to rise above himself, to control his environment, to master the body and all things physical, and to live in a higher and more beautiful world. James Russell Lowell, in his tribute to spring, says: "Every clod feels a stir of might, An instinct within it that reaches and towers, And groping blindly above it for light, Climbs to a soul in grass and flowers." So there is in man not only an instinct, but also a divinity that strives to push him onward and upward. The sense is universal, and at some time in his life every man is conscious of possessing it. Three great needs Associated with this spiritual urge are three great needs that remain unchanged throughout the centuries: (1) Every normal person yearns to know something of God. What is he like? Is he interested in the human family, or does he disregard it entirely? (2) What is the best life to live in this world in order to be most successful and to get the most happiness? (3) What is that inevitable thing called death? What is beyond it? If you want your answers to these longings of the human soul, you must come to the Church to get it. Only true religion can satisfy the yearning soul. At this point, we approach the border line between science and religion. The line between the cold facts of science and the revelation of the spirit is so fine that students need to contact a mind that can and will lead them from the real, the practical, into that realm which satisfies the soul. Religion gives purpose to life Third: Youth need religion to comply properly with the purposes of creation. There is a purposeful design permeating all nature, the crowning event of which is man. Here, on this thought, science again leads the student up to a certain point, and sometimes leaves him with his soul unanchored. For example, evolution's theory of the creation of the world offers many perplexing problems to the inquiring mind. Inevitably, a teacher who denies divine agency in creation, who insists that there is no intelligent purpose in it, undoubtedly impresses the student with the thought that all may be chance. I say that no youth should be left without a counterbalancing thought. Even the skeptical teacher should be fair enough to say that Charles Darwin himself, when he faced the great questions of eventual annihilation, if creation is dominated only by chance, wrote: "It is an intolerable thought that man and all other sentient things are doomed to complete annihilation, after such long-continued, slow progress. And another good authority, Raymond F. West, lecturing on immortality, said: "Why this vast expenditure of time and pain and blood? Why should man come so far if he is destined to go no farther? A creature which has traveled such distances and fought such battles and won such victories deserves, one is compelled to say, to conquer death and rob the grave of its victory." Immortality and eternal life The facts are, and the student should so understand, that all the preparation of earth is but an anticipation of the crowning glory of creation. Fosdick says: "The perpetuation of personality is the highest thing in creation." This great thinker has come by reasoning to what Joseph Smith received by revelation, which is one of the most sublime utterances in modern scripture: "For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) God's plan, God's purpose, is the perfection of humanity. He does care; he does love his children. He is not merely a blind force, not an abstract power, but a living, personal God. God a personal being Charles A. Dinsmore, formerly of Yale University, made the following statement concerning God as a personal being: "It is the eye of faith that sees the broad horizons, the color and the gleam. Religion, standing on the known experience of the race, makes one bold and glorious affirmation. She asserts that this power that makes for truth, for beauty, and for goodness is not less personal than we. [And that is the declaration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that Jesus is not less personal than we, and that his Father, the Eternal Father, is a personal God.] This leap of faith is justified because God cannot be less than the greatest of His works; [page 93] the Cause must be adequate to the effect. When, therefore, we call God personal, we have interpreted Him by the loftiest symbol we have. He may be infinitely more. He cannot be less. When we call God a Spirit, we use the clearest lens we have to look at the Everlasting. As Herbert Spencer has well said, `The choice is not between a personal God and something lower, but between a personal God and something higher.'" (Christianity and Modern Thought, Yale University Press, 1924.) Stand on true educatIon We of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints take our stand on true education from what has been given to us in the scriptures. In the Doctrine and Covenants it was revealed that: "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." (D&C 130:18-19.) And also: "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (D&C 131:6.) Southey tells us that on his walk one stormy day, he met an old woman to whom, by way of greeting, he made the rather obvious remark that it was dreadful weather. She answered philosophically that, in her opinion, "Any weather is better than none!" Likewise, any education is undoubtedly better than none, but a free people, to remain free, must ever strive for the highest and best. The role of religion Courses required of all students in our public schools should include the important areas of study that directly or indirectly provide the student with opportunities for spiritual growth and religious inspiration. From such study it is reasonable to expect that our students will better understand how vital has been the role of religion at critical moments in history; how important spiritual insights in religious faith can be in the lives of men and women; how closely related are human greatness and such qualities as honesty, integrity humility, generosity, and compassion. We may expect in our students more idealism and less cynicism, more wholesome courage and faith in the future, and less pessimism and foreboding fear. We may hope for increased tolerance of racial and religious differences, increased respect for those of opposite political views or for those of lower social and economic levels; increased awareness of the basic and inviolable dignity of the individual man or woman. We may contribute to the development of a more sensitive social conscience--a greater sense of responsibility for the less fortunate in our society. We may even, perhaps, without knowing it, bring a boy or girl closer to God. I am repeating what we all know and feel when I say that our country's greatest asset is its manhood and its womanhood. Upon that depends not only the survival of the individual freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights and all other ideals for which the founders of the Republic fought and died, but also the survival of the best that we cherish in present-day civilization throughout the world. The preservation of these must come through education. PromulgatIon of truth The Church stands for education. The very purpose of its organization is to promulgate truth among men. Members of the Church are admonished to acquire learning by study, and also by faith and prayer; to seek after everything that is virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy. In this seeking after, they are not confined to narrow limits of dogma or creed, but are free to launch into the realm of the infinite. But gaining knowledge is one thing, and applying it, quite another. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge, and true education--the education for which the Church stands [page 94] --is the application of knowledge to the development of a noble and God-like character. Development of moral and spiritual values A great and continuing purpose of education has been the development of moral and spiritual values. To fulfill this purpose, society calls upon its institutions. Special claims are made on the home and the school because of the central role of these two institutions in the nurture of the young. By moral and spiritual values, we mean those values which, when applied in human behavior, exalt and refine life and bring it into accord with the standards of conduct that are approved in our democratic culture. Youth need religion. The world needs it. It is the world's greatest need God help us to teach the true religion as revealed in this dispensation by the Lord Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith. God bless you teachers in the Church schools, institutes, and seminaries, that you may have the spirit of this great latter-day work and lead the children to the realm of immortality and peace here as well as happiness throughout eternity. Responsibility of priesthood God bless you brethren. With all my heart I pray God to bless you, that every member of the Church, as well as everyone who holds the priesthood, may sense the responsibility of membership in the Church of Christ. If we can only maintain the standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the future of the Church is secure. Truly, men and women will see a light that is not hidden under a bushel, but one that is set upon a hill, and they will be attracted by it, and will be led to seek the truth more by our acts and deeds and by what we radiate in virtue and integrity, rather than by what we say. I pray God to bless us in this great work in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 7, 1968 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son, David Lawrence McKay) With all my heart I rejoice with you, my brethren and sisters, for the blessings of the Lord during the inspirational sessions of the past few days. His Spirit has been with us in rich abundance! During these closing moments of this great conference, I pray that the Lord will guide and direct me in giving you the thoughts that are in my heart. Instructions of conference I am grateful and thankful for the admonitions and specific instructions that have been given by the General Authorities of the Church. As you can testify, they have been guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit in their messages. With all my soul, I plead with members of the Church, and with people everywhere, to think more about the gospel; more about the developing of the spirit within; to devote more time to the real things in life, and less time to those things which will perish. I am in hearty accord with the admonitions given during this conference to resist the various temptations in our midst. If members of the Church would adopt these suggestions, that alone would be sufficient to make this people a light upon a hill, a light that could not be hidden. We refer to such teachings sometimes as "little things," but indeed they are the greatest things in this life. If we were to pay more attention to such advice, and devote more study to the modem revelations as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, we would grow in appreciation of the magnitude of the great work that has been established in this dispensation. It is often said that the Church is the greatest thing in the world, and it is! The more attention we give to it--realizing how well adapted it is to our individual life, to our home life, and to our social life--the more we study it from the standpoint of scientific discoveries, from the standpoint of man's destiny, the more our hearts are made to rejoice for God's goodness to us in giving us the privilege of knowing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ What we need today is faith in the living Christ, which is more than a mere feeling, but a power that moves us to action--a faith that will put [page 145] purpose into life and courage into the heart. We need the gospel of application--a gospel that is preached by noble acts that command the attention and respect even of enemies. A mere belief in Jesus as a great teacher, or even as the greatest man who ever lived, has proved inadequate in combating the ills of society and the world. Manifestly, the need of the world--and particularly in the light of present conditions that surround us on every side--is more than a mere acceptance of the Man of Galilee as the greatest of all men. What is really essential is faith in him as a divine being--as our Lord and Savior! It is such faith as the apostle Peter experienced when he declared: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matt. 16:16.) Acquire truth and virtue Members of the Church are admonished to acquire truth by study, by faith and prayer, and to seek after everything that is "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy." (Article of Faith 13.) Schools and churches should radiate the fact that there are in life certain fundamentals that never change, which are essential to the happiness of every human soul. Parents and officers in the Church must teach more earnestly and diligently the principles of life and salvation to the youth of Zion and to the world in order to help youth keep in proper balance through the formative period of their lives. Government by priesthood I remind you men who bear the Holy Priesthood to study again that divine revelation, so simply but powerfully expressed, with regard to government by the priesthood: "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, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile-- "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy." (D&C 121:41-43.) This is a wonderful admonition and lesson in regard to government, not only in quorums of the priesthood, but also in our home life, and indeed in all phases of association in society. Gospel our anchor Brethren and sisters, the gospel is our anchor. We know what it stands for. If we live it and feel it, if we speak well of it, of the priesthood, of our families, of our neighbors, we shall feel happier, and in reality we shall be preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The responsibility has been given to us to convey the gospel to our fellowmen. Some of us wait until some special opportunity is given to us to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet the duty devolves upon each of us to proclaim that good news every day of our lives. We proclaim it in our acts--in the home, in business, in social circles, in politics; indeed, everywhere that we mingle with men we have the responsibility resting upon us to give the good news to the people of the world. Let us guard our thoughts and our tongues. One of the best ways of building up our home, be it a domicile, a city, a state, or a nation, is always to speak well of that home, city, state, or nation. Let the tongue be under control at all times. God bless the members of this Church for their devotion and loyalty, and for their sustaining prayers in behalf of all the General Authorities and officers. You may know, and I wish to assure you, that these prayers are effective. Divine protection real I testify to you, and to all the world, that the inspiration and protecting care of a kind Father in heaven are real. He is close to the Church, and I know with my whole soul that he is not just an absent, far-away source, as some may think. He is a kind [page 146] Father, solicitous of the welfare of his children, and ready and willing to hear and answer their call. The answer may be negative, as sometimes a wise parent gives a negative answer to the pleadings of a child, but he is ever ready to hear and to answer at a time when it is best for the one concerned. Gratitude for missionaries God bless our missionaries who are in the 78 worldwide missions of the Church. They are splendid young men and women, with strong testimonies of the gospel, who are rich in faith and who are excellent representatives of the Lord and his Church. We are proud of them. We are grateful to our mission presidents and to these missionaries for their willing and able service. We are grateful also for the fathers and mothers and others who support these missionaries. Loyalty of servicemen Words cannot express the heartache and the sorrow that we feel for the sufferings that have come to some homes because of the casualties of war. Our prayers are ever with our young men who are offering their all for human freedom and other inherent rights of man. My heart is filled with thankfulness and gratitude as I listen to reports that have been brought directly to me of their faith in God, of their loyalty, and of the long distances they travel to attend Church meetings. Think what an assurance in Christ, their Redeemer, means to them while they are enduring the temptations, hardships, and horrors of war! It gives them comfort in the hour of homesickness or discouragement; it makes more effective their determination to keep morally clean and fit for service; it gives them courage in the performance of duty; it awakens hope when they are ill or wounded; and if and when they might face the inevitable, it fills their souls with the peaceful confidence that as Christ lived after death so shall they] May God bless and protect these men in the armed forces. Blessing for officers and members God bless you Regional Representatives, stake presidents, bishops, and all officers in the Church who are serving and giving of your time and means for the upbuilding of God's kingdom. May you fathers and mothers be blessed in your homes; may you seek for wisdom and understanding to give to your children health and character, spotless and unstained. The greatest duty that fathers and mothers have to perform is the religious training and development of their child's character. May God be with each of you and all people everywhere. May we turn to him and seek for the better and more spiritual values of life. He is our Father; he knows our desires and our hopes; and he will help us if we will but seek him and learn of his ways. My prayerful blessings go with you as you return to your homes. God help us all to discharge our responsibilities by making an environment in home, in school, in Church, and in our communities that will be uplifting, wholesome, and faith-inspiring, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 4, 1968 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) My dear brethren and sisters: As I meet with you this morning, my heart is full of thanksgiving and gratitude to the Lord for his blessings. Never before have I felt more appreciative than I do this morning of the great privilege of meeting with the members of the Church in a general conference in this hallowed building. I extend to all of you--our special visitors, government and education leaders, stake and ward officers representing 465 stakes and 84 missions of the Church from far and near--my personal greetings and welcome to this 138th Semi-Annual Conference of the Church, and pray that the Spirit of the Lord will be with us throughout all the sessions. Appreciation for blessings As the years come and go, I experience an ever-increasing wonderment for life itself, and a deep sense of appreciation [page 5] for the opportunities and blessings it affords. My thoughts turn with grateful appreciation to the blessings that I have enjoyed. I am grateful for the wise, careful guardianship and training of noble parents. Guardianship and training!