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Contents
How to Confer the Priesthood . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 1
President Boyd K Packer

Stake Administration .. . 4
Elder 1. Tom Perry

The Calling and Responsibilities of a Bishop 8

Elder Robert D. Hales

How to Plan and Conduct Sacrament Meetings . .. ....... 12

Elder Russell M. Nelson

"What Manner of Men Ought [We] to Be?" 15

Elder Neal A Maxwell

''A New Spirit Will I Put Within You" 18

President Thomas S. Monson

Rejoicing in the Privilege to Serve 22

President Gordon B. Hinckley


 PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER

Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Those who hold the keys of
authority approve an ordination in
the priesthood or authorize a person
to be set apart to serve.

How to Confer In a stake or mission, the presi-

dent is given priesthood keys. In a
quorum, the president is given priest-

the Priesthood hood keys. In a ward, the bishop is

given priesthood keys. Auxiliary presi-
dents do not receive keys.

The Doctrine, the Principle, Choosing those to ordain or set apart

First, let me explain how to choose
and the Practice one to be ordained to an office in the
priesthood or set apart to lead or to
teach.
As a presidency or a bishopric, you
are inseparably connected with the
counsel and pray, inrlividually and
powers of heaven" (D&C 121:36).
together, about who should be called.
As authorized servants of the lord The answer comes by revelation.
Jesus Christ, it is the responsibility of
The scriptures teach, "You must
every holder of the priesthood, all of
study it out in your mind; then you
you, to foster godliness in your life,
must ask me if it be right, and if it is
in your home, and in your callings

right I will cause that your bosom

in the Church. shall burn within you; therefore, you
The "greater priesthood adminis-
shall/eel that it is right" (D&C 9:8;
tereth the gospel and holdeth the italics added).
key of the mysteries of the kingdom, The priesthood must not be con-
even the key of the knowledge of ferred upon a man or a boy who is
God. unrepenting or unwilling to live by
''Therefore, in the ordinances the covenants connected with it.
thereof, the power of godliness is For both ordinations and settings
manifest. apart, you interview to determine:
"And without the ordinances
Are they worthy of the call?
thereof, and the authority of the Will they accept the call?
The Doctrine
priesthood, the power of gorlliness " If they are married, will their
The fifth article of faith is, "We is not manifest unto men in the flesh spouse support them?
believe that a man must be called of (D&C 84:19-21). .. Are there family, work, or health
God, by prophecy [which is revela- When the priesthood is solirlly in problems which might interfere
tion] , and by the laying on of hands place, everything else will fit together. with their service?
by those who are in authority, to The authority and power of the
preach the Gospel and administer priesthood form the foundation of Extending the call
in the ordinances thereof." all that we do in the Church.
A call is more than an invitation or
My assignment is how to confer
a request. It is a call from the lord
priesthood authority What I tell you The Principle
through His chosen servant. Years
is found in the SCriptures and out- All offices derive power and
ago, President Spencer W Kimball,
lined in more detall in the Church authority from the priesthood.
then president of a stake in Arizona,
Handbook a/Instructions. 1 Stakes, missions, wards, quorums,
had an experience with extending a
The priesthood, "instituted [in auxiliaries, meetings, councils--all
calling. There was a vacancy in the

heaven J from before the foundation depend on priesthood rllrection.

president of the Young Men organiza-
of the world" (D&C 124:33), is I will speak about both ordination
tion in the stake. President Kimball
sacred. "The rights of the priesthood and setting apart.

JUNE 2003 1
 left his desk at the bank, walked a sustaining. The scriptures teach, In this Simple, dignified manner,
down the street a few doors into a "No person is to be ordained to any we confirm new members of the
business, and said, "Jack, how would office in this church, where there is a Church and seal anointings in admin-
you like to be president of the Young regularly organized branch [or stake istering to the sick. It is the same
Men in the stake?" or ward] of the same, without the when patriarchs give a blessing or a
Jack said, "Oh, Spencer, you don't vote of that church" (O&C 20:65). father gives a father's blessing.
mean me." "All things must be done in order, The priesthood is conferred
He said, "Of course I do. You're a and by common consent" (O&C only once. In the future, the priest-
young man, and you get along with 28:13; see also O&C 26:2), "by the hood holder can simply be ordained
young people. You'd make a very voice of the church" (O&C 38:34, to another office. When a deacon is
good president." italics added; see also O&C 41:9). ordained, the Aaronlc Priesthood is
Then there occurred what Presi- Now, the procedure for sustaining: conferred upon him first, then he
dent Kimball thought was a very dis- when a name is presented, a sustain- is ordained a deacon, an office in
agreeable conversation because Jack ing vote is taken by the uplifted that pries thood. When an elder is
turned down the call. He went back hand. The officer then asks if there ordained, the Melchizedek Priest-
to the bank and sat at his desk, smol- are any opposed. If someone votes hood is conferred upon him; then he
dering over his failure. Then it came in opposition, then a designated is ordained an elder, an office in that
to him. He left his desk, went down priesthood leader will meet with priesthood.
the street-same door, same man- him or her in a private meeting after- All ordinations and settings apart
called him by his full name, and said, ward to determine if the dissent has must be by or under the direction of
"Last Sunday the stake presidency merit. the presiding authorities. The priest-
met to consider a vacancy in the Only in an emergency does an hood can only be conferred by one
Young Men's president. We prayed ordination to the Melchizedek Priest- who has priesthood authority and is
about it, talked about it. Finally,on hood take place without sustaining au thorized by one who holds the
our knees, we inquired about it and or by sustaining only in a ward. And appropriate keys.
received the inspiration from the then the ordination is presented later An ordination to an office in the
Lord that you should be called. As a for proper ratification. priesthood is permanent and follows
servant of the Lord, I am here to one ordained wherever he goes.
deliver that call." Conferring priesthood authority Except for transgression, he is never
Jack Said, "Well,Spencer, if you're Now, about ordinations: an office released.
going to put it that way." in the priesthood, either Aaronic or One set apart will even tually be
And he Said, "I'm putting it that Melchizedek Priesthood, is conferred released by the same authority by
way."
by ordination. which he was called.
Now it is more than just an invita- The word ordain is used when an A high priest ordained as a bishop
tion. It is a call from the Lord through office in the priesthood is given. The is also set apart to preside over a
His servant. ward. He will be released from pre-
offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood
are elder (the Melchizedek Priest- Siding over a ward, but his ordination
Sustaining
hood is conferred first), high priest, as bishop remains. If he is called to
The Lord Said, "It shall not be patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle. preside over another ward, he need
given to anyone to go forth to The offices in the Aaronic Priest- only to be set apart.
preach my gospel, or to build up hood are deacon (the Aaronic Priest- All ordained offices, except bishop
my church, except he be ordained hood is conferred first), teacher, and patriarch, are organized into
by some one who has authority, and priest, and bishop (the bishop must quorums.
it is known to the church that he has be a high priest [see O&C 68:14-15, The rights and privileges of each
authority"-that is why the sustain- 19; 107:17,69-71]). priesthood office and the number in
ing takes place, so that it can be One is ordained or set apart by the each quorum are explained in the
known to the Church that he has laying on of hands of one who either scriptures and in the handbook.'
authority-"and has been regularly holds the keys or is delegated to do It is by setting apart that priest-
ordained by the heads of the church" so. Since ancient times, authority has hood keys and authority are given to
(O&C 42:11). been conferred or blessings given by stake presidents, bishops, mission
In order that all may know in the the laying on of hands (see Numbers presidents, temple presidents, and
Church who is leading, there must be 27:18,22-23; Acts 6:5-6; Alma 6:1). quorum presidents.
2
 The words setting apart are used to his left. In that way, the circle is An ordination or a setting apart is
when members receive special re- complete. The ordination or setting an opportunity to pronounce a bless-
sponsibilities, such as an auxiliary apart then takes place-just a ing. A blessing is not to give counsel
presidency, or a teacher, or a mission- simple, dignified ceremony. or instruction. That is done afterward
ary, or others, but they do not receive when one is taught his duties.
or have keys. There is no precise wording
When someone is set apart to required. One of the great blessings
serve as a leader or teacher, there are of the Church is the way the priest-
boundaries such as a ward, branch, hood is organized, with very few
stake, district, quorum, or mission. ordinances that must be word per-
A bishop is not a bishop outside of fect and precise. We need not,
his ward, for instance. indeed should not, memorize the
blessing. As the Spirit directs, we
The Practice might bless one in his home and his
To participate in an ordination, family and his work. He can be
one must have equal or higher priest- blessed with discernment and wis-
hood authority than is to be given in The support of familyand friends dom and understanding, with health.
is greatly appreciated. However, the The words that we say will come by
the ordinance. For instance, an elder
should not stand in the circle where a number of men who stand in the cir- inspiration. Each blessing then is
high priest is ordained or a man is set cle should be limited to a few.Those unique and personal to the individ-
who perform the ordinance or preside ualmember.
apart to an office requiring him to be
are the only ones required. Allothers An ordination or a setting apart
a high priest. Only presiding authori-
ties can set apart presidents with keys. merely provide support and sustain need not be expanded into a formal
the spokesman. It is cumbersome and meeting. It is not necessary to have
When one is to be ordained or set
a burden if too many men participate. prayers or testimonies or instruction
apart, the one officiating places his
The practice of inviting large numbers every time someone is ordained or
hands on his head. If there are two
of family,friends, and leaders to assist set apart. It can be done quietly and
other brethren, they will place their
in an ordination or setting apart is dis- with dignity in the presence of those
hands on his head as well. The officia-
tor would say the person's full name couraged. especially concerned.
The individual who performs the One does not aspire to a call nor
and then express the authority by
ordination or setting apart, I repeat: request or resent a release. Both a
which he acts, the authority of the
Calls the person by his full name. call and a release are directed by
Melchizedek Priesthood. And then
States the authority by which he inspiration of our leaders.
he would give the office to him and
performs the ordinance ('by the
pronounce a blessing.
authority of the Melchizedek Wonhiness
Priesthood") . How crucial it is that we be wor-
Confers the priesthood, in the thy. Each must be absolutely faithful
first instance of receiving the to his wife. Any attraction outside of
priesthood. marriage, however innocent, may be
Ordains to the office in that influenced by the adversary and lead
priesthood together with the straight to the bull's-eye of disaster.
rights, powers, and authority of Carefully observe the Word of
that office. WiSdom, that your body and your
Gives a blessing as the Spirit mind may be the instrument for
directs. revelation that is required in these
Closes always in the name of ordinances.
Now, in case more brethren par- Jesus Christ.' If there is anything that is unwor-
ticipate in the ordination, each one A record is kept of all priesthood thy about you, if you have pictures or
puts his right hand on the head of ordinations and settings apart of lead- films or ptinted materials at home or
the one being ordained and his left ers of stakes, wards, missions, and at work that are unworthy, destroy
hand on the shoulder of the brother temples.

JUNE 2003 3
 them so that there willbe no evil ELDER L. TOM PERRY
influence surrounding you. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
If you have made a misstep so
serious that it should have been con-
fessed, and it was not, seek for the
healing balm of confession and repen-
tance and forgiveness.
Stake Administration
It is in this manner that ordinary
men exercise the authority and the
power of the "priesthood ... after
the holiest order of God" (O&C
84:18). Alwayswe invoke these
blessings in the name of'jesus Christ,
whose Church this is. In this way,
the unbroken chain of priesthood
authority continues from generation
to generation.
Remember, brethren! Remember! My presentation is to cover the
This is the Church of Jesus Christ. We two organizational roles of pastor and
have taken upon ourselves His name teacher. A pastor is a priesthood
(see Moroni 4:3). We are commanded, leader, serving in a local Church unit.
"Whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it The pastors I have been assigned to
in my name" (3 Nephi 27:7). speak on today are the stake presi-
I bear witness of the Lord and of dent and those who serve with hiro
the sacred priesthood power which in stake administration.
is conferred upon us and gratefully
thank the Lord that we may partici- Sustaining Strength
pate through His inspiration to move "The word stake in the Church
the Church forward. In the name of comes from the word stake, [mean-
Jesus Christ, amen. ing] a stick pounded in the ground.
That word, as we use it, comes from
Notes the scriptures.
1. See Book 1: Stake Presidencies and "The meaning of it goes back
Bishoprics (1998) and Book 2: Priesthood
and AUXiliary Leaders (1998). to the Old Testament when the
2. See D&C 20:38-47, 53-59,70: 42:44:
Priesthood Authority Israelites, after being rescued from
46:2; 84:111; 107; see also Church
Handbook of Instructions, Book 2,
Egypt, were wandering in the desert.
One of the great blessings of the
161-62, 175-77. They built for themselves, under the
3. See Church Handbook of Instructions, Restoration is to have the authority
direction of the Lord, a tabernacle.
Book 1, 33; Book 2, 173; Family again to perform the ordinances that
Guidebook (2001), 20-21; Branch It was a prototype of a temple, and it
Guidebook (2001), 12-13. are binding in heaven as well as on
was called the Tabernacle of the
earth. Without the authority of the
Tesdmony.
priesthood, the Church itself could
not have been restored, nor could it
be governed by revelation.
Following the fifth article of faith
which declares the restoration of th~
priesthood, is the sixth: "We believe
in the same organization that existed
in the Primitive Church, namely, apos-
tles, prophets, pastors, teachers,
evangelists, and so forth."