--two qualities of parenthood wisely and discreetly applied during the extremely active, impressionable days of youth, a guardianship that kept me from turning to paths that would have ended in an entirely different kind of life. Every year increases my appreciation and love for an ever-watchful, precious mother, and a noble father. I am grateful for nine brothers and sisters (three of whom are still with us), who made up a home environment--now a cherished memory--which, as an influence in character building, was second only to the ever-kind and discreet parental family guidance. I am grateful for the sacrifices made by our parents to permit us children to enter the field of education. Through that opportunity I met my life's companion, who has ever been an inspiration: the mother and wise guardian of our seven children and the heart and center of a second lovely home. I am grateful for the opportunity the Church and my parents gave me to enter the mission field, an experience that changed the entire course of my life. I am grateful to my friends. He is truly blessed who has experienced the peace and richness of soul that spring from true and loyal friendship. I love my friends and true associates as one of the most priceless possessions of life. I am grateful for citizenship in this great land, where the Constitution guarantees freedom. I denounce any ideology, any attempt of man or organization to change the fundamental principles of this great American republic. Gratitude for America I am grateful that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes with the Prophet Lehi that America is a "land of promise, a land choice above all other lands," a land of liberty unto those who keep the commandments of God. I love the Stars and Stripes and the American way of life. I have faith in the Constitution of the United States. I believe that only through a truly educated citizenry can the ideals that inspired the founding fathers of our nation be preserved and perpetuated I was thrilled that a long-cherished dream was fulfilled when, on September 17, 1968, we dedicated a 100-foot-tall flagpole on Temple Square and hoisted the Stars and Stripes along with our state flag on that sacred spot. At the same time panels engraved with scriptural references regarding the sacredness of the Constitution of the United States, the free agency of man, and law and order were also dedicated. I am grateful most of all for the gospel, the true philosophy of a happy life, which sanctifies and makes operative all other blessings. I am grateful for the blessings of the lord to his Church in all the world, and for the assurance of his divine guidance and inspiration. With deep gratitude, I acknowledge his nearness and his goodness. Loyalty of Church members It is a source of real encouragement to contemplate the loyalty an energetic efforts of the members who contribute their time and their means to the Church. There is a general response on the part of the members of the Church everywhere. The faithfulness of the members of the Church in the payment of their tithes and offerings, as well as the financial support given to the Church building program and to the welfare organization, is a source of great joy to me. I love life! I think it is a joy to be alive in this age. Every morning as I view from my windows the mountains to the east, and greet the sun as it ushers in these unexcelled autumn days, or even watch the storm clouds as they roll over our skies laden with life-giving moisture, I feel the joy and privilege of life and appreciate God's goodness. A marvelous age I appreciate and realize the accomplishments, to a certain degree, of this [page 6] wonderful nuclear age in which we live. Scientific discoveries of today stagger the imagination. Nearly every day we read of almost unbelievable accomplishments. This marvelous age has only now begun, and the youth of today, and many of us, will yet see exciting developments unfold as research continues. It is our prayer that the potential for good of these discoveries will far outweigh their potential for destruction. Yes, it is a glorious age in which we live, and I have faith in the law-abiding and industrious people of this country, as well as throughout the world, and I trust that only good will be realized from the material strides being made. Increase in crime However, no thinking man will doubt that this age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as with untold possibilities. As we read and learn of conditions that are developing among the people, we must admit there are real causes for apprehension and alertness. As we note the increase in crime and the disrespect for law and order, we are naturally shocked and alarmed. Just recently J. Edgar Hoover reported that: "We have on the loose in our country today a predatory monster called Crime. It is growing in size and violence. Its far-reaching forages threaten every city and hamlet in the Nation, and it strikes fear in the hearts and minds of the law-abiding public. It is ripping away the very fiber of our society and our system of government. ". . . One appalling aspect is the fact that many people in positions of responsibility continue to deny this truth. They prefer to close their eyes and hope that crime, if ignored, will go away. This wistful approach is doomed to failure. ". . . Concerted efforts have been made to minimize the seriousness of the crime problem and to explain away the shocking truths behind crime statistics. It is suggested that our population increase is responsible for a corresponding rise in the rate of crime, and that extensive population growth of the crime-prone young age groups has not been taken into account in crime figures. Under close examination, as has been shown before, these arguments do not measure up. "For instance, our population increased approximately 10 percent from 1960 throughout 1967. During that period, the volume of serious crimes rose 88 percent. Thus, crime outpaced the population growth by almost 9 to 1. The young age group population, 10 to 17 years, climbed 22 percent from 1960 through 1967. Arrests of persons in this category for all criminal acts increased 72 percent during the same period. . . . "The answer to our Nation's crime problem will be found in direct, positive action--not by waiting and hoping the, problem will go away. A good beginning would be to let the guilty criminal know that when he is arrested, he will be promptly prosecuted and substantially punished for his misdeeds. A good time to begin would be now." (FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, June 1, 1968.) We cannot, we must not, be insensible to the evil forces around us, and especially the communistic conspiracy, the avowed object of which is to destroy faith in God, to sow discord and contention among men with the view of undermining, weakening, if not entirely destroying, our constitutional form of government, and to weaken and subvert the ideals of our younger generation. When acts and schemes are manifestly contrary to the revealed word of the Lord, I feel, as do my associates, justified in warning our people against them. Problem of alcoholism It is appalling and shocking to learn that an estimated six million Americans suffer from alcoholism. The Public Health Service ranks alcoholism as the fourth major public health problem in the United States. The impaired morals, ruined health, broken homes, and increased traffic deaths that result from drinking are well known by all of us. Just recently I read a report by a leading columnist who said that the American consumers spend three times [page 7] as much for beer, wine, and hard liquor each year as they spend to send heir children to private colleges; that they spend nearly four times as much for cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products as they spend each year for health insurance; and spend far more each year on personal care--hairdos, haircuts, cosmetics, etc.--than on all religious and welfare activities. (Sylvia Porter, Deseret News, August 20, 1968, p. C-2.) One of the great influences upon my youth was the memorizing of that important saying: "My spirit will not dwell in an unclean tabernacle." I recall other warnings. One came to me as a boy. I sat on a spring seat by the side of my father as we drove into Ogden. Just before we reached the bridge across the Ogden River, a man came out of a saloon on the north bank of the river. I recognized him. I liked him because I had seen him on the stage. But on that occasion he was under the influence of liquor and had been, I suppose, for several days. When he saw us, he broke down and cried and asked Father for 50 cents so that he could go back into the saloon for another drink. As we drove across the bridge my father said, "David, that man whom you just saw in that drunken state used to go with me to visit the members of the ward in their homes as a representative of the priesthood." That was all my father said to me about the incident, but it was a very vivid warning to me about the effects of dissipation that I have never forgotten. The rapids are below you A little later, one of our teachers gave us a stop to read about a group of young people sailing down the river toward Niagara Falls. I cannot give you the author, nor the title of this old schoolbook, but I can give you the memory of that lesson that has stayed with me all my life about those young folks who were drinking and carousing and having a good time in the boat sailing down that river. A man on the shore, realizing the dangers that lay ahead, cried out to them, "Young men, ahoy! The rapids are below you!" But they ignored his warning, and defied him, saying, "We are all right!" And they continued on their way, laughing and carousing. As they got closer, the man cried out again to them, "Ahoy, there! The rapids are below you!" But they heeded not his warning call until suddenly they realized they were in the midst of the rapids. With all the power at their command, they failed to turn their boat upstream, and "So," said the man who had tried to warn them, "shrieking and cursing, over the rapids they went!" Well, it is a very impressive picture, and as I said, the lesson left an indelible impression upon me. Warning for youth One man, writing a weekly column in a newspaper, had this warning about the youth of today: "Never has youth been face to face with more breathtaking opportunities and more deadly influences. Never before has character been so decisive a factor in the survival of the young. Nowadays, a 12-year-old child must be possessed of a strong character in order not to get irrevocably blemished and flawed. "The road from boyhood to manhood has become sieve-like: those without the right size of character slip into pitfalls and traps. The rate of failure in the present young generation will be astronomical. The supposedly most sheltered generation is actually the most exposed. The society of the young is at present almost as subject to the laws of sheer survival as any animal society. In the Bay Area you can see the young beset and preyed upon by vultures, wolves, and parasites: dope peddlers, . . . lechers, perverts, thugs, cult mongers and ideological seducers. Everywhere you look you can see human beings rot before they ripen." (Eric Hoffer, Salt Lake Tribune, June 16, 1968,p.A-7.) Help for young people It is one thing to stand on the shore and cry: "Young men, ahoy! There is danger ahead!" It is another thing to [page 8] row into the stream and, if possible, get into the boat with the young men, and by companionship, by persuasion, and by legitimate force, when necessary, turn the boat from the rapids. Too many of us stand on the shore and cry: "Young men, ahoy! There is danger ahead!" Let us get into their lives; let us touch their personalities by our personality, and let them feel that there is something real in this religion, that it is the greatest thing in life, that nothing else can make them so happy and satisfied as the true religious life. A clean man is a national asset. A pure woman is the incarnation of true national glory. A citizen who loves justice and hates evil is better and stronger than a battleship. The strength of any community consists of and exists in the men who are pure, clean, upright, and straightforward, ready for the right, and sensitive to every approach of evil. Let such ideals be the standard of citizenship. We have confidence in the majority of the young people, but no matter how firm our confidence in them is, we must not close our eyes to the fact that the number of delinquents and youthful criminals is increasing. In the interest of the moral atmosphere of our communities, the welfare of the state, and the perpetuity of our democratic form of government, we must apply the proper remedies and, if possible, remove the causes of crime. Letdown in home ideals Another important cause for the increase in delinquency is a letdown in home ideals. A married woman who refuses to assume the responsibilities of motherhood or who, having children, neglects them for pleasure or social prestige is recreant to the highest calling and privilege of womankind. The father who, because of business or political or social responsibilities, fails to share with his wife the responsibilities of rearing his sons and daughters is untrue to his marital obligations, is a negative element in what might be and should be a joyous home atmosphere, and is a possible contributor to discord and delinquency. Fathers may and should exercise a helpful, restraining influence, where a mother's tenderness and love might lead to indulgence toward the children. In this respect, however, every father should ever keep in mind that he was once a mischievous youngster himself, and deal with his boy sympathetically. Need for more religion The home is the best place in the world to teach the highest ideal in the social and political life of man, namely, perfect liberty of action so long as you do not trespass upon the rights and privileges of another. The great need in the American home today is more religion. Parents should make it obvious, both by their actions and their conversations, that they are seriously interested in the fruits of true religion. Next to the home, the Church should be a dominant force in safeguarding our youth. There is a potent power in life that will solve our problems, and that potent power is religion. Spiritual development and moral integrity are fundamental in the lives of all who would build a community that will contribute to the safety and advancement of our republic or of any other nation. President Calvin Coolidge truly said: "The government of a country never gets ahead of the religion of a country. There is no way by which we can substitute authority of law for the virtue of man. Of course, we can help to restrain the vicious and furnish a fair degree of security and protection by legislation and police control, but the real reforms which society in these days is seeking will come as a result of our religious convictions or they will not come at all. "Peace, justice, humanity, charity--these cannot be legislated into being." Christ is the light The principles of the gospel are the surest and safest guide to mortal man. Christ is the light to humanity. In that light, man sees his way clear When this light is rejected, the soul of man stumbles in darkness. No person, no group, no nation can achieve true success without following him who said: "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, [page 9] but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12.) I say to the youth of this Church, and to all people everywhere: God exists. He is near. Have faith in him; seek him diligently, and he will reward your efforts. Submit yourselves to him and to his environment, that you may have that testimony that comes from within. Such is your privilege. Such a feeling and testimony you may obtain if you but seek him diligently. Live clean, upright lives, and devote yourselves not to self but to the life and happiness of others. That you may gain that testimony, which I now bear to you, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 5, 1968 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son David Lawrence McKay) It is an honor, my brethren of the priesthood throughout the entire Church, to be associated with you. I greet all assembled here tonight in this great Tabernacle and all who are listening in over closed circuit in 700 appointed places throughout the United States and Canada. This is a glorious occasion! Examples to the flock Two thousand years ago the chief apostle Peter addressed the elders of the Church and said: ". . . I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: "Feed the flock of God which is among you. . . . "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. . . . "Be sober, be vigilant; because our adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: "Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Pet. 5:1-3, 8-9.) Note Peter's statement to be examples to the flock! I testify to you as I have done before, that you leaders, you priesthood bearers, may so live at you may receive impressions and direct messages through the Holy Ghost. The veil is thin between those who hold the priesthood and those on the other side of the veil. That testimony began in the home in my youth because of the example of my father, who honored the priesthood, and my mother, who sustained him and lived it in the home. I do not know that Peter had that in mind particularly when he mentioned being an example to the flock, but I know that such a home is a part of that flock. The influence you spread in your home will go throughout the town, will go throughout the county, the wards, and the stakes. No bishop, no counselor, no stake president, no man holding a responsible position in this Church can afford to sidestep to the slightest degree his great responsibility of living the gospel as he preaches it and of being an example to the flock. Any man holding such a position who would lead a young person to doubt the Church by his actions will bring dishonor to the Church and great sorrow to his own soul. The most precious thing in the world is a testimony of the truth. Truth never grows old, and the truth is that God is the source of your priesthood and mine. The truth is that he lives; that Jesus. Christ, the Great High Priest, stands at the head of the Church; and that every man who holds the priesthood, if he lives properly, soberly, industriously, humbly, and prayerfully, is entitled to the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I know that is true. Honor priesthood calling Men who are vessels of the Holy Priesthood, who are charged with words of eternal life to the