4
 "It consisted of a building in which and quorum presidents to hold the the sacred ordinances of the
there were two rooms, the Holy Place priesthood keys they need to pre- Church are properly recorded and
and the Holy of Holies .... In [the side. A person who serves in one of that certifIcates are issued by the
Holy of Holies I was the Ark of the these positions holds the keys only units of the stake.
Covenant, the breast plate, and the until he is released. Counselors do 3. He is responsible for the statistical
Urim and Thummim. not receive keys, but they do receive records. He must be a careful
"When they moved from one delegated au thority by calling and record keeper. The records are
place to another, they could dlsrnan- assignment."! only as good as the accuracy by
de the tabernacle and move it about which they are maintained.
with them. When they set it up again, The Stake Clerk 4. He is responsible for the historical
they put the tent-like building up, In addition to counselors, the record. He supplies the organiza-
then they put a wall around it to form stake president selects a stake clerk tional memory of the stake. He is
an outer court .... In order to keep and an executive secretary. I want to the carryover officer who has the
the building up and the wall up, they emphasize that both the stake clerk organizational memory that will
drove stakes into the ground. A stake and the executive secretary are very help orient the new stake presi-
was a supporting unit of their taber- important offices in the administra- dency to prepare to fulfill their
nacle or their temple. "1 tion of the Church to assist the stake important assignments.
In keeping with this symbolism, in president in exercising the keys of his One of the responsibilities of the
areas where we have concentrations great assignment. Today I would like stake clerk is to be a teacher and
of Church membership with priest- to give particular attention to the trainer. He should go out to the wards
hood strength which sustain and responsibilities of the stake clerk. and teach and train the ward clerks in
uphold the restored Church, these A stake clerk's responsibility falls their duties and responsibilities.
organized units are called stakes. under four main categories:
I. He is the financial officer of the Stake Priesthood Committees
The Stake Presidency stake. He is responsible for all the In each stake there is an organiza-
Stake presidents are called to pre- receipts and disbursements in the tion-a priesthood executive council,
side over a stake by revelation, by stake, to see that they are prop- comprised of the stake presidency
one who has the authority from the erly taken care of and high council-that forms two
President of the Church to confer 2. He is responsible for the member- very important committees to assist
the keys of presidency. ship records-to see that they are the stake presidency:
Presiding over a stake is an awe- kept up-to-date and that every I. The Melchizedek Priesthood com-
some responsibility if the president member is properly recorded, and mittee, presided over by the stake
assumes the burden all alone. How- to see that all baptisms, confirrna- president, with either counselor
ever, the Lord has developed an tions, priesthood ordinances, and
organization that allows him to share
these kinds of burdens. If he uses
the organization properly; he can Stake Counselor
Counselor President
reach out to each one over whom
he presides.
At the head of each stake there is Stake
a presidency of three Melchizedek Stake Clerk High Council Executive
Priesthood bearers-the president Secretary

and two counselors. The stake presi-

dent holds the keys to preside over
his stake. Stake
"These keys are the right to pre- Stake Aaronic
side over and direct the Church Melchizedek Priesthood Priesthood
within [his] jurisdiction .... Committee Committee
"The President of the Church
authorizes presidents of ... stakes;
... bishops and branch presidents; Stake Priesthood Comminees

JUNE 2003 5
 in the stake presidency assigned and train the Melchizedek Priesthood each member of the quorum, includ-
as vice chairman. quorums of the Church. ing reactivating prospective elders
2. The Aaronic Priesthood com- Now, let me suggest some ways and fellowshipping new converts.
mittee, presided over by the other that high councilors can teach and High councilors, you are respon-
counselor in the stake presidency train the leaders of the quorum to sible to see that the quorum presi-
This committee, with the aid of which they have been assigned. dent or group leader understands his
the stake Young Men's presidency, There are three important func- duty. Help him get organized so he
provides support for each bishop- tions in a quorum. can carry out the important functions
ric with the Aaronic Priesthood in First, the quorum is a class. A quo- to which he has been called.
the ward. rum nourishes the members with the
good word of God. High councilors, Effective Quorum Organization
In each ward is an elders quorum
and a high priests group. The stake you are to observe to see that each Each active member of the quo-
president is responsible to see that quorum has a capable teacher rum should have an opportunity to
every man understands his du ty: assigned to teach the doctrines of be given an assignment. One assign-
"Wherefore, now let every man learn the kingdom. ment that is surely available to all is
his duty, and to act in the office in We have a great program in the home teaching. In organizing home
which he is appointed, in all dili- Church, under the Sunday School teaching, quorum presidents should
gence" (D&C 107:99). presidency called teacher improve- devise it so that the strong take one
The stake president's prime ment. This is coordinated by an indi- who is not so strong as a companion
responsibility is to teach and train vidual who is a teaching resource to to help develop within them the con-
priesthood leaders so that they will all the teachers in the ward. This fidence of their particular assignment.
understand their duty and act in the teacher can train your quorum teach- Be certain as you visit each ward that
office to which they have been ers to be more effective in their the prospective elders and the less
called. And please notice, the scrip- assignments and build a gospel foun- active are divided according to the
ture reads, "in all diligence." Now, dation in the lives of the members of strength of the priesthood quorum or
the Lord has provided a way for the that particular quorum. group. Look at the number of active
stake president to train diligently all Second, a quorum is a brother- elders and the number of high
these priesthood leaders. Through hood. See that each member of the priests, and ensure that the families
the Melchizedek Priesthood com- quorum has a friend. I call your of prospective elders are assigned to
mittee, he has teachers to whom he attention to what we taught you last the quorum or group that has the
can delegate this responsibility for January Take an inventory of the available companionships to carry out
the training of priesthood quorums quorum members. Then sit down that responsibility.
in their particular duties. with your quorum presidency Using Remember the duties of a home
the inventory, divide the names into teacher:
High Councilors two lists: the active members, who "See that there is no iniquity in the
These teachers that carry the mes- are capable of taking leadership church, neither hardness with each
sage out to the wards and the quo- assignments, and the less active, other, neither lying, backbiting, nor
rums in the stake are high councilors. who need to be helped in building evil speaking;
A high councilor must be a a friendship relationship. "And see that the church meet
seasoned leader, worthy of holding a Then, from the list of active mem- together often, and also see that all
current temple recommend, a good bers of the quorum, the quorum the members do their duty" (D&C
teacher, and a capable administrator. presidency can develop the leader- 20:54-55).
The stake president has the right to ship necessary to reach out to every Once again, we remind you of the
hold him accountable to see that the quorum member, including those last satellite broadcast. Teach your
quorums are properly functioning who have lost the spirit of the quo- quorum leaders how to use an inven-
in the ward to which he has been rum to which they belong. tory list. From the list of total quorum
assigned. Third, encourage the quorum to members , make a second list of active
Presidents, be specific in the be a service organization. Quorums members. You can count on these
assignments that you give to your need to focus on proclaiming the members to build your programs.
high councilors. They need to under- gospel, perfecting the Saints, and Build and limit your programs based
stand exactly what you expect them redeeming the dead. They should on the active strength you have in the
to accomplish as they go out to teach focus on helping and strengthening quorum.
6
 Keep in mind that for the basic Brethren, if the right direction
units we have basic materials. For comes from the stake presidency, and
marure units we have general Church if the training assignment is given
materials. Again, we remind you that specificallyto the high council, you
bigger is not necessarily better. can build strong priesthood quorums
Church units should grow only as that will touch the life of every mem-
fast as the size and maturity of the ber of your stake. Brethren, you have
unit permits. the responsibility You have coun-
Remember the basics. President selors, stake clerks, executive secre-
Hinckley has continued to remind taries, and a high council to assist you.
us, "Do the best you can." He did not Now it is your duty to see that it
say,"Do whatever you can" but happens.
emphasized, "Do your best." May the Lord bless you in the great
We realize that some quorums do assignment you have been given. In
not have enough active priesthood the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
strength. You stake presidents, if this
is true in your stake, discuss with Notes
1. Boyd K. Packer, "The Twenty-Mark Note,"
your high council ways to reach out Brigham Young University-Idaho devo-
and bring into activity the less-active tional, 12 Mar. 2002.
members of your quorum. Extend 2. Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2:
Priesthood andAuxiliary Leaders (1998),
yourself, in priority order, to where 161.
you can get the best results with the
leadership base you possess-"Do
the best you can."
You high councilors, remember to
be certain that the quorums you are
assigned to help teach and train are
nourished with the good word of
the gospel with a very effective class.
Be certain that each member has a
friend and is building a great brother-
hood in the quorum. Be certain that
each member has the opportunity to
assist in quorum service.
Brethren, the organization is in
place.

Nourishing Church Members

You stake presidents have the
power to reach out to every member
of your stake. You should work with
the bishops in your stake to coordi-
nate these efforts. See that you have
active, functioning Melchizedek and
Aaronic Priesthood committees in
your stake, consisting of members of
your high council. See that the high
council is given direct responsibility
to go out and teach and train quo-
rums in how to function and provide
support for the wards.

JUNE 2003 7
 ELDER ROBERT D. HALES I hold in my hand. But your keys are
Of the Quorum of the TwelveApostles not physical keys, like this one; they
are priesthood keys.
The priesthood keys you have

The Calling been given pertain to your role as

the presiding high priest, the presi-
dent of the Aaronic Priesthood and

and Responsibilities the priests quorum, and a common

judge in Israel.
Now, some bishops are not aware
of a Bishop they hold these keys. They are like
the Lamanites who ''were baptized
with fire and . . . the Holy Ghost" and
"knew it not" (3 Nephi 9:20).
When I meet these bishops, they
are often overwheirned and bur-
dened down; they do not realize all
voice and hand signals to direct his
the resources that the Lord has pro-
trusty dogs. From his vantage point,
vided them. In addition to their
he watches over the sheep and
priesthood keys, they have been
leads them where they need to go.
given the power of the priesthood,
the Holy Ghost, the gift of discern-
ment, councils, and their bishopric
counselors. Let me assure you,
bishops, with these resources your
service can be a joy and a blessing
in your lives.
So how do you use these keys?
How do you exercise them? Let me
give you an example from my own
life.
One day, President Kimball asked
So it is with the true Shepherd: me to come to his office. I was a
"The sheep hear his voice: and he new General Authority. It was 1975.
Shepherds of the Flock Because of unusual circumstances,
calleth (them] by name, and leadeth
Brethren, our SaviorJesus Christ is them out" (John 10:3). he was sitting with a married couple
"the good shepherd: the good shep- Bishops, you are the shepherds of who was facing serious challenges in
herd giveth his life for the sheep" the Lord's flock. Knowing who you their marriage, with their children,
(John 10:11). and in their business.
are is important. Now the question is
Some years ago I went to a what you are called to do. When they finished telling their
national championship and watched story; President Kimball turned and
shepherds perform in competition. Priesthood Keys said, "This is Elder Hales. He has
I learned an unforgettable lesson. been called as an Assistant to the
You are called, ordained, and set
The true shepherd does not run to apart to watch over all who reside Twelve Apostles. I would like him to
and fro, chasing after the sheep. He within the boundaries of your ward. work with you. He will report back
walks among them and gains their on the progress you are making."
To do that, you have been given keys
trust. He teaches his sheepdogs and Can you see how President
to care for the temporal and spiritual
gives them assignments. Some will Kimball was acting as a shepherd?
welfare of the Saints, to help each
lead, and some will be behind. He member come unto Christ. These He was exercising his keys by giving
then leads his sheep and goes me an assignment. He was using his
keys are real. I want you to under-
before them. Along the way he uses stand that they are as real as the key resources.