world, should strive continually in their words and actions and daily deportment to do honor to the great dignity of their calling and office as ministers and representatives of the Most High. Whenever the priesthood is delegated to man, it is conferred upon him, not as a personal honor--although it becomes such as he honors it--but as authority to represent Deity and an obligation to assist the lord in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. If priesthood meant only personal distinction or individual elevation, there would be no need of groups or quorums. The very existence of such groups, established by divine authorization, proclaims our dependence upon one another, the indispensable need of mutual help and assistance. We are social beings. Edwin Markham said: "There is a destiny that makes us brothers' None goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own." ("A Creed") Service and mutual help This element of service and mutual help is emphasized by the Lord as follows: "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." So says the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 81, verse 5. And again: "And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also." (D&C 84:106.) One of the responsibilities of the priesthood here assembled, and the vast number in the Church of whom you are representatives, is to perform the labor of home teaching, "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Eph. 4:12.) And so it is right to have the home teacher carry the responsibility of looking after the welfare of each individual. Assignments can properly be made so that every man who holds authority, which comes by direct revelation, may recognize his ecclesiastical duties by exercising the authority that he holds. Behavior of servicemen Our priesthood should be honored no matter in what situation or circumstance we find ourselves. Our hearts and thoughts go out to our servicemen throughout the world, and especially to those who are in the active combat zones. Recently, I received a report from Elder Marion D. Hanks telling of the high caliber and behavior of servicemen in Vietnam, which gives assurance of the gospel in their lives and that they are honoring their priesthood. From that report I quote the following: "Everywhere our men were highly spoken of. Every one of the generals to whom I talked went out of his way to commend the Mormon servicemen with whom he had trooped. "They were most affirmative and strong in their endorsements. "One fine Marine major, in the middle of battle daily, expressed his strong testimony and asked that I carry to the missionaries the message that he is happy to be in Vietnam fighting to preserve the right of our missionaries to do their more important work." We can only hope and pray that hostilities in that grief-stricken area, and all over the world, will soon end. Prayer for divine knowledge I am going to tell you boys of the Aaronic Priesthood that a voice has been heard in this dispensation giving assurance that the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the head of this Church and guiding it, as he directed it in ancient days and has guided it since he and his Father appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am going to tell you what happened to me as a boy upon the hillside near my home in Huntsville. I was yearning, just as you boys are yearning, to know that the vision given to the Prophet Joseph Smith was true, and that this Church was really founded by revelation, as he claimed. I thought that the only way a person could get to know the truth was by having a revelation or experiencing some miraculous event, just as came to the Prophet Joseph. One day I was hunting cattle. While climbing a steep hill, I stopped to let my horse rest, and there, once again, an intense desire came over me to receive a manifestation of the truth of the restored gospel. I dismounted, threw my reins over my horse's head, and there, under a serviceberry bush, I prayed that God would declare to me the truth of his revelation to Joseph Smith. I am sure that I prayed fervently and sincerely and with as much faith as a young boy could muster. At the conclusion of the prayer, I arose from my knees, threw the reins over my faithful pony's head, and got into the saddle. As I started along the [page 86] trail again, I remember saying to myself: "No spiritual manifestation has come to me. If I am true to myself, I must say I am just the same `old boy' that I was before I prayed." I prayed again when I crossed Spring Creek, near Huntsville, in the evening to milk our cows. Answer given in Scotland The Lord did not see fit to give me an answer on that occasion, but in 1899, after I had been appointed president of the Scottish Conference, the spiritual manifestation for which I had prayed as a boy in my teens came as a natural sequence to the performance of duty. For, as the apostle John declared, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17.) Following a series of meetings at the conference held in Glasgow, Scotland, was a most remarkable priesthood meeting. I remember, as if it were yesterday, the intensity of the inspiration of that occasion. Everybody felt the rich outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord. All present were truly of one heart and one mind. Never before had I experienced such an emotion. It was a manifestation for which as a doubting youth I had secretly prayed most earnestly on hillside and in meadow. It was an assurance to me that sincere prayer is answered sometime, somewhere. During the progress of the meeting, an elder on his own initiative arose and said, "Brethren, there are angels in this room." Strange as it may seem, the announcement was not startling; indeed, it seemed wholly proper, though it had not occurred to me there were divine beings present. I only knew that I was overflowing with gratitude for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy of James L. McMurrin I was profoundly impressed, however, when President James L. McMurrin, president of the European Mission, arose and confirmed that statement by pointing to one brother sitting just in front of me and saying, "Yes, brethren, there are angels in this room, arid one of them is the guardian angel of that young man sitting there," and he designated one who afterward became a patriarch in the Woodruff Stake of the Church, John Young. Pointing to another elder, he said, "And one is the guardian angel of that young man there," and he singled out one whom I had known from childhood, David Eccles. Tears were rolling down the cheeks of both of these missionaries--not in sorrow or grief, but as an expression of the overflowing Spirit. Indeed, we were all weeping. Such was the setting in which James L. McMurrin gave what has since proved to be a prophecy. I had learned by intimate association with him that James McMurrin was pure gold. His faith in the gospel was implicit. No truer man, no man more loyal to what he thought was right ever lived. So when he turned to me and gave what I thought then was more of a caution than a promise, his words made an indelible impression upon me. Paraphrasing the words of the Savior to Peter, Brother McMurrin said: "Let me say to you, Brother David, Satan hath desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you." Then he added, "If you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church." At that moment there flashed in my mind temptations that had beset my path, and I realized even better than President McMurrin, or any other man, how truly he had spoken when he said, "Satan hath desired thee." With the resolve then and there to keep the faith, there was born a desire to be of service to my fellowmen; and with it came a realization, a glimpse at least, of what I owed to the elder who first carried the message of the restored gospel to my grandfather and grandmother, who had accepted the message years before in the north of Scotland and in South Wales. I ask God to continue to bless you that you will keep true to the priesthood that you hold, for it comes directly from John the Baptist, who received it from his Lord and Savior. In your youth, do not let temptation lead you astray. Be true to the ideals of your parents. Story of horse "Dandy" Now, to conclude, I shall tell you boys a story about a horse I once owned and had great pleasure in training. He had a good disposition, a clean, well-rounded eye, was well-proportioned, and, all in all, a choice equine possession. Under the saddle he was as willing, responsive, and cooperative as a horse could be. He and my dog Scotty were real companions. I liked the way he would go up to something of which he was afraid. He had confidence that if he would do as I bade him, he would not be injured. But Dandy resented restraint. He was ill-contented when tied and would nibble at the tie-rope until he was free. He would not run away--just wanted to be free. Thinking other horses felt the same, he would proceed to untie their ropes. He hated to be confined in the pasture, and if he could find a place in the fence where there was only smooth wire, he would paw the wire carefully with his feet until he could step over to freedom. More than once my neighbors were kind enough to put him back in the field. He even learned to push open the gate. Though his depredations were provoking and sometimes expensive, I admired his intelligence and ingenuity. But his curiosity and desire to explore the neighborhood led him and me into trouble. Once on the highway he was hit by an automobile, resulting in a demolished machine, injury to the horse, and slight, though not serious, injury to the driver. Recovering from that, and still impelled with a feeling of wanderlust, he inspected the fence throughout the entire boundary. He even found the gates wired. So for awhile we thought we had Dandy secure in the pasture. One day, however, somebody left the gate unwired. Detecting this, Dandy unlatched it, took his companion with him, and together they visited the neighbor's field. They went to an old house used for storage. Dandy's curiosity prompted him to push open the door. Just as he had surmised, there was a sack of grain. What a find! Yes, and what a tragedy! The grain was poison bait for rodents! In a few minutes Dandy and his companion were in spasmodic pain, and shortly both were dead. Keep faith in God How like Dandy are many of our youth! They are not bad; they do not even intend to do wrong; but they are impulsive, full of life, full of curiosity, and they long to do something. They too are restive under restraint, but if they are kept busy, guided carefully and rightly, they prove to be responsive and capable; if left to wander unguided, they all too frequently violate principles of right, which often leads to snares of evil, disaster, and even death. And so I say, with Edgar A. Guest: "So keep your faith in God above, And faith in the righteous truth, It shall bring you back to the absent love, And the joys of a vanished youth. You shall smile once more when your tears are dried, Meet trouble and swiftly rout it, For faith is the strength of the soul inside, And lost is the man without it." God bless you that you may realize the blessings that are yours through the revelation and restoration in this day and age of the world of the priesthood of God. This priesthood gives you authority to represent him in proclaiming the reality of the existence of the Father and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and the restoration of the gospel as given through Christ, through obedience to which peace shall be established on earth and the will of God carried forth to the salvation and exaltation of his children. With all the power the Lord has given his servants, I bless you and pray that you will go forth with the spirit of service, honoring the priesthood that you hold and his name now and forever, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 6, 1968 General Conference President David O. McKay President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) And now, my brethren and sisters, just a word in parting. This truly has been a glorious and memorable conference. May our Heavenly Father sanctify the instructions, admonitions, and testimonies that we have heard throughout the various sessions. May he fill our hearts with love for one another in the true brotherhood of Christ. Unity of the brethren At this time I should like to express gratitude for the support, blessings, and assistance of my counselors and members of the Council of the Twelve; also, for the help of the Patriarch to the Church, the Assistants to the Twelve, the members of the First Council of the Seventy, and the Presiding Bishopric. You can feel radiating from these men that for which Christ prayed when he offered that great intercessory prayer in which he said, among other things, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. (John 17:11.) These brethren prove daily, as was [page 143] particularly evidenced in a sacred pre-conference meeting of all the General Authorities held in the Salt Lake Temple on Thursday, September 26, 1968, that they have that spirit of oneness, and we are united in praying that you presidencies of stakes, bishoprics of wards, presidencies of temples, presidencies of quorums, presidencies and superintendencies of auxiliaries may be so blessed that you too may say, We strive to be one, as the Father and Son are one." God bless you that this may be true. Gratitude for workers I am also most grateful for those unsung workers behind the scenes who give of themselves in rendering service beyond the call of duty to assist in the preparation of the hundreds of details and important matters that are necessary in order that these conferences may be carried on efficiently and smoothly. You know, I am afraid too many of us are like that Scotsman of whom I have told you before who had lost his wife by death. His neighbor called on him to give comfort to him, saying what a good neighbor his wife had been, how thoughtful of others she had been, and what a good wife she had been to Jock, who was mourning her death. Jock answered: "Aye, Tammas, Janet was a guid woman, a guid neighbor as you say. She was a' you say an mair. She was, aye, a guid true wifey tae me, and I cam' near tellin' her sae aince or twice." There come to mind some others to whom I wish to express gratitude. We have not heard from them. They are the men and women throughout the entire Church who are contributing of their time and means to the advancement of the truth--not just in teaching, but in genuine service in many ways. Some of these are struggling to make their own living. Some of them are wealthy men and women who have retired and who count their wealth in millions. It means something when a man of means will give to the Church a contribution of a million dollars, and then, in addition, say, "All my time is yours, to serve the Church." It means something to have a man leave his vocation, have his life's work interrupted, and receive a call to go away from the state, sometimes across the ocean to faraway places, to render service to the Church, not knowing for sure when he will return. God bless those who are rendering such service, and bless you all, for I think we can say for the Church, "We are striving to be one, Father, as thou and thy Son are one." Divine character of Jesus Now a word to you officers and leaders in the stakes and wards, in missions, and in temples. It was the divine character of Jesus that drew the women of Palestine to him, that drew as a magnet the little children to him. It was that divine personality which attracted men, honest men, pure men. It was also that divine personality which antagonized the impure, the evil men and women. In the realm of personality, and in the kingdom of character, Christ was supreme. By personality, I mean all that may be, included in individuality. Personality is a gift from God; it is indeed a "pearl of great price," an eternal blessing. Fellow workers, you and I cannot hope to exert even to a small degree the personality of our great teacher Jesus Christ. Each one's personality may be compared to the Savior's personality only as one little sunbeam to the mighty sun itself; and yet, though infinitely less in degree, each leader's, each teacher's personality should be the same in kind. In the realm of character, each leader and teacher may be superior, and such a magnet as to draw around him or her, in an indescribable way, those whom he or she would lead or teach. It is the radiation of the light that attracts. Teach love of truth However, no matter how attractive the personality may be, that leader or teacher fails in the work assigned if the leader or teacher directs the love of the member only to the personality of the leader or teacher. It is the leader's duty, or the teacher's duty, to teach the member to love--not the [page 144] leader or teacher, but the truth of the gospel. Always, everywhere, we find Christ losing himself for his Father's will; and so also should our leaders and teachers, so far as their personalities are concerned, lose themselves for the truth he desires to have them teach. When the people came to Jesus and asked for bread, or the truth, he never turned them away with a stone. He always had truth to give. He understood it. It radiated from his being. He understood how to use illustrations, the natural things around him, to impress that truth upon his hearers. In other words, he was filled with his subject and then was enabled to give that subject to his hearers. It is not always what you say, but what you are at influences children, the young, or that influences your associates. "What you are," said the alleged wisest of Americans, "thunders so loud in, my ears I cannot hear what you say. Characteristics of successful leader Let me give you briefly five things, among many others, that may characterize the successful leader or teacher in the Church: First: Implicit faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ as the light of the world, and a sincere desire to serve him. This condition of the soul will make for companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost. Second: Unfeigned love for the child, or member. Unfeigned--remember how the word is used by the Prophet Joseph Smith in that great revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants: "by love unfeigned." Unfeigned love for the children or members, guided by determination to deal justly and impartially with every member of the Church. Honor the child or member, and the child or member will honor you. Third: Thorough preparation. The successful leader knows his duties and responsibilities and also the members under his direction. The teacher knows his children, as well as the lessons. Fourth: Cheerfulness--not forced but natural cheerfulness, springing spontaneously from a hopeful soul. Fifth: Power to act nobly. "If you want to be a teacher or leader just watch your acts and walk; If you want to be a teacher or leader, just be careful how you talk." Radiate the light If you want to radiate the light of the gospel, that radiation must first come from the leader himself. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord says, "If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall not continue with you, therefore you shall walk in darkness." (D&C 95:12.) That solicitous admonition given by the Savior is as pertinent today as it was when first expressed. Men and nations, having refused to "walk in the light," as Jesus said, stumble in darkness and know not whither they go. Motivated for centuries largely by selfish interests, the human race, judging from present world conditions, is still dangerously near the jungle where primitive passions dominate and govern. "We have forgotten God" Abraham Lincoln, in his day, declared to the people: "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years, in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. . . . We have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated by unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God who made us. "It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. . . . "I still have confidence that the Almighty, the Maker of the Universe, will, through the instrumentality of this great and intelligent people, bring us through this as he has through all other difficulties of our country." And we all know how God did guide Abraham Lincoln. Jesus Christ our head There are many instances about which I could tell you wherein the hand of the Lord has been manifest in guiding his servants. I know it is real. I know it as I know that you are assembled in this conference. I know one's spirit can be in tune, and hear that sweet, still, small voice. I know he will warn us. I know he will never say anything that is impossible to understand. I know he is our Father in heaven. He is just as real as my earthly father and mother, whom I hope to meet over there. The Savior, the Son of God, is at the head of this Church. I am not the head of this Church--Jesus Christ is our head! I know that the former Presidents of the Church knew that, and declared it. Joseph Smith, the Prophet, knew it. This is Christ's Church, and we are his messengers, his representatives, and it is our duty to keep in touch with him and know what his wishes are. You and I, and all who have repented of their sins and have been baptized into this Church, have had hands laid upon our heads and are entitled to the companionship and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. If we keep in tune with Christ and his teachings, we are entitled to fellowship with him. He does not love sin, he does not love lying, nor stealing, misjudging one another, nor condemning others. We have to keep our hearts pure and clean to be worthy of his fellowship. God help us so to live that we may be found worthy to hear from him the whisperings of his Spirit, the whisperings of his voice, as he guides us and warns us and tells us what to do in order to come back into his presence. Lose lives in service Man is not living for himself. His selfish desires should be overcome and controlled, and he should render service to others. One of the greatest sayings of Jesus, when he was among the Twelve during his two and one-half years here, was the one that touched upon that same principle: "He that findeth his life shall lose it [that is the selfish part] and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 10:39.) A paradoxical statement, but oh, how true! Thousands upon thousands in the Church are willing to lose their lives in service to the building up of the kingdom of God. Prayer for God's help I pray that God will give us strength to continue our mission here in life and, by our actions and our words, to teach others so that we shall bring the honest in heart to know the truth. May we show to all that the gospel has been established in this dispensation for happiness and joy and salvation here in this life, as well as in the life to come. God keep our young people away from the low, from those who seek to follow the scheming plans of he who enthrones passion, who decries self-control, who renounces the sacredness of the family, and who, in the words of Marx himself, would "dethrone God." God inspire our young men and women to sustain and to fight for, and yes, if necessary, die for the light of Christ, that they will come to realize the truth of Christ's saying that if they are willing to lose their lives for his sake, they will find them. God bless you all in your homes. Husbands, do not be cross when you enter your homes. Let us be kind, courteous. Have the same courtesy in your homes that you have when you are out in society. Thank your wives; thank your children; and say, "If you please," Excuse me." These little things mean so much and make life so much sweeter. Defense of the right Let us be courageous in defense of the right. Be not afraid to speak out for the right. Let us be true. Let us defend the weak, be charitable to our brothers, render help to the sick and the afflicted. The gospel is the spirit of kindness. Let us honor and sustain the priesthood in our homes. I pray God to sanctify to our good, and the good of all who have listened in this day, and to the Church membership everywhere, the blessings and testimonies of this great conference. [page 146] In this parting, I leave with you, my dear fellow workers, my dear associates, and all members and friends everywhere, my blessings to each one of you, as God has given me power and authority to bless, and I do this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 4, 1969 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) My beloved brethren and sisters: My soul is deeply stirred this morning, due, I am sure, to a combination of circumstances and experiences. Never have I been so thankful for the blessings of the Lord, and for the faith and prayers of the membership of the Church. I am thankful for the restoration of the gospel and for the glorious message to all the world that accompanied that restoration: that God lives and that his Beloved Son Jesus Christ is the Redeemer and Savior of the world, that we are his children, and that he has given us a plan by which we may return to his presence as resurrected, immortal beings. Progress of the Church I am grateful for the outstanding progress the Church has made during the past year; for the united and unstinted support given by the General Authorities and general officers of the Church; for the loyalty, faith, and devotion of the general auxiliary boards, of the officers in stakes, quorums, wards, missions, and of the Church membership in general. Most of all, I am grateful for the assurance we have of the Lord's guidance and overruling power. I extend to all present in this historic Tabernacle--our special visitors, governmental [page 5] and educational leaders, Regional Representatives, our stake, ward, and auxiliary officers and teachers from far and near--and to friends and members tuned in by radio and television my heartfelt greetings and welcome to this one hundred thirty-ninth conference of the Church. Mankind's welfare During the past months I have been most apprehensive of mankind's welfare in a world of tribulation and of false ideals. With the increase in crime, the disrespect for law and order the ever-increasing divorce rate, resulting in broken homes; the immorality, with all its attendant evils; the precious principles associated with man's freedom threatened with repudiation, if not abandonment, it is time that men and women the world over should become more thoughtful, more prayerful, more earnest than ever before in seeking the causes of this world's disaster, and bravely and heroically choose a better course of life. This is a time when mankind should turn their thoughts to the teachings of Christ, our Lord and Savior, and in larger numbers than the world has heretofore witnessed conform thereto their attitudes and actions. Unless multitudes of men and women so change their hearts and lives, the world will continue to be in turmoil, and our present civilization be threatened with disintegration. Need for more godliness It is a deplorable but recognizable fact that men's hearts all too generally are turned from and not toward God. Self-promotion, not God's glorification, is the motivating factor in most people's lives. Irreverence is all too manifest. The world needs more godliness and less godlessness; more self-discipline, less self-indulgence; more power to say with Christ, "Father . . . not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42.) Christ came to bring peace. Rejection of his way of life has made strife and contention rampant. Man, not the Lord, has brought deadly conflicts and subsequent misery. Wars spring from wickedness of unrighteous leaders. Not until freedom triumphs and a just peace comes may we hope for the end of wars and for goodwill among men. Today, when these facts are so strikingly manifest, let all sincere men recognize the evil conditions that have caused wars, and resolve with God's help to banish them forever. There must come a victory of right and freedom over iniquity and oppression; I repeat, war will never be vanquished until men change their hearts and establish new ideals. Home, the strength of a nation An essential, fundamental element in the building and in the perpetuity of a great people is the home. The strength of a nation, especially of a republican nation, is in the intelligent and well-ordered homes of the people. In the well-ordered home we may experience on earth a taste of heaven. It is there that the babe in a mother's caress first experiences a sense of security, finds in the mother's kiss the first realization of affection, discovers in mother's sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that there is love in the world. I remember that during World War II conditions made it necessary that I share a Pullman car with 40 soldier boys. They were gentlemen, and a credit to any nation. In the course of conversation, one of them remarked to me: "My dad's hair is white too." Then he added in a tone that expressed the depth of his feeling, "How I should like to see that old gray head this morning]" He and his companions were en route for an encampment to complete their training before embarking for duty overseas. They had enlisted to defend not only the free agency of man, but the rights and sanctity of home and loved ones. Such an affection for home and loved ones as felt by that soldier boy will make death preferable to surrender to an enemy who would destroy home and all that American soldiers hold dear. Seeking the pleasure of conjugality without a willingness to assume the responsibilities of rearing a family is one [page 6] of the onslaughts that now batter at the structure of the American home. Intelligence and mutual consideration should be ever-present factors in determining the coming of children to the home. Intelligent home building It is important for young people to realize that intelligent home building begins with a young man and a young girl in their teens. Often the health of children, if a couple be blessed with such, depends upon the actions of parents before marriage. In the press, from the pulpit, and particularly in the home, there should ring more frequently the message that in their youth boys and girls are laying the foundation for their future happiness or misery. Every young man, particularly, should prepare for the responsibility of fatherhood by keeping himself physically clean, that he might enter into that responsibility not as a coward or deceiver, but as one honorable and fit to found a home. The young man who, in unfitness, takes upon himself the responsibility of fatherhood is worse than a deceiver. The future happiness of his wife and children depends upon his life in youth. Let us also teach girls that motherhood is divine, for when we touch the creative part of life, we enter into the realm of divinity. It is important, therefore, that young womanhood realize the necessity of keeping their bodies clean and pure, that their children might enter the world unhampered by sin and disease. An unshackled birth and an inheritance of noble character are the greatest blessings of childhood. No mother has the right to shackle a child through life for what seems in youth to be a pleasant pastime or her night to indulge in harmful drugs and other sinful practices. Those who are to be the mothers of the race should at least so live as to bear children who are not burdened from birth by sickness, weakness, or deformity, because the parents, in fiery youth, as Shakespeare said, "with unbashful forehead woo the means of weakness and debility." Unchastity a dominant evil A dominant evil of the world today is unchastity. I repeat what appeared over the signature of President Joseph F. Smith while he was living: "No more loathsome cancer disfigures the body and soul of society today than the frightful affliction of sexual sin. It vitiates the very fountains of life, and bequeaths its foul effects to the yet unborn as a legacy of death." (The Improvement Era, Vol. 20, p. 739.) He who is unchaste in young manhood is untrue to a trust given him by the parents of the girl; and she who is unchaste in maidenhood is untrue to her future husband and lays the foundation of unhappiness, suspicion, and discord in the home. Do not worry about those teachers who talk about inhibitions. Just keep in mind this eternal truth that chastity is a virtue to be prized as one of life's noblest achievements. It contributes to the virility of manhood. It is the crowning virtue of womanhood, and every red-blooded man knows that is true. It is a chief factor to a happy home. There is no loss of prestige in maintaining in a dignified way the standards of the Church. You can be in this world and not "of the world." Keep your chastity above everything else! God has commanded that we be chaste: "Thou shalt not commit adultery!" said the Lord at Sinai. (See Exod. 20:14.) Degenerating forces in the world are rampant, but they can be resisted if youth will cherish right thoughts and aspire to high ideals. The age-old conflict between truth and error is being waged with accelerating fury, and at the present hour error seems to be gaining the upper hand. Increasing moral turpitude and widespread disregard for the principles of honor and integrity are undermining influences in social, political, and business life. Marriage ordained of God The exalted view of marriage as held by the Church is given expressively in five words found in the forty-ninth section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "marriage is ordained of God." (D&C 49:15.) That revelation was given in 1831 when Joseph Smith was only 25 years of age. Considering the circumstances under which it was given, we find in it another example among hundreds of others corroborative of the fact that he was inspired of the Lord. Before us are assembled thousands of presiding officers in stakes, wards, quorums, and auxiliaries, to whom we say, it is your duty and mine to uphold the lofty conception of marriage as given in this revelation, and to guard against encroaching dangers that threaten to lower the standard of the ideal home. It is said that the best and noblest lives are those which are set toward high ideals. Truly no higher ideal regarding marriage can be cherished by young people than to look upon it as a divine institution. In the minds of the young, such a standard is a protection to them in courtship, an ever-present influence inducing them to refrain from doing anything that may prevent their going to the temple to have their love made perfect in an enduring and eternal union. It will lead them to seek divine guidance in the selection of their companions, upon the wise choice of whom their life's happiness here and hereafter is largely dependent. It makes their hearts pure and good; it lifts them up to their Father in heaven. Such joys are within the reach of most men and women if high ideals of marriage and home be properly fostered and cherished. Sacredness of marriage covenant threatened The signs of the times definitely indicate that the sacredness of the marriage covenant is dangerously threatened. There are places where the marriage ceremony may be performed at any hour of the day or night without any previous arrangement. The license is issued and the ceremony performed while the couple wait. Many couples who have been entrapped by such enticements have had their marriages end in disappointment and sorrow. In some instances these places are nothing more than opportunities for legalized immorality. Oh, how far they fall below the true ideal! As far as lies within our power, we must warn young couples against secret and hasty marriages. It is vital also to counteract the insidious influences of printed literature that speaks of the "bankruptcy of marriage," that advocates trial marriages, and that places extramarital relations on a par with extramarital friendships. Responsibility of parenthood Parenthood, and particularly motherhood, should be held as a sacred obligation. There is something in the depths of the human soul which revolts against neglectful parenthood. God has implanted deep in the souls of parents the truth that they cannot with impunity shirk the responsibility to protect childhood and youth. There seems to be a growing tendency to shift this responsibility from the home to outside influences, such as the school and the church. Important as these outward influences are, they never can take the place of the influence of the mother and the father. Constant training, constant vigilance, companionship, being watchmen of our own children are necessary in order to keep our homes intact. The character of the child is formed largely during the first 12 years of his life. During that period he spends 16 times as many waking hours in the home as in school, and 126 times as many hours in the home as in the church. Children go out with the stamp of these homes upon them, and only as these homes are what they should be will children be what they should be. Luther Burbank, the great plant wizard and scientist, most impressively emphasizes the need for constant attention in the training of a child. He says: "Teach the child self-respect. Train it in self-respect just as you train a plant in better ways. No self-respecting man was ever a grafter. Above all, bear in mind repetition--the use of an influence over and over again, keeping everlastingly at it. This is what fixes traits in plants, the constant repetition of an influence until at last it is irrevocably fixed and will not change. You cannot afford to get discouraged. You [page 8] are dealing with something far more precious than any plant--the precious soul of a child!" Needs of children There are three fundamental things to which every child is entitled: (1) a respected name, (2) a sense of security, (3) opportunities for development. The family gives to the child his name and standing in the community. A child wants his family to be as