8
 I took the assignment. I met with In home teaching, you assign spe- Along the way, the Spirit will show
the family and their priesthood lead- cific companions to the families that you how to bless their lives as well.
ers. Prompted by the Spirit, I called need them most. You call for reports. Sometimes it is hard for a father
upon others to assist. I worked with You follow up on assignments given. to talk with his children. You can
that family for about six months until Alwaysuse your council meetings to be a catalyst. You can bring them
their problems were resolved. do this, especially in missionary work, together. Your priesthood keys will
President Kimball held the keys to reactivation, and retention. Why? help you turn the hearts of the
give me that assignment. My point is Every council member has been fathers to their children and the
this, bishops: you hold the keys to do "given a gift by the Spirit of God. children to their fathers. And that
the same thing in your own wards as To some is given one, and to some is the work of salvation.
you give callings and assignments. is given another, that all may be So, bishops, do not underestimate
Of course, there are a few things profited thereby" (D&C 46:11-12). who you are and what you can do.
only you can do, but they are just a As a shepherd to farnilies, you lead
few.For example, only you can: A Shepherd of Youth the youth on the path to the temple,
call and set apart presidents. You are also president ofthe a mission, and sealing for time and
interview youth annually Aaronic Priesthood and the priests for all eternity.
interview members receiving their quorum. You watch over the Primary
children, young men, and young A Common Judge in Israel
own endowment and those who
are planning to be married in the women. How do you do that? Now, you also are called to be a
temple. Recently we asked the youth, common judge in Israel. God has
counsel members on serious "What was the most Significant thing "appoint[ed] and ordaln[ed you] to
matters. that happened in your life last year?" watch over the church" (D&C 46:27).
perform civil marriages. Among the very top answers was "an You have been given the gift
administer Church discipline in interview with my bishop." Bishops, of discernment to help you (see
the ward. you hold the key to interview and D&C 46:27). This gift will help you
conduct tithing settlement. guide your youth, to help them counsel members who have commit-
through the decade of decision that ted moral transgressions or other
You must spend your time exercis-
lies before them. Get to know them, serious offenses. It will direct you
ing the keys that you have as they
their names, their goals, their fears. where Church discipline is con-
apply to these unique responsibilities.
They worry about the future. They cerned. It will teach you how to be
Everything else can be delegated and
look to you and wonder how you an effective shepherd-to discern
assigned to priesthood and auxiliary
have accomplished so much in your those assignments that can be and
leaders working under your direction.
life, how you got through school, should be given to others.
And so you must learn to give them
found a job, married your wife, and
that direction and to trust them. You Overseeing Welfare
established your family.You can help
must understand the role you play in
them. You can teach them to hear the You also direct the weifare work of
exercising your priesthood keys.
whisperings of the Holy Ghost-the the ward. You are commanded to do
Comforter-and find the confidence this by "searching after the poor"
The Presiding High Priest
they need within. (D&C 84: 112). Sometimes those in
You are the presiding high priest need are temporally poor and need
My greatest joy with my own chil-
in the ward. You direct the work of food and financial assistance. Some-
dren and with every youth is to help
your elders quorum president and times they are poor in spiritual ways,
them find their gifts and talents and
the high priests group leader. having suffered injustices and even
discover who they really are. And
Your stake president holds the abuse.
then the light comes on, the light of
keys to the Melchizedek Priesthood. Use the ward welfare committee
the Spirit within them. They learn
With the high council, he is respon- to identify farnilies and individuals in
they are someone special, especially
sible to train these ward Melchize- need. Counsel with your Relief Society
to the Lord.
dek Priesthood leaders. But as the president. Call on Melchizedek Priest-
As president of the Aaronic
presiding high priest in the ward, hood leaders.
priesthood, you not only help the
you sit in council with them. You When assessing needs and identi-
youth, you help their parents. Involve
were called to listen, learn, and then fying resources, first consider an indi-
parents; listen to them; learn from
give assignments. vidual's own resources and then the
them how to help their children.

JUNE 2003 9
 resources of the extended family. "by the prayer of faith" (D&C 42:14). His life for the Church and for each
Then personally review and sign AJ; you follow its holy promptings, you of us. Then we can represent Him.
each request for welfare assistance will be "apt to teach" (I TImothy 3:2). Then we can be more like Him.
before it is submitted. Teach especially in sacrament meet- You may be thinking, "Elder Hales,
ings, as a father teaches his family In I don't have time to do everything."
Safeguarding Funds all your meetings, remember to feed Let me share with you the best advice
AJ; a bishop, you have the respon- the sheep. It is not enough just to give I was ever given on the subject.
sibility to safeguard the sacred funds well-prepared talks and lessons. You Generally, do not spend more
of the Church. May I share three must nourish-i-spiritually nourish- than two nights a week away from
important principles in protecting the members over whom you have your home on your calling-and
these funds? responsibility Build their testimonies, one of those evenings should be
First, be certain that you, your instill the Spirit of the Lord in them, spent visiting in the homes of the
counselors, and your clerks pay a full and strengthen their commitment to members.
tithe and offerings. Only those who be faithful to gospel principles, Tell your family in advance when
honor the Lord's law of finance can Then, once a year, teach families you will be home, and keep your
be trusted to handle His funds. in tithing settlement about the law of word no matter what-so that
Second, honor the principle of tithing. Bear your testimony, express your car will drive into the drive-
companionship. There should always your love, and join with them in way at the time you have said
be two priesthood holders working prayer when appropriate. you would be there; so that
side by side whenever funds are Teaching families to be spiritually Mother can say to the children,
collected, counted, deposited, and and temporally self-sufficient is the "Father will be home at a particu-
dispensed. focus of a bishop's work. For when lar time," and they will know you
Finally,do not leave funds families take care of themselves, the will be there.
unattended and unsecured. Where entire flock is strengthened and Spend time each week with
possible, use a bank with a 24-hour protected. your wife and with each of your
deposit box. With your priesthood children. ~
companion, deposit funds on the Strengthening Families
Begin there. I promise if you will
same day they are collected, counted, Now, a word about strengthening
and recorded. put your wife and your family flrst,
families. Each of us must begin with
you will not only be a better husband
Brethren, these principles are not our own family.One of the most
and father, you will become a better
only meant to protect the funds of important commandments for a
the Church. I know by sad experience bishop.
bishop is found in Ephesians 5:25: Above all, remember, oh, remem-
that when a person mishandles the "Husbands, love your wives."
Lord's resources, he risks losing his ber, your ward is a collection of fami-
A real bishop will do in his own
place in the kingdom. He may jeop- lies. The work of salvation goes
home what he is asking his ward
ardize his own faith and even weaken forward with fathers and mothers
priesthood leaders to do. He will
the faith of generations to come. leading their children, assisted by
go home from this meeting and sit
Having served earlier as the their bishop. That is why the most
down with his wife and ask her a very
Presiding Bishop of the Church for important thing you can accomplish
simple question: "Sweetheart, how
nearly IOyears, I can say that there is to help your farnilies to the temple.
can I be a better father and a better
was never a mishandling of funds And you hold the keys to do it.
companion?" And then he will take
where these three principles were the next half hour to hear what she Temple Blessings
taught, applied, and lived faithfully. has to say.
Some years before the Salt Lake
Listen with your heart, and make
Teaching Members Temple was dedicated, President
the necessary adjustments in your
Remember, bishops, in everything WIlford Woodruff had a dream. He
own life. Then you will be the caring
you do you are teachers. Don't worry saw many people milling about out-
shepherd in your own home.
if you do not consider yourself a side the temple. They were unhappy
You see, brethren, we must lay
teacher; the Spirit can help you to because they could not get into the
down our lives for our wives and our
become one, for the Spirit is given temple. In that dream, President
families just as the Savior laid down
Brigham Young came to President

10
 -
Woodruff. He gave him the keys to We love you. We thank you. We
the temple. pray for you. And we know-yes, we
This key which I hold is an original know-that this is the divine work of
key to the gates of the Salt lake our Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ,
Temple. and that He will make you equal to
the mantle you bear. He will bless
your homes, strengthen your chil-
dren, and increase the love between
you and your wife.
I testify that He is the Shepherd
who gave His life for us. He is leading
His Church. We are His flock, for He
is the Good Shepherd, even "the
Shepherd and Bishop of [our] souls"
(1 Peter 2:25). I so pray and testify in
the name of jesus Christ, amen.

Brigham Young told President Note

Woodruff to "open the door and let 1. Loren C. Dunn, "The Temple is the
'Heart of Sacred Work,'" Church News,
the people in."! 6 Feb. 1993, 12.
This key that I have in my hand is
symbolic of the keys which we hold
as bishops to unlock that marvelous
gate of the temple. Remember, bish-
ops, you hold those priesthood keys.
Use them as the presiding high
priest, as a common judge in Israel,
and as the president of the Aaronic
Priesthood. Use them to direct the
priesthood and auxiliary leaders in
your ward. Use them to open the
door to all the blessings of the
Lord's true Church-and then let
the people into the temple.
I bear witness that our Savior
stands ready to welcome us all. He
knows His sheep. They know His
voice. And if you, the bishops of the
Church, are faithful, His voice will
be heard through you.
It does not matter how much expe-
rience you have had. The Church
grows from generation to generation.
Some of you stand on the shoulders
of your boyhood priesthood leaders.
How blessed you are!
Some of you are pioneers->
your shoulders will carry the next
generation. It will be you who will be
remembered and blessed in the years
to came.

JUNE 2003 11
 ELDER RUSSELL M. NELSON God had declared, "This is my
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles work and my glory-to bring to pass
the immortality and etemallife of
man" (Moses 1:39), Then the Son of

How to Plan God voluntarily laid down His life to

complete the will of His Father. Thus,
immortality became a reality and eter-

and Conduct nallife a possibility for all who would

ever live upon the earth. We com- ,

Sacrament Meetings
memorate His Atonement in a very
personal way. We bring a broken
heart and a contrite spirit to our
sacrament meeting. It is the highiight
of our Sabbath day observance (see
D&C 59:8-13).
The sacramental prayers have
been revealed by the Lord (see
delegated. But you cannot delegate
Moroni 4:3; 5:2; D&C 20:77, 79),
responsibility for sacrament meetings,
These prayers contain covenants and
Generally, you preside and are thus
a promise, We covenant to take upon
responsible for both the spirit and
us the name of Jesus Christ and keep
the content of these meetings.
His commandments. We eat the bro-
This is the one ward or branch
ken bread in remembrance of His
meeting that we attend as a family-
body. We drink the water in remem-
the basic unit of the Church. Teach
brance of His blood that was shed
your family and members to arrive
for us. And we witness that we will
well before sacrament meeting
always remember Him, The promise:
begins, Teach them that we attend,
we will always have HIs Spirit to be
as the Lord commanded, to receive
with us. What a blessing!
the sacrament and renew our cov-
enants, He instituted the sacrament
to remind us of His Atonement.
As a final and specially prepared
Passover supper was ending, Jesus
Doctrinal Foundation took bread, blessed and broke it, and
gave it to His Apostles, saying, "Take,
Thank you, brethren, for your
eat" (Matthew 26:26). "This is my
devotion to the Lord and to His
body which is given for you: this
sacred work. I am humbly grateful
do in remembrance of me" (Luke
to be with you. My teaching on sacra-
22:19). Then He took the cup, said
ment meetings will be addressed par-
a blessing of thanks, and passed it
ticularly to you bishops and branch
to those gathered about Him, saying,
presidents and your counselors.
"This cup is the new testament in Planning Sacrament Meeting
Many of you may be new in your
my blood" (Luke 22:20), ''which is
assignment and somewhat apprehen- With these doctrines in mind,
shed. , . for the remission of sins" brethren, plan your sacrament meet-
sive. Please do not be concerned, Not
(Matthew 26:28). "This do ... in
only will the people be served, but ings thoughtfully. Keep the purpose
remembrance of me. For as often as
your families will be blessed because in mind: to focus upon the Lord and
ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, teach of His Atonement, His example,
of your commitment to the Lord and
ye do [proclaim] the Lord's death"
to His Church. and the doctrines of the gospel.
(I COrinthians 11:25-26). In this way,
Bishoprics and branch presidencies Invitations to speak should
He linked the sacrament to His
have many responsibilities that can be be extended well in advance and
impending Crucifixion.

12
 include a clear description of the After the prayer, ward business is Brethren, please ensure that these
topic assigned and time allotted, conducted, such as releasing and sus- meetings begin and end on time and
along with an offer to help. taining of ward officers and teachers; are not overprogramrned. You need
Let those who pray include mem- recognizing children who advance not hold a prayer meeting before
bers who are not often called upon. from Primary, members called on sacrament meeting. You and others
Avoid patterns of prayers given by missions or other assignments, and invited to participate should be
husband and wife in the same meet- the attainments of young men and seated at least five minutes before
ing. This conveys an unintentional young women; and presenting the the meeting begins so you can be
, message of exclusion to those who names of brethren to receive or spiritually prepared for a worshipful
are single. And you may want to advance in the Aaronic Priesthood experience.
cau tion those invited to pray not and the names of new ward members. During that quiet interval, prelude
to give a sermon. Following the ward business, the music is subdued. This is not a time
Departing missionaries may be meeting continues with the confirma- for conversation or transmission of
given an opportunity to speak in a tion of new members, a sacrament messages. Teach your people to
sacrament meeting. Their family hymn and the administration of the respect their and your own period
members and friends are not invited sacrament, gospel messages and of prayerful meditation as you pre-
to speak. Two or more departing optional additional music, a closing pare spiritually for the sacrament.
missionaries may speak in the same hymn and prayer, and postlude music.
service. Those to be released and sustained Music
Returning missionaries who have do not need to be presented individu- Brethren, teach your music direc-
served honorably should be invited ally.They may be proposed as groups: tor that the hymns of the Church are
to speak in a sacrament meeting and flrst those to be released; then those the basic music for worship services
be given time to share spiritual expe- to be sustained in the priesthood and and the standard for congregational
riences and bear testimony. those to be sustained for callings in singing. Other appropriate selections
Sacrament meetings afford an the auxiliaries. may be used for prelude and postlude
opportunity for youth to speak
briefly on assigned gospel subjects.
At other times high councilors will A Typical Sacrament Meeting
be assigned by the stake president Prelude music
to speak.
Consider calling members to serve Welcome and an acknowledgement of the presiding authority
as greeters and ushers. They can wel- and representative from the high council, if assigned
come worshipers and seat them com- Opening hymn and prayer
fortably, while holding a few rear and Ward business:
aisle seats for those with special
needs. Releasing and sustaining ward officers and teachers
Audiovisual materials such as Recognizing
videocassettes and transparencies children who advance from Primary,
should not be used in a sacrament members called on missions or other assignments,
meeting. attainments of young men and young women
Occasionally members may be Presenting
unable to attend because of illness. brethren to receive or advance in the Aaronic Priesthood,
You may assign priesthood holders to new ward members
administer the sacrament to them
where they are confined. Confirmation of new members
A typical sacrament meeting will Sacrament hymn and administration of the sacrament
include prelude music; a welcome Gospel messages and optional additional music
and acknowledgment of the presid-
Closing hymn and prayer
ing authority and representative from
the high council, if assigned; and an Postlude music
opening hymn and prayer.