good as those families of his friends. He wants to be able to point with pride to his father, and to feel an inspiration always as he thinks of his mother. It is a mother's duty to so live that her children will associate with her everything that is beautiful, sweet, and pure. And the father should so live that the child, emulating his example, will be a good citizen and, in the Church, a true follower of the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A child has the right to feel that in his home he has a place of refuge, a place of protection from the dangers and evils of the outside world. Family unity and integrity are necessary to supply this need. He needs parents who are happy in their adjustment to each other, who are working hopefully toward the fulfillment of an ideal of living, who love their children with a sincere and unselfish love--in short, parents who are well-balanced individuals, gifted with a certain amount of insight, who are able to provide the child with a wholesome emotional background that will contribute more to his development than material advantages. Evils of divorce Divorce almost invariably deprives children of these advantages. Just recently I received a heartbreaking letter from a boy nearly eight years of age whose parents are divorced, from which I quote: Dear David O. McKay: I am having a problem and it is about Mom and Dad. They are divorced and we [meaning his brother and sister] want to be back together. Can you solve my problem? I love you." What a tragedy for that child, and what unhappiness this separation has caused the children. The increasing divorce rate in the United States today is a threatening menace to this nation's greatness. The increase throughout the United States, and in our own state, in the percentage of divorces is alarming. In the light of scripture, ancient and modern, we are justified in concluding that Christ's ideal pertaining to marriage is the unbroken home, and conditions that cause divorce are violations of his divine teachings. Except in cases of infidelity or other extreme conditions, the Church frowns upon divorce, and authorities look with apprehension upon the increasing number of divorces among members of the Church. A man who has entered into sacred covenants in the house of the Lord to remain true to the marriage vow is a traitor to that covenant if he separates himself from his wife and family just because he has permitted himself to become infatuated with a pretty face and comely form of some young girl who flattered him with a smile. Even though a loose interpretation of the law of the land would grant such a man a bill of divorcement, I think he is unworthy of a recommend to have his second marriage solemnized in the temple. And any woman who will break up her home because of some selfish desire, or who has been untrue to her husband, is also untrue to the covenants she has made in the house of the Lord. When we refer to the breaking of the marriage tie, we touch upon one of the saddest experiences of life. For a couple who have basked in the sunshine of each other's love to stand by and see the clouds of misunderstanding and discord obscure the love-light of their lives is tragedy indeed. In the darkness that follows, the love sparkle in each other's eyes is obscured, and to try to restore it is fruitless. Marriage a sacred obligation To look upon marriage as a mere contract that may be entered into at pleasure in response to a romantic whim, or for selfish purposes, and severed at the first difficulty or misunderstanding that may arise, is an [page 9] evil meriting severe condemnation, especially in cases wherein children are made to suffer because of such separation. Marriage is a sacred relationship entered into for purposes that are well recognized--primarily for the rearing of a family. A flippant attitude toward marriage, the ill-advised suggestion of "companionate marriage," the base, diabolical theory of "free sex experiment," and the ready-made divorce courts are dangerous reefs upon which many a family bark is wrecked. In order to lessen the breaking up of homes, the present tendency toward a low view of marriage should be substituted by the lofty view of marriage that Jesus the Christ gives it. Let us look upon marriage as a sacred obligation and a covenant that is eternal, or that may be made eternal. Teach the young of both sexes in the responsibilities and ideals of marriage so that they may realize that marriage involves obligation and is not an arrangement to be terminated at pleasure. Teach them that pure love between the sexes is one of the noblest things on earth, and the bearing and rearing of children the highest of all human duties. In this regard it is the duty of parents to set an example in the home that children may see and absorb, as it were, the sacredness of family life and the responsibilities associated therewith. The number of broken marriages can be reduced if couples realize even before they approach the altar that marriage is a state of mutual service, a state of giving as well as of receiving, and that each must give of himself or herself to the utmost. Harriet Beecher Stowe wisely writes: "No man or woman can create a true home who is not willing in the outset to embrace life heroically, to encounter labor and sacrifice. Only to such can this divinest power be given to create on earth that which is the nearest image of heaven." Temple marriage Another condition that contributes to the permanence of the marriage covenant is marriage in the temple. Before such a marriage is performed, it is necessary for the young man and young woman first to obtain a recommend from the bishop. They should go to him in person, and the bishop who does his duty will instruct the couple regarding the sacredness of the obligation that they as young people are going to assume, emphasizing all the safeguards that have been named before. There, in the presence of the priesthood, before taking upon themselves the obligation of marriage, the young people receive instructions upon the sacredness of the duty that is before them; and, furthermore, they determine whether or not they are prepared to go in holiness and purity to the altar of God and there seal their vows and love. Standard of purity Finally, there is one principle that seems to me to strike right at the base of the happiness of the marriage relation, and that is the standard of purity taught and practiced among true members of the Church. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there is but one standard of morality. No young man has any more right to be unchaste than has a young girl. That young man who asks for a recommend to take a pure girl to the altar is expected to give the same purity that he expects to receive. For the proper solution of this great problem of the mounting divorce rate, we may turn with safety to Jesus as our guide. He declared that the marriage relation is of divine origin, that marriage is ordained of God" (D&C 49:15), that only under the most exceptional conditions should it be set aside. In the teaching of the Church of Christ, the family assumes supreme importance in the development of the individual and of the society. "Happy and thrice happy are they who enjoy an uninterrupted union, and whose love, unbroken by any complaint, shall not dissolve." The marriage ceremony when sealed by the authority of the Holy Priesthood endures, as do family relationships, throughout time and all eternity. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Mark 10:9.) God bless us to look more earnestly, prayerfully, and sincerely upon the sacredness of the home and the marriage covenant, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 5, 1969 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY (Read by his son David Lawrence McKay) My dear brethren of the priesthood, I welcome you, and appreciate this privilege of once again expressing my feelings to you of our great callings. As I contemplate the vast audience of priesthood assembled tonight in the various places named at the opening of the meeting, and realize the power of this great body of men, I am overwhelmed. I felt my feelings swell within my breast as to the possibility of the good that will be done, and can be done, by these many thousands of men of the priesthood who are worshiping tonight. "There's surely somewhere a lowly place In earth's harvest fields so wide, Where I may labor through life's short day For Jesus, the Crucified; So trusting my all to thy tender care, And knowing thou lovest me, I'll do thy will with a heart sincere, I'll be what you want me to be." (Hymns, No. 318.) I hope everybody who listened to that verse tonight applied it to himself, and in a way made a sacred vow to do better in the future than in the past. There came to my mind some fundamental virtues that should be associated with that will. I will just name them. Fundamental virtues First is faith: faith in God the Father, faith in his Son, faith in our fellowmen. The second is honesty, a childish sincerity, honesty in dealing with our fellowmen. It is the foundation of all character. If you offer prayer at night and you have dealt dishonestly with your fellows during the day, I rather think that, as the king in Hamlet, your words fly up but your thoughts remain below; but if you have dealt honestly, the Lord will hear and answer your true feelings. The third is loyalty. It is a wonderful principle. A true friend is loyal. Many acquaintances are not, and may not be. Be loyal to the priesthood. Be loyal to your wives and your families, loyal to your friends. Strength in resistance To the men of the priesthood I give this caution. Your weakest point will be the point at which Satan tries to tempt you, and will try to win you, and if you have made it weak yourself before you have undertaken to serve the Lord, he will add to that weakness. Resist him and you will gain in strength. He will tempt you in another point. Resist him and he becomes weaker and you become stronger, until you can say, no matter what your surroundings ma be, "Get thee behind me, Satan: or it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8.) Now, I mention this because there are too many broken hearts in our Church because men, some of whom hold the priesthood and prominent positions, are tempted right where they are weak. They forget that they have made covenants with the Lord, and step aside from the path of virtue and discretion, and will break their wives' hearts because of foolish indulgence and because of their yielding. Sacred covenants We have one of the most sacred covenants in all the world pertaining to the happiness of the home. There are men within the sound of my voice who have forgotten how sacred that covenant is. The brethren of the Twelve, the General Authorities of the Church, the stake authorities are urging youth everywhere to go to the temple to be married. Do not go to that temple unless you are ready to accept the covenants that you make. Marriage in the temple is one of the most beautiful things in all the world. A couple is led there by love, the most divine attribute of the human soul. A young man looks, rightfully, upon that bride who will be the mother of his children as being as pure as a snowflake, as spotless as a sunbeam, as worthy of motherhood as any virgin. It is a glorious thing for a woman thus to wear the robes and be the pride of a young elder's heart, one who trusts her to be the head of his household. She trusts him as being as worthy of fatherhood as she is of motherhood, and rightfully, too, because on his shoulders are the robes of the Holy Priesthood, testifying to his young bride, and to all, of his worthiness. Together they stand in the house of the Lord to testify and covenant before him that they will be true to the covenants they make that day, each keeping himself or herself to the other and no one else. That is the highest ideal of marriage ever given to man. If those covenants are kept as sacred as sacred covenants should be kept, there would be fewer broken hearts among wives and fewer among the husbands. A covenant is a sacred thing. A man who is married in the temple has no right to be looking at young women, whether they are in the choir or in the Relief Society, or a member of a general board, or doing any of the duties of the Church. You have a covenant to be true to that wife. Brethren, keep it true, be true to it. "It is easy enough to be prudent, When nothing tempts you to stray, When without or within no voice of sin Is luring your soul away; But it's only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire, And the life that is worth the honor of earth, Is the life that resists desire. "By the cynic, the sad, the fallen Who had no strength for the strife, The world's highway is cumbered to day; They make up the sum of life. But the virtue that conquers passion And the sorrow that hides in a smile, It is these that are worth the homage of earth For we find them but once in a while." --Ella Wheeler Wilcox, "Worth While" Keep true to covenants I plead with the army of the priesthood assembled tonight in this meeting to keep true to the covenants made in the house of God. You have no right to neglect your wives and go and seek [page 95] the company of others who seem to be more attractive to you because you are thrown with them in daily life, in your business affairs, or in church affairs. This may seem general, but while I speak to you, a wife with her tears and her pleadings comes to me now, asking, "Won't you please just say a prayer, won't you offer a prayer to try to bring my husband back?" Well, she may have been to blame for the trouble--she said that she was partly to blame--but I know that her husband was to blame, for he is a man who holds the priesthood and has no right to break his covenants. The Spirit of God will not strive with a man who in any way helps to break up another man's family. "The greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of the soul." Duties of priesthood bearers I ask you fellow priesthood bearers to do again what undoubtedly you have done frequently, to sit down and commune with yourself. There is a battle going on within you, and within me, every day. Fight it out with yourself, and decide upon your course of action regarding, first, what your duty is to your family. Avoid conditions and people getting into your life who will cause unhappiness in your home. Second, decide what your duty is to your quorum. Decide whether you owe your quorum anything, and see if have strength enough to do it after you decide. Third, decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your Church. And fourth, decide what you owe to your fellowmen. Decide where your duty is, even remembering that "the greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of your own soul." ". . . Act well thy part" Remember this as a guideline in whatever position you are called to serve: "What e'er thou art, act well thy part." That, of course, applies to moral and lawful endeavors, and not to harmful or villainous actions. That influenced me many years ago when, as I have told some of you before, Peter G. Johnston and I were walking around Stirling Castle in Scotland. I was discouraged; I was just starting my mission. I had been snubbed that day in tracting. I was homesick. We walked around the Stirling Castle, really not doing our duty; and as we reentered the town, I saw a building, half-finished. To my surprise, from the sidewalk I saw an inscription over the lintel of the front door, carved in stone. I said to Brother Johnston, "I want to go over and see what that is," I was not more than halfway up the pathway leading to it when that message struck me. Carved there was: "What e'er thou art, act well thy part." As I rejoined my companion and told him, do you know what man came into my mind first? The custodian at the University of Utah, from which I had just been graduated. I realized that I had as great a respect for that man as I had for any professor in whose class I had sat. He acted well his part. I recalled how he helped us with the football suits, how he helped us with some of our lessons, for he was a university graduate himself. Humble, but to this day I hold respect for him. What are you? You are men who hold the priesthood of God, who hold divine authority to represent Deity in whatever position to which you have been assigned. Appreciation of fellowship It has always been my nature to enjoy the company of my associates. I love to be with my friends. The older I grow, the more intense becomes my appreciation of fellowship in the brotherhood of Christ. I sense that tonight more deeply, more sincerely than ever before. May God add his blessings to the instructions and reports that will be given this night; may we depart with greater determination in our hearts to serve the Lord and keep his commandments; may we go forth with greater resolution to defend one another in righteous living, to defend the Church, not to speak against our neighbors, nor against authorities of the Church, local, [page 96] stake, or general. Let us avoid evil speaking; let us avoid slander and gossip. These are poisons to the soul to those who indulge. Evil speaking injures the reviler more than the reviled. Statement on Communism In the United States of America, the Constitution vouchsafes individual freedom, and let us pray also that the Lord will frustrate the plans of the Communists who would deprive us of freedom. I desire to refer to some remarks concerning Communism that I made in the general priesthood meeting three years ago. At that priesthood conference, in addition to encouragement to study the Constitution and be alert to communistic inroads that would undermine it, I said the following: "The Church, out of respect for the rights of all its members to have their political views and loyalties, must maintain the strictest possible neutrality. We have no intention of trying to interfere with the fullest and freest exercise of the political franchise of our members under and within our Constitution, which the Lord declared he established `by the hands of wise men whom [he] raised up unto this very purpose' (D&C 101:80) and which as to the principles thereof, the Prophet Joseph Smith, dedicating the Kirtland Temple, prayed should be `established forever.' (D&C 109:54.) The Church does not yield any of its devotion to or convictions about safeguarding the American principles and the establishments of government under federal and state constitutions and the civil rights of men safeguarded by these. "The position of this Church, however, on the subject of Communism has never changed. We consider it the greatest satanical threat to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God's work among men that exists on the face of the earth." (The Improvement Era June 1966, p. 477.) Neutrality of Church It is suggested that, in educating themselves on the perils of Communism, members should not expect bishops and stake presidents to join with them or through their positions lend support to their efforts, since they are expected to maintain a strict neutrality as referred to. Nor should organized movements to become informed on Communism impose their ideas upon the membership of the Church in any area in a manner that may lead to division among the members. Nor should bishops, stake presidents, and other Church leaders take the lead in support of such efforts of groups in such a way as to impose such movements upon other Church members. It is the right and obligation of every citizen, and therefore every member of the Church, to be alert and to be informed about social, educational, communistic, and other political influences that would tend to undermine our free society. But it would defeat its own purposes if it were done in a manner that would tend toward division in our own membership. Responsibility to teach truth It must never be forgotten that converts to the Church come from all nations, representing diverse views on controversial issues. Ours must be the responsibility to teach our members from all nations the true doctrines of Christ with such power that they be fortified against all false ideas, regardless of the label under which they may be presented. The Melchizedek Priesthood course of study for the coming year will include in the lesson material such subjects as liberty and freedom, religion and the state, the dangers of Communism, and other subjects considered of vital importance in the study of the profound truths of the gospel. The study of these lessons will enable the brethren of the priesthood to become better acquainted with forces that are opposed to righteousness, as well as with the Lord's plan of salvation for all his children. In these days of great turmoil and social upheaval, it would be well if all our leaders and members of the priesthood would be constantly reminded [page 97] of the apostle Paul's wise counsel wherein he said: "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:1-2.) Defense of the truth God help us to defend the truth--better than that, to live it, to exemplify it in our homes. What we owe to our parents we cannot express. Are you parents--fathers and mothers--going to have that same influence on your children? God give you power so to have that influence, that your children may be true to the last, to death if necessary, to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which magnifies God, our Father, who, with his Beloved Son Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith. They revealed themselves in this dispensation and his work was established, never more to be thrown down or given to another people. Satan is still determined to have his way, and his emissaries have power given them today as they have not had throughout the centuries. Be prepared to meet conditions that may be severe, ideological conditions that may seem reasonable but are evil. In order to meet these forces, we must depend upon the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, to which you are entitled. They are real. Admonition to be true God is guiding this church. Be true to it; be loyal to it. Be true to your families, loyal to them. Protect your children. Guide them, not arbitrarily, but through the kind example of a father, and so contribute to the strength of the Church by exercising your priesthood in your home and in your lives. As I bring my remarks to a close, I want you to know that I am mindful of the sacrifices being made by those serving in the armed forces. May they have the strength to resist temptation and by their examples be a living testimony to others. God bless our missionaries who day by day seek out those who will accept their message. May they resist evil influences and thus become true servants in building the kingdom of God. May his blessings attend you all as you go forward in the work of the Master. May this work continue to expand to fulfill its divine purposes. Be true to your callings, brethren, and the Lord will bless and lift you up. I bear testimony to the truth of this great work, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. April 6, 1969 General Conference President David O. McKay PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) My dear brethren and sisters: As we approach the conclusion of this outstanding annual conference of the Church, my soul is filled with appreciation and thanksgiving for the privilege we have had of partaking of the wonderful spirit and feeling of brotherhood that have permeated the meetings held during the past three days. I am impressed with the thought that everyone who has attended, either in person or by listening in, no matter where he or she may be, could not help but leave this conference with a greater desire and determination to be a better man or a better woman, a better citizen of his own city, county, or nation, than he or she has ever been before. Responsibility to contribute However, we cannot go from this conference without an added responsibility to contribute to a better life around us. As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts. We must not encourage base thoughts nor low aspirations. If we do, we shall radiate them to others. If we think noble thoughts, if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them. Every man, every person radiates what he or she is. Every person is a recipient of radiation. The Savior was conscious of this fact. Whenever he came into the presence of an individual, he sensed that radiation, whether it was the woman of Samaria with her past life; whether it was the woman who was to be stoned, or the men who were to stone her; whether it was the statesman, Nicodemus, or one of the lepers. Christ was ever conscious of the radiation from the individual, and, to a degree, so are you, and so am I. It is what we are and what we radiate that affects the people around us. As it is true of the individual, so it is true of the home. Our homes radiate what we are, and that radiation comes from what we say and how we act in the home. No member of this Church, no husband or father, has the right to utter an oath in his home, or ever to express a cross word to his wife or to his children. By your ordination and your responsibility, you cannot do it as a man who holds the priesthood and be true to the spirit within you. You contribute to an ideal home by your character, controlling your passion, your temper, guarding your [page 151] speech, because those things will make your home what it is, and what it will radiate to the neighborhood. You do what you can to produce peace and harmony, no matter what you may suffer. True to the divine The man who is true to his manhood will not lie against the truth. There is within every man that which is divine. The man who will be true to the divine within him is true to his Lord and to his fellowmen. The man who is untrue to that which he knows to be right is wavering and weakening. He may go so far that he will step out of the light, out of that divine presence, and woe be unto him when he does. We have declared to the world that we have the gospel of Jesus Christ; that we are going to stand against vice and sin. Shall we forsake this cause in order to please men, or because we desire to give lip service rather than heart service? No] We shall stand true to ourselves, true to the divine within us, true to that truth which we have received. We need to know that it is not good to have evil surrounding us to draw away our young men and women and lead them into the darkness of misery and despair. When we are thrown into the company of men who try to tempt us, let us be true unto the death. We know that man is a dual being. He is physical; he has his appetites, passions, desires, just as any animal has; but he is also a spiritual being, and he knows that to subdue the animal instincts is to achieve advancement in the spiritual realm. A man who is subject to his physical appetites and passions only, who denies any reality of a spirit, is truly of the animal world. Man is a spiritual being, and his real life is the spirit that inhabits his body. He is a son of God, and he has within him that which will cause him to yearn and to aspire to become dignified, as a son of God should be dignified. The dignity of man, not the degradation of man, has been emphasized throughout this conference. Men of truth All men who have moved the world have been men who will stand true to their conscience--such men as Peter, James, and Paul, and their brethren of the ancient apostles, and also others. When the religious leaders of Palmyra, New York, turned against the youthful Joseph Smith for what he had seen and heard in the Sacred Grove, he said, having a testimony of the Lord Jesus in his bosom: "I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it. . . ." (Joseph Smith 2:25.) Joseph Smith was true to his testimony to the last. When he approached 5 martyrdom at Carthage, Illinois, he said to those who were with him: "I am going like a lamb to the slaughter' but I am calm as a summers morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men." (Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 6, p. 555.) He was true to his testimony and to his manhood. He was a man who possessed divine manhood. Defense of truth That is the manhood a true member of this Church should possess in defending the truth. That is the manhood we all need, as we labor in our callings to inspire our young people with that same truth. It is that truth that we need in combating the error and evil which exist in this critical period in the history of our own country and that of the world! Courage to maintain our ideals is an area in which we can manifest manhood and activity and merit the approval of God. These are times when men should keep their heads, and not be swept from their moorings by every will-o'-the-wisp theory that is offered as a panacea for our present ills. The times call for courageous youth to hold aloft the moral standard. In that field we may find the truest courage. Our greatest heroes are not always found on the battlefield, although we read of such men daily. We find them also among our youth at home [page 152] young men and young women who will stand up fearlessly and denounce those things which they know will sap the character, the very life-giving energy, of youth. Message for the world What a message the Church has for this distracted world: Its appeal is to all, to the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, the learned and the unlearned. It proclaims God to be not only the one supreme ruler of the universe, but the Father of each individual--a God of justice, yet a God of love, constantly watching over and guiding even the humblest of his children. With its complete organization, the Church offers service and inspiration to all. It is preeminently a social religion. Instead of taking men out of the world, through its priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations it seeks to develop perfect, God-like men in the midst of society, and through them to solve the problems of society. There is not a principle that is taught by the Savior of men that is not also applicable to the growth, development, and happiness of mankind. Every one of his teachings touches the true philosophy of living. I accept them wholeheartedly, and it is a joy to study and teach them. Every phase of the restored Church is applicable to the welfare of the human family. I appeal to the youth to be courageous in maintaining the moral and spiritual values of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The world needs moral heroes] The most important thing in life is not the discoveries being made in our secular world, but a belief in the reality of moral and spiritual values. After all, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and love his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26.) Triumph of the truth We cannot truly believe that we are the children of God, and that God exists, without believing in the final inevitable triumph of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we believe that, we shall have less worry about the destruction of the world and the present civilization, because God has established his Church never to be thrown down nor given to another people. And as God lives, and his people are true to him and to one another, we need not worry about the ultimate triumph of truth. And, young men and women, if you have that testimony on your side, you can pass through the dark valley of slander, misrepresentation, and abuse, undaunted as though you wore a magic suit of armor that no bullet could enter, no arrow could pierce. You can hold your head high, toss it fearlessly and defiantly, and look every man calmly and unflinchingly in the eye. You can feel the great expansive world of more health surging through you as the quickened blood courses through the body of him who is gladly, gloriously proud of physical health. You will know that all will come out right in the end; that it must come; that all must flee before the great white light of truth, as the darkness slinks away into nothingness in the presence of the sunburst. So, with truth as our guide, our companion, our ally, our inspiration, we may tingle with the consciousness of our kinship with the Infinite, and all the petty trials, sorrows, and sufferings of this life will fade away as temporary, harmless visions seen in a dream. Testimony of resurrection Today as we commemorate the coming forth from the tomb of the crucified Lord, I bear my testimony to you and to all the world that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the resurrection not only as being real, but as the consummation of Christ's divine mission on earth. I know with my whole soul that as Christ lives after death, so shall all men, each taking his place in the next world for which he has best fitted himself. Answer to prayer I have cherished from childhood the truth that God is a personal being, and is, indeed, our Father whom we [page 153] can approach in prayer and receive answers thereto. I cherish as one of the dearest experiences of life the knowledge that God hears the prayer of faith. It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication. There have been occasions, however, when I have received direct and immediate assurance that my petition was granted. At one time, particularly, the answer came as distinctly as though my Heavenly Father stood by my side and spoke the words. These experiences are part of my very being and must remain so long as memory and intelligence last. Just as real and just as close to me seems the Savior of the world. I feel as I have never felt before that God is my Father. He is not just an intangible power, a moral force in the world, but a personal God with creative power, the governor of the world, the director of our souls. I would have all men, and especially the young people of the Church, feel so close to our Father in heaven that they will approach him daily-not in public alone, but in private. If our people will have this faith, great blessings will come to them. Their souls will be filled with thanksgiving for what God has done for them; they will find themselves rich in favors bestowed. It is not imagination that we can approach God and receive light and guidance from him, and that our minds will be enlightened and our souls thrilled by his Spirit. Conference messages God bless these General Authorities of the Church for the inspirational messages they have given us throughout this conference. They have testified as to the truth of the restored gospel, and have borne their testimonies that God, the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ have appeared in these latter days to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that the gospel in its fullness has been restored to the earth. Blessings extended We send greetings and blessings to our missionaries and the mission presidencies in their respective fields of duty throughout the world. We deeply appreciate the unselfish service they are rendering. God bless our young men in the service of our country, wherever they may be. To each of you I send my greetings and a message of confidence and trust, and say to you: Keep yourselves morally clean. Being soldiers or sailors is no justification for indulgence in vulgarity, intemperance, or immorality. Others may be impelled to do these things because of the beastliness of war, but you who are members of the Church and hold the priesthood of God cannot so indulge with impunity. For your own sweet lives, and for others who trust you, keep yourselves unpolluted. We pray that God's protecting care and divine guidance will be with each of you. And now, my dear brethren and sisters, my fellow workers, with all the power that the Lord has given me I bless each of you and pray that from s hour you may go forth with renewed determination to discharge your duties more faithfully, more successfully under the inspiration of God than ever before. Gratitude for support My heart is full of appreciation for your service and your presence here, and for the privilege of being associated with you in this great cause. I am grateful to you all for your loyal support and your prayers in my behalf. This gospel gives us a chance to live above this old world and its temptations and, through self-control and self-mastery, to live in the spirit, and that is the real life here and hereafter. God bless you in your individual lives, in your home life, in your Church activities, and give you the comfort that comes to every soul who loses himself for Christ's sake, I pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. October 3, 1969 General Conference President David O. McKay Man . . . the Jewel of God President David O. McKay (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) My beloved brethren and sisters: It is a glorious but humbling experience to have the privilege of participating in another general conference with you. My gratitude and thanksgiving to you for your prayers and loyal support know no bounds. To partake of the spirit of faith and activity in the Church is inspiring. Membership therein is at once a privilege and a blessing. Looking around us, we are convinced that we are living in an era of great progress, embracing wonderful inventions and scientific discoveries. Man's search for the unknown has led him out of the world literally into the realm of space. Many of the theories and even the imaginations of Jules Verne are now commonplace realities. Walking on the moon is an achievement that was witnessed with great interest and excitement by most of the inhabitants of this earth. One-fourth of the peoples of the world, however, were denied that privilege by their governments. The solar system and our ventures into space always have been of great interest. In June 1965, we watched with fascination the launching of Gemini 4 with Astronauts James McDivitt and Edward White. I was especially interested in the space talk of Edward White, who had personally visited me on July 18, 1963. At that time I quoted to Astronaut White the lines of our hymn "If You Could Hie to Kolob," which tells of the grandeur and eternity of God's creations in space. Major White was so interested in the poem that he asked for a copy of it so that he could read and study it when he reached his home. On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968, we were all again thrilled when Colonel Frank Borman, Major William A. Anders, and Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., who were encircling the moon in the Apollo 8, beamed the following message to the earth: "For all the people back on earth, the crew [page 30] of Apollo 8 has a message that we would like to send to you." And these three astronauts, gazing down on the earth from the vastness of outer space, read to the world from the Bible these simple but majestic words regarding the creation of the heaven and the earth: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. ". . . and God saw that it was good." (Gen. 1:1-4, 10.) For the first time in history man viewed the earth from outer space, and he saw that it was a bright, beautiful earth where he was privileged to dwell with his brothers. Man knows that our solar system is merely one tiny part of our Milky Way galaxy, and that our sun is but an average star among a spiral of one hundred billion other stars of varying sizes--all are in our galaxy, which is only one of billions in the universe. On July 20, 1969, we witnessed on television one of the greatest dramas in the history of man--Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., actually walking on the moon while Astronaut Michael Collins hovered over the moon in readiness to rendezvous the spaceship Columbia so that he could pick up his fellow astronauts when they had achieved their assignments on the lunar surface. Men all over the world were hushed with awe, and world-renowned television commentators were speechless as they watched and tried to explain the activities and easy strides of the astronauts on the lunar surface. Millions said, "I cannot believe it Fantastic" "Impossible" One commentator on television said, "How can young people withdraw from a world of this kind" Others exclaimed, "This is the biggest day in history since man learned to It is the greatest drama in the history of man!" Then we heard the first words from Astronaut Armstrong: "Tranquility Base here: The `Eagle' has just landed." And as he stepped down on the moon's surface, he said: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind," and immortalized a great moment in history. Then as the Apollo 11 and its crew were returning to the good earth on Tuesday, July 22, 1969, Astronaut Aldrin beamed back the words of David as recorded in the Bible: "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? "For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." (Ps. 8:3-5.) Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints always have known through revelation of the numberless creations of God. They are taught that somewhere out in that great expanse of space is the great star Kolob that we sing about in the hymn "If You Could Hie to Kolob." Abraham of old was shown in vision these kingdoms, and he said: "And I saw the stars, that they "`ere very great, and that one of them was nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it; "And the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord thy God: I have set this one to govern all those which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest." (Abr. 3:2-3.) The following verses tell us further of Moses' great vision: "And Moses cast his eyes and beheld the earth, yea, even all of it; and there was not a particle of it which he did not behold, discerning it by the spirit of God." (Moses 1:27.) And Moses heard the voice of God continuing: "And worlds without number have I created. . . . "But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them. . . . ". . . The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; hut they are numbered unto me, for they are mine. "And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words." (Moses 1:33-38.) After seeing only a portion of the numberless creations of God, Moses cried out in awe and complete humility, "Tell me . . . why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?" (Moses 1:30.) After witnessing the recent accomplishments by our astronauts in walking on the moon, we feel as Moses did and marvel at God's creations; and ask again, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" We find the answer to our question, as Moses did to his, when the Lord said, "For mine own purpose have I made these things. . . . And by the word of my power, have I created them. . . . For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:31-32, 39.) Therefore, although God has created the universe and all therein, "man is the jewel of God." This is just another way of saying that the earth was created for man and not man for the earth. God gave to man part of his divinity. He gave man the power of choice, and no other creature in the world has it. So he placed upon the individual the obligation of conducting himself as an eternal being. You cannot think of any greater gift that could come to a man or woman than the freedom of choice. You alone are responsible, and by wielding and exercising that freedom of choice, you grow in character, you grow in intelligence, you approach divinity, and eventually you may achieve that high exaltation. That is a great obligation. Very few people appreciate it. The roads are clearly marked--one offering animal existence, the other life abundant. Yet, God's greatest creation--man--often is content to grovel on the animal plane. We cannot close our eyes to the fact that the world is ripening in iniquity. The present-day turmoil and bitter strivings threaten to undermine the basic foundations of Christian relationship. Liberty, freedom of speech, self-government, faith in God, and, particularly, faith in the efficacy of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are facing a bombardment from the ranks of error such as the world has seldom if ever witnessed. This is evident when we take into account the following information. A recent Gallup survey on American morals gives the following from a study among college students. To the question "Is premarital sex wrong?" 66 percent of all students answered "No." Seventy-two percent of the male students answered that it was not wrong, and 55 percent of the girl students said it vas not wrong. In private colleges, an unbelievable 74 percent of all students questioned saw no evil in this practice. (Church News Section, Deseret News, June 21, 1969, p. 16.) The most vicious enemy to home life is immorality. Social workers are greatly concerned over the number of young girls between 14 and 19 who seem to have lost all sense of decency and shamelessly sacrifice themselves on the altar of lust. This corroding evil is [page 31] just as demoralizing to the young man as to the young woman. Chastity, not indulgence, during the premarital years is the source of harmony and happiness in the home, and is the chief contributing factor to the health and perpetuity of the race. All the virtues that make up a beautiful character--loyalty, dependability, confidence, trust, love of God, and fidelity to man--are associated with this diadem in the crown of virtuous womanhood and of virile manhood. The word of the Lord to his church is "Keep yourself unspotted from the world." One of the Ten Commandments from God is "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exod. 20:14.) "The Gallup survey also showed that 57 percent of all students contacted used drugs and liquor. It was of more than ordinary interest in this study to note that 67 percent of the college demonstrators use narcotics. . . ." (Church News Section, Deseret News, June 21, 1969, p. 16.) President Richard Nixon told Congress on Monday, July 14, 1969, that the drug abuse problem was "a serious national threat to the personal health and safety of millions of Americans." He cited an increase of almost 800 percent in seven years in juvenile arrests involving use of drugs, and that New York City alone has some 40,000 heroin addicts, with the number rising between 7,000 to 9,000 a year. "These official statistics," said the President, "are only the tip of an iceberg whose dimensions we can only surmise." (Deseret News, July 14, 1969, p. 1.) The Church urges men to have self-mastery to control their appetites, their tempers, and their speech. A man is not at his best when he is a slave to some habit. A man is not his best who lives merely to gratify his passions. That is one reason why the Lord has given the Church the revelation of the Word of Wisdom so that, even from boyhood and girlhood, young men and young women may learn to control themselves. That is not always easy. The youth today face enemies--false ideologies and immoral practices "glossed over" and "seasoned with a text." Sound preparation is necessary to meet and conquer these enemies. Keep in mind that man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical nature or whether he will make as his life's purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities. The spiritual road has Christ as its ideal--not the gratification of the physical--for he that will save his life, yielding to that first gratification of a seeming need, will lose his life, lose his happiness, the pleasure of living at this present time. If he would seek the real purpose of life, the individual must live for something higher than self. He hears the Savior's voice saying, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6.) Following that light, man soon learns that there is no one great thing that he can do to attain happiness or eternal life. He learns that life is made up, not of great sacrifices and duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness and small obligations given habitually are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort. Spirituality, our true aim, is the consciousness of victory over self and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding in the soul is one of life's sublimest experiences. The man who sets his heart upon the things of this world, who does not hesitate to cheat his brother, who will lie for gain, who will steal from his neighbor, or who by slander will rob another of his reputation, lives on a low animal plane of existence and either stifles his spirituality or permits it to lie dormant. To be thus carnally minded is to be spiritually dead. We are truly living in an age of changing opinions, of swiftly shifting human relations. Man's wisdom seems baffled. In all our readjustments, plans, and policies, we cannot do better than keep in mind the divine admonition that "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (D&C 18:10.) The saved individual is the supreme end of the divine will. Jesus sought the welfare of the individual, and individuals grouped and laboring for the general welfare of the whole in conformity with the principles of the gospel constitute the kingdom of God. Many of the choicest truths of the gospel were given in conversations with individuals. It was while Jesus talked with Nicodemus that he gave us the message relative to baptism and being born again. From the conversation with the woman of Samaria is enclosed the truth that they who worship God must worship in spirit and in truth. From that with Mary and Martha, we get the divine declaration: I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall lie live." (John 11:25.) Jesus' regard for personality was supreme. When the Pharisees dragged into his presence the woman taken in adultery. Christ saw through the soul that had been stained with sin the personality that still contained the spark of hope, which he kindled into a light that warmed and guided a personality back to confidence and perhaps to righteousness. To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the worth of the individual has a special meaning. Quorums, auxiliaries, wards, stakes, even the Church itself are all organized to further the welfare of man. All are but means to an end, and that end is the happiness and eternal welfare of every child of God. I therefore appeal to all members of the Church, and particularly to presidents of quorums and to officers of all auxiliaries, to put forth a unified effort to make sweeter the lives of men. Supplant the thought that dominates the selfish world as expressed in the words "The world owes me a living," by the nobler prayer, "God, give me power to lend a helping hand to others." There is a sound philosophy in the paradoxical saying: ". . . Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matt. 16:25.) Keep as a guiding principle the consciousness that the ultimate purpose of life is the perfecting of the individual. This implies an intelligence directing creation, and to me it implies a divine personality, a beneficent Father. I love the young people, and my heart goes out to them. May God keep them true to the faith and bless them that they will be able to withstand the temptations that constantly beset their paths. To the youth of the Church I say, go to your Father in heaven it, prayer; seek the advice of your parents. your bishops. and your stake presidents To the members of the Church everywhere I say, live honest sincere lives! Be honest with yourselves, honest with your brethren, honest with your families, honest with those with whom you deal--always hottest. The very foundation of all character rests upon the principles of honesty and sincerity. Be true to the Church. Be true to your families--loyal to them! Protect your children and guide them, not arbitrarily, but by example. I bear you my witness that the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ contain the trite philosophy of living. I make no exception. I love them. There are men who say that they are not applicable to this day, but I say they are as applicable today as they were when he spoke them; and, because they contain eternal truths, they will be applicable through all time. God help us to understand these eternal truths; and may he give us power to live them, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 4, 1969 General Priesthood Meeting President David O. McKay To Be in the Service of Our Fellowmen Is to Be in the Service of Our God President DAVID O. MCKAY (Read by his son David Lawrence McKay) My beloved brethren, it has always been my nature to enjoy the company of my associates. I love to,be with my friends. The older I grow the more intense becomes my appreciation of fellowship in the brotherhood of Christ. I sense that tonight more deeply more sincerely than ever before, as I can be with you only in spirit; but still I feel that it is one of the most inspirational experiences in life to associate, even in spirit, with [page 87] men who hold the Holy Priesthood. Recently, as I have read the reports of the brethren who have returned from touring the missions, my heart has been thrilled at the great latter-day work that is being accomplished--specially the great missionary cause in which we are engaged. And I say this not only to our over twelve thousand missionaries serving in the 88 missions of the Church, but also to this great body of priesthood. Ours is the responsibility--greater than ever before: 1. To proclaim that the Church was divinely established by the appearance of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that divine authority through the priesthood is given to represent Deity in establishing Christ's Church upon the earth. 2. To proclaim that its assigned responsibility is to fulfill the admonition of Jesus to his apostles: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt. 28:19-20.) 3. To proclaim peace and goodwill unto all mankind. 4. To exert every effort and all means within our reach to make evil-thinking men good, and good men better, and all people happier. 5. To proclaim the truth that each individual is a child of God and important in his sight; that he is entitled to freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly; that he has the right to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. In this positive declaration, we imply that organizations or churches that deprive the individual of these inherent rights are not in harmony with God's will and with his revealed word. There is no teaching of morality without personality, and the best means of preaching the gospel is by your personal contact. Personal contact is what will influence those investigators. That personal contact--the nature of it, its effect--depends upon you. That is the thing I wish to emphasize. Each one should remember that somewhere there is an honest soul waiting to hear the truth, and it may he that you are the only one who can reach that inquiring soul. Members of the Church are or can be effective missionaries. We saw that exemplified in Great Britain in 1923. Before that time the elders were using the newspapers, and the British newspapers were very antagonistic. They refused to publish the truth about the Church. After we had won the favor of the press, we decided to put this challenge to the members of the Church: "This year we should like every member in the British Mission to bring into the Church at least one member. It may be your mother, it may be your father, it may be a child, it may be a neighbor, it may be one of your associates in business, but these and others know you, and so prejudice is largely removed from their hearts--that is, if your personality radiates the principles of the gospel so as to bring confidence to the hearts of the individual." And if you look at the records in Great Britain for 1923, you will find that there were three times the number of converts we had in any other previous year for many years. Now I challenge you holders of the priesthood, as I have done before, and as I did to the Saints in Great Britain in 1923, to take the responsibility, each of you, of bringing one member into the Church each year. Think of the growth of the kingdom of God if just you holders of the priesthood within the sound of my voice accept that challenge. We are all missionaries. We may drop a word here, bear our testimony, be an exemplar by what we do; and, as we accept this call and discharge our duties in the stakes, wards, quorums, and the mission field, our acts will "roll from soul to soul and go forever and forever." I have said that personality is a very important factor in removing prejudice and in bringing investigators. However, that personality must be such that we radiate confidence; and unless our actions are in harmony with our pretensions, our personality will produce a disappointment instead of confidence. This means, therefore, that you brethren carry the responsibility of preaching the gospel by your actions even more than by your words. There is one responsibility that no man can evade. That is the responsibility of personal influence. The effect of your words and acts is tremendous in this world. Every moment of life you are changing to a degree the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape it. Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or for evil. It is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is. Every man by his mere living is radiating positive or negative qualities. Life is a state of radiation. To exist is to be the radiation of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his character. You will select the qualities that you will permit to be radiated. That reminds me of the following poem, the author of which is unknown. "You tell on yourself by the friends you seek, By the very manner in which you speak, By the way you employ your leisure time, By the use you make of dollar and dime. You tell what you are by the things you wear, And even by the way you wear your hair, By the kind of things at which you laugh, By the records you play on your phonograph. You tell what you are by the way you walk, By the things of which you delight to talk, By the manner in which you bury deceit, By so simple a thing as how you eat. By the books you choose from the well- filled shelf. In these ways and more you tell on yourself." Men and brethren of the priesthood, so live your lives that you set the proper example to those about you. You are a light, and it is your duty not to have that light hidden under a bushel, but set upon a hill that all men may be guided thereby. You brethren of the priesthood should radiate what our twelve thousand missionaries should also radiate to the nations of the world: First, worthiness. This means that every man is a Christian gentleman; that he has integrity, is honest and trustworthy; that every husband is [page 88] true to the ideals of chastity; that every young man refrains from indulgence in tobacco, in strong drink or drugs, and keeps himself free from the sins of the world; that every man is worthy to represent our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Second, testimony. Every member of the Church should be converted and have a knowledge of the gospel, including a knowledge of the scriptures. How wonderful it would be if every member of the Church could, as Peter of old, "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. (1 Pet. 3:15.) A man must know what he teaches before he can effectively teach it to others! Third, service. Are you willing to serve? Do you have the vision King Benjamin had when he said, ". . . when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God"? (Mosiah 2:17.) True Christianity is love in actIon. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for one's fellowmen. That is the spirit of missionary work! And fourth, inspiration--the seeking of divine guidance through prayer. When one senses the glory of the gospel, then one realizes how comprehensive it is and what a great guide it is to a true philosophy of living, he senses his own need for help and guidance. That is the fourth help in the performance of missionary work--guidance through prayer! Especially to you young men in the Aaronic Priesthood as you begin from the time you are deacons to prepare to serve full-time missions for our Father in heaven, may I relate this story: There once was an ancient king who called a young man to him and said, "Youth, I have a precious gift that I must ask you to carry to the nations of the world, to all the people of the uttermost parts. "O king," said the youth, "I am young. The world today says youth is not worthy; youth is frivolous with no aim. Can you trust youth with your precious gift?" The king answered, "The world is wrong in misjudging youth. Youth has always met with a high courage whatever life brings. Youth is filled with hope; youth is joyous and happy." Then," said the youth, "I will try, , and I shall succeed." "That is well," said the king. "My gift is very precious. You must bear it to all the people, and they can keep it only as they give it away. "I do not understand," replied the youth. The king said, "My son, my gift can neither be bought, nor weighed, nor measured. The young and the old, the rich and the poor, all have need of this gift." "I implore you, O king, give it to me." Then the king spoke more firmly: "Underneath all new things are the things that never change. They are: the beauty of honor, the joy of service, the sublimity of integrity and sacrifice. O youth, the hope of the world rests in these three things and the changeless things that I am naming for you. Remember, skies grow dark, birds sleep, winds moan, yet you must go far afield in the spirit of those changeless things. You will grow weary. you will not understand, you will climb the steep heights and be carried down to the depths, you will visit palaces and hovels, you will go to workers, you will go to loungers, to those who weep and to those who laugh." And the youth said, "O king, how shall I find my way?" And the king answered, "I will give you two things: first, a lantern of tolerance to light your way, and second, a magic cloud to bear the burdens that beset you." The youth said, "I am ready. Give me the gift." And the king said, "The precious gift is peace, my son. Peace through tolerance and peace through helpfulness--one hand clasped in mine and the other outstretched to all humanity." That king might well have been the King of the world, Jesus Christ, and the young man might well have been you, my young fellow workers in the Church of Christ. The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will ask you to go to all the world and preach the gospel. You will be given higher authority than you now have to represent the Savior, just as the king gave that young man a commandment to take a message of peace. In order to bring peace to the hearts of men in the world, take this message, my brethren. The people you teach must have these great truths in mind. First, teach faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and accepting him as the Only Begotten Son of the Father, who came and redeemed all men from death, all men, and who established the principles of the gospel, by obedience to which men may gain salvation in his kingdom. And as Peter said before the judges in the Sanhedrin, ". . . there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) Young men, take that message and instill faith in the hearts of the people of the world in God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ--faith that Christ's Church has been established in this age, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he established it in the former days when Peter, James, and John lived as leaders. The second plan that you are to teach, young men, is kindness toward. all men. You cannot have enmity in your hearts toward any one man. Some men may try to deprive you of your privileges, but you keep kindness in your heart and prove to the world that you have the spirit of the lowly Nazarene who preached to the poor on the Sea of Galilee. With faith, with kindness, let your heart be filled with the desire to serve all mankind. The spirit of the gospel comes from service in the good of others. Listen to that paradoxical saying of the Son of Man: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." (Mark 8:35.) My dear young brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood, prepare for that day when you will go out into the world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ; and, as you prepare, you will so radiate that you will truly be missionaries here at home, here and now. The responsibility of the Church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith, not only to preach it and proclaim it by word, by distribution of literature, but more than anything else by living the gospel in our homes and in our business dealings, having faith and testimony in our hearts, and radiating it wherever we go. Brethren, there is nothing that can stop the progress of truth excepting only our weaknesses or failure to do our duty. In conclusion, let me urge more diligence in living and radiating the principles of the gospel. The older I grow the more thrilled and more grateful I am for the Church of Jesus Christ, and the more impressed I am with the importance of declaring this truth to the world. God bless the missionary cause, not merely to increase our membership that will follow inevitably--but to declare the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the divinity of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Upon you, my fellow workers, and the two-and-one-half million members of the Church, rests the responsibility of declaring to the world the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ. Now, there are many who believe it is true. There are millions of honest souls who believe it, but they need men [page 89] and women who will declare it, and declare that they have a testimony of that truth. I bear you that testimony tonight. I know our Lord and Savior is at the head of this church, that he is guiding it. I know it as I know I live. I know that he with his Father restored this gospel as it was given in the meridian of time in its simplicity, it its beauty, in its divinity. I know that these brethren, constituting the General Authorities, are true servants of the Lord. I know that there are thousands--hundreds of thousands--of men and women in the Church who have that testimony. I pray that we may use the means that have been put into our hands to harvest the rich group of souls waiting to hear this message. Paul said he heard a voice calling him over into Macedonia, and he went into Europe and found honest souls waiting. We hear the voice calling, not only in Europe and Macedonia, but here at home and in the uttermost ends of the earth, "Come and give us the gospel." God help us to heed that call--answer it, that we may harvest the crop of honest souls to the glory of the Lord, who said, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39), I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. October 5, 1969 General Conference President David O. McKay In the Church, Man Does Not Live for Himself Alone President DAVID O. MCKAY (Read by his son Robert R. McKay) My dear brethren and sisters: This has been in a remarkable manner an outstanding, spiritual conference. We have experienced the spiritual, the divine in man; the supreme crowning gift that makes him king of all created beings. Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self. the consciousness of being above the passions, whether in anger or jealousy. or end, or hatred. To feel that you can he above those animal-like feelings is to experience spirituality, and every man and woman whose heart burned when he or she heard the testimonies of these brethren during the sessions of this conference experienced that spirituality. It is the realization of communion with Deity. No higher attainment can be reached than that. We have met during a critical time in the history of our own great country and in the history of the world. I have been impressed with the answers that have been given through the brethren to some of the false ideologies and teachings that are rampant in the world. One of these false teachings is that man is not a spiritual being, but that he is just as any other animal, subject to his passions, subject to his yearnings, desires, and justified in his ambitions, no matter how many others may suffer in that achievement. We have heard during the sessions of this conference that man is a dual being: He is physical, and has his appetites, passions, desires, just as any animal has. But he is also a spiritual [page 111] being; and he knows that to subdue the animal instincts is to achieve advancement in his spiritual realm; that a man who is subjected to his physical appetites and passions only, who denies any reality of a spirit, is truly of the animal world; and that man is a spiritual being, and his real life is the spirit that inhabits his body. President John Quincy Adams gave a good illustration of this when he was accosted on the streets of Boston one day and was asked, "How is John Quincy Adams today?" He answered, as he tottered along with his cane, "John Quincy Adams is well, thank you, quite well. But the house in which he lives is tottering on its foundations, the windows are shaking, the roof is leaking, the doors are not hanging straight; and I think John Quincy Adams will have to move out of it soon. But John Quincy Adams himself, sir, is quite well, I thank you, quite well!" He sensed that the real John Quincy Adams was an immortal being, a son of a Father in heaven. That is one great truth to which testimony has been borne in this conference--that man is spirit, the son of his Father, and has within him that which will cause him to yearn and to aspire to become dignified as a son of God should be dignified. The dignity of man, not the degradation of man, has been emphasized throughout this conference. Another false ideal that has been mentioned as rampant among people in this country and especially among millions in atheistic countries in the world is the denial of the existence of God. Every man who has spoken at this conference, I think without exception, has borne witness and testified that God lives. There has also been quoted the evidence of men who have lived through the ages who have borne that same testimony. Many scientists today, honorable, honest men, who are giving their all to help their fellow beings, testify that there is a God. I received a visit in my apartment just a year ago from one of our own eminent scientists--Philo T. Farnsworth--who testified to me that he knows that he was directed by a higher source in gaining his scientific knowledge, and that he knows that God lives. Thank heaven there are hundreds of thousands of people who believe that testimony and repudiate the claims of the Communists, who boast that man is his own god, and who have already poisoned the minds of their people for the past forty or fifty years with the thought that God does not exist and that Jesus Christ is a myth. I wish to emphasize the fact that this great conference has testified to the hundreds of thousands listening in from all over the world that God lives, and furthermore that Jesus is his Beloved Son, the Savior of the world. We have also testified to the world that man is not living for himself, that his selfish desires should be overcome and controlled, and that he should render service to others. One of the greatest sayings of Jesus when he was among the Twelve was the one that touched upon that same principle: "He that findeth his life shall lose it [that is the selfish part]: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 10:39.) A paradoxical statement, but oh, how true! I am grateful for membership in a church whose religion fits men for the struggle with the forces of the world and enables them to survive in this struggle. One of these acting forces is the responsibility of teaching and the opportunity afforded in this church for our local officers--stake presidencies, bishoprics, priesthood quorums, and others--to share in this responsibility. The obligation of teaching is placed by the Church first upon the parents, and the responsibility thereof has been placed upon them by divine command. But besides parents, there are tens of thousands of men and women who have accepted the responsibility of leading and teaching the young and the adults. In the priesthood quorums alone the number runs into many thousands. And if we add mothers and fathers, general officers, and young men and women in the Sunday School, the Mutual Improvement Associations, the Primary, the seminaries, and women in the Relief Society, we have an army of teachers who have the privilege and responsibility of exercising what Martin Luther calls one of the highest virtues upon earth." Think what the Church is doing to help this army of leaders and teachers as individuals to become strong in the battle against the forces of the world! First, it places upon them the obligation of teaching their fellowmen by example, and there is no better safeguard placed upon an honest man or a sincere woman. Second, it develops the divine attribute of love for others. Jesus asked one of his apostles, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? . . . Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.And Jesus answered, "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15.) Love should precede the responsibility of feeding those lambs. And these tens of thousands of teachers must have in their hearts the love of teaching, the love of their fellowmen, and a willingness to accept this responsibility with the divine attribute of love. The third requirement is purity of life. I cannot imagine an impure person teaching purity to young boys and girls. I cannot imagine one who has doubt in his mind about the existence of God impressively teaching the existence of Deity to young boys and girls. He cannot do it! If a leader or a teacher acts the hypocrite and attempts so to lead and teach, what he is will speak louder than what he says; and that is the danger of having doubting men as leaders and teachers of our children. The poison sinks in, and unconsciously they become sick in spirit because of the poison that the person in whom they had confidence has insidiously instilled into their souls. So the third qualification is purity of life and faith in the gospel. Finally, it gives these leaders and teachers an opportunity to serve their fellowmen and thereby magnify the calling that has come to them and, indeed, to prove that they are real disciples of Christ. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.) Thus the divine principle of service is instilled in their hearts. With all my heart I say, God bless and guide you leaders and teachers of our stakes, wards, and missions, you parents, you men of the priesthood, you temple presidencies, and our missionaries all over the world. God bless and protect our valiant young men who are in the armed forces of our country; God bless their loved ones. I am grateful for and pray that God Mill continue to direct and bless our General Authorities who have inspired us with their messages during the sessions of this great conference. I bear you my testimony that the head of this Church is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Redeemer of the world. I know of the reality of his existence, of his willingness to guide and direct all who serve him. I know that in this dispensation lie restored with his Father, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness. I know that one of the glorious messages given by Christ, our Redeemer, is that the spirit of man passes triumphantly through the portals of death into everlasting life. To him, this earthly career is but a day and its closing but the setting of life's sun; death but a sleep, followed by a glorious awakening in the morning of an eternal realm. May God bless you all, and may he guide and help you that righteousness, harmony, and love for one another may dwell in each home, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.