JUNE 2003 13
r
music, choir music, and special musi- In conducting the meeting, extend he who prays is giving voice to
cal selections. Opening and dosing a cordial greeting. Detailed announce- covenants that others are making.
hymns are usually sung by the congre- ments are more appropriately handled Cleanliness and purity of heart are
gation. The sacrament hymn is always some other time. expected of those privileged to bless
sung by the congregation. Because we invite all to come unto the sacrament.
Ideally, you would have a choir in Christ, friends and neighbors are
your unit, with an invitation to sing
periodically. A choir can bless lives.
always welcome, but not expected to
take the sacrament. However, it is not
Fast ond Testimony Meetings
Fast and testimony meetings are
1
Sister Nelson and I have fond mem-
ories of our participation years ago
forbidden. They choose for them-
selves. We hope that newcomers
held once a month, usually the first
Sunday. Generally, babies are blessed
I
in the choir of our small branch in among us will always be made to feel on that day. After the sacrament, the
Minneapolis, Minnesota. When we wanted and comfortable. Little chil- conducting brother bears a brief tes-
and the others came forward to sing, dren, as sinless beneficiaries of the timony. He then invites members to
there were more of us in the choir Lord's Atonement, may partake of bear brief, heartfelt testimonies of
than there were members remaining the sacrament as they prepare for the Savior, His teachings, and the
in the congregation. covenants that they will make later Restoration.
Pianos, organs, or their electronic in life. Parents and teachers should help
equivalents are the standard for use Our meetings are always to be children learn what a testimony is
in Church meetings. If other instru- conducted as directed by the Spirit and when it is appropriate for them
ments are used, their use should be (see D&C 46:2). Occasionally some- to express it. Younger children should
in keeping with the spirit of the meet- thing unexpected may arise that you learn to share their testimonies at
ing. Instruments with a loud or less may wish to darify. Please respond to home or in Primary until they are
worshipful sound, such as most brass such promptings and make correc- old enough to bear an appropriate
and percussion, are not appropriate tions, if needed. Otherwise, no addi- testimony unaided in fast and testi-
for sacrament meeting. If a piano, tional commentary is given after the mony meeting.
organ, or accompanist is not available, final speaker has spoken.
appropriate recordings may be used Personal Participation
for accompaniment. Administration of the Socrament
Each member of the Church bears
The song of the righteous is a Bishoprics and branch presiden- responsihility for the spiritual enrich-
prayer unto the Lord (see D&C cies preside over the Aaronic Priest- ment that can come from a sacra-
25:12). Some members seem reluc- hood in wards and branches. You and ment meeting. Each should sing with
tant to sing, perhaps because of fear. advisers to your priesthood quorums a grateful heart and respond with an
Help them to forget themselves and will take every precaution to see that audible "amen" at the condusion of
sing as an opportunity to praise their the sacrament is prepared in advance a prayer or a testimony.
Creator prayerfully. Music in sacra- of the meeting and that the passing We personally ponder the Atone-
ment meeting is for worship, not of the sacrament has been thor- ment of]esus Christ. We reflect upon
for performance. oughly planned. the significance of His suffering at
Brethren, we depend upon you. Those who administer the sacra- Gethsemane and His Crucifixion on
Please do not let our sacred music ment are to look their best and be Calvary.At this time each of us is to
slip away from us, nor allow secular dressed appropriately. White shirts "examine himself" (1 Corinthians
music to replace it. not only look nice, but they are a 11:28) and reflect upon personal
Conducting Socrament Meeting
gentle reminder of other sacred rites, covenants made with the Lord. 1
such as baptismal and temple ordi- At this time we meditate upon the
You dear brethren have respon- nances, at which white dothing is sacred things of God. J
sibility not only to plan these meetings alsowom. Gratefully, I thank the Lord for the
but to conduct them as well. Some in You may designate someone to sacrament meeting and all that it has
your congregation are praying for dell- help the deacons know who receives meant in my life. It has repeatediy
cate promptings and delicate commu- the sacrament first as the presiding rekindled my faith and allowed me
nication from heaven. You can help authority to renew my covenants on a weekly
them by establishing a spirit of rever- Sacramental prayers are to be basis, helping Sister Nelson and me
ence. Reverence invites revelation. offered understandably because

14
 to live and rear our family in the glo- ELDER NEAL A. MAXWELL
rious light of the gospel. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Brethren, I testify that God lives,
that Jesus is the Christ, that this is

1
His Church, restored in these latter
days to fulfill its divine destiny. I pray
for the Lord's blessings to be upon
"What Manner of Men
1
each of you, in the sacred name of
Jesus Christ, amen. Ought [We] to Be?"
(3 Nephi 27:27)

and the Lord. These members are

not high profile, they are meek and
[owly. And these Church members,
often unsung, need to be appreci-
ated by each of us. As these Church
members go so steadily and effec-
tively about their labors, we should
be more mindful of them than we
sometimes are.
Recently [ was musing aloud to
President Packer about these wonder-
ful, meek, and lowly members of the
Church and said to him, "My admira-
tion for them is such that in the next
world, if they need to have their
white robes taken out to be dry-
cleaned, [ would expect to be going
around to pick them up." And he
Gratitude for Those Who Serve
said, quick as a flash, "And I'll be
Brethren, I desire to praise you, doing the dry cleaning." Please, let
to counsel you, and finally to remind us bear in mind these faithful, meek,
you of a very precious promise that and lowly members among the flocks
each of us has received. that you tend so well.
First, may [ thank you genuinely
for your service as priesthood leaders. Becoming a IIMan of Christ"
1 Sometimes you are going to be anx-
ious about whether you are adequate
Now in that context of commen-
dation, some counsel. Anciently, the
or not, but you are probably doing
J better than you think. We commend
resurrected Savior asked of priest-
hood leaders, and He did it quite
you for your service.
searchingly, "What manner of men
Would you please accept our grati-
ought ye to be?" Jesus then pre-
tude likewise for the way in which
scribed that we should be "even
you serve Church members, includ-
as [He] is" (3 Nephi 27:27).
ing those who are quiet, second-mile
So we should be striving, attribute
members of the Church, whose
by attribute, to become more and
deeds are often known only to you
more like Him, including developing

JUNE 2003 15
 the spiritual manners which accom- renewed even when you are exhaust- Hanging on my office wall is a
pany living "after the manner of hap- ed. Your families see you, as will your paper doll from Melissa to remind me
piness" (2 Nephi 5:27). fellow-servants in the Church, when of her prayer and of how she avoided
So, for us, putting off the natural you are tired. We cannot hide the becoming angry.
man (see Mosiah 3:19) and becoming fatigue, so let them also see your
instead a "man of Christ" (Helaman resilience, which is connected with
3:29) does not occur automatically; the promise that 1will mention later.
it occurs "in [the) process of time" Your children will one day leave
(Moses 7:21). So whether you are your nest, but their love of the scrip-
quietly exemplifying for your families tures is portable, and the scriptures
or your Church flocks, there is are portable. Let them carry, in addi-
no substitute for the eloquence tion to the scriptures, a memory of
of example. hearing your voice as patriarch,
The suggestions which now follow father, priesthood leader, as you
apply in every culture, in every eco- read the scriptures aloud and as you
nomic situation. Some of these will liken the scriptures to yourself (see
focus on us as husbands and fathers, 1 Nephi 19:23). They will remember
some will focus on us in our callings, long after they have left the nest. Family Responsibilities
and some will focus on both. Ai; President Packer indicated Now as to our family responsibili-
Brethren, the time remaining in earlier, let us serve with clean hands ties-
your callings is limited. The clock and pure hearts. We have to shun Since, as we all know, no other
is running. But you will never be pornography. We have to also avoid success can compensate for chronic
released as a father or a husband. questionable business practices. failures in the family, inadequate
These are eternal callings, and they Anything that would diminish us leadership at home-s-chrontcally
do not change when you move. spiritually must be shunned. inadequate leadership-will sooner
Should you have any unresolved or later diminish our effectiveness
Personal Preparation shortcomings yourself, go to the in Church leadership.
So, may 1 speak about personal appropriate priesthood leader. We do We recognize you only have so
preparation? not expect each other to be perfect many disposable hours. Please pace
Your first duty is to obtain and in the kingdom, brethren, but we do yourselves, doing things "in wisdom
retain the witness of the Holy Ghost not want our leaders swamped in self- and order" (Mosiah 4:27; see also
that] esus is the Christ (see D&C pity. Self-pity makes us vulnerable. D&C 10:4). Let some of your ptime
46:13-14). When we know, those Life and its events may bring to time be given to your prime respon-
whom we serve will know that we you your own allotment of adversity. Sibilities-your wife and family!
know. And that is incredibly impor- This has to do with the manner of Otherwise, brethren, family gets only
tant. Furthermore, that member men that we ought to be. Accept the leftovers. Besides, however good
of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost, adversity without becoming angry or a day at work, it cannot compensate
prompts us as His shepherds. bitter, and by so doing you will have for a bad day at home.
Now, these promptings, I've testified in a unique and lasting way! Brethren, love your children's
found as I'm sure you have, are not 1 think of young Melissa Howes mother. In an unsettled world, that
always convenient; they are often and how she refused to become special relationship simply must be
very demanding. And sometimes the angry with God as her father, at age solid and settled. Likewise, let your
challenges that we face are almost 43, approached death by cancer. wife and children hear you pray over
overwhelming. When we feel over- During a family prayer just before them by name in your family prayers.
come, He who overcame the world her father died, Melissa said, accord- Please give deserved and specific
will help us (see]ohn 16:33). ing to her mother, "Heavenly Father, praise to your wife, your children,
When you are exhausted, feast bless my daddy, and if you need him and the members of your flocks and
on the inexhaustible gospel. You will more than us, you can have him. We quorums. The world puts people
never plumb its depths or measure want him, but Thy will be done. And down, but you can lift them up,
all its metes and bounds. So as you please help us not to be mad at you." including by giving father's blessings
feast on the scriptures, you will be to your children.

16
 My father was a shy and reluctant which conflicts with the gospel and striving to become. They will see that
but wonderful man, and I had asked its standards must simply fall away we have truly taken upon us Christ's
him for a father's blessing for many like so much old scaffolding. The yoke and are humbly serving others
years. And he just felt so shy and fleering fashions of the world will, (see Matthew 11:29).
reluctant that it didn't occur until ere long, become obsolete anyway Some years ago I was on an
later in my life. Yet in that blessing, (see I Corinthians 7:31). Meanwhile, assignment with, then, Elder Howard
my father anticipated my major ill- we should not heed them. Hunter in Cairo. We shared a hotel
ness by 20 years. And he used these Maintain your dignity and your room and after a long, dusty day
words in blessing me: that I would grooming, even if you are in modest were resting up before the evening
have the "strength to bear the bur- circumstances. In today's world, for meetings. I asked if I could stretch
dens which may come upon [me] instance, Church leaders are often out and nap a bit, and, of course, he
in physical ways ... that [I] may bear among the few examples of appro- said, "Please do." And then I awoke
[them] as [Paul] did, without com- priate grooming. Your appearance prematurely and found President
plaint." I am so grateful that a shy and your presence are your state- Howard Hunter shining my shoes.
but sweet father gave me that father's ments to others about how you see We are to be leader-servants and to
blessing so many years ago. I still yourself and your callings and how bear in mind who we really are. It will
strive to measure up to it. you honor those who called you and be unmistakably conveyed. It will be
Our families experience our imper- sustain them. indelibly imprinted upon the minds
fections all the time. They see our We usually do not think of sustain- and the hearts of others. Granted,
shortfalls. Yet if they can see our spiri- ing those who have called us to a our love may not always be recipro-
tual strivings, they will with the breath position. We need to sustain them. cated, or even appreciated, but love
of kindness blow the chaff away. It was the Sunday after he had been is never wasted.
sustained as a Counselor in the First
Presidency that President Marion G. The Promise for Faithful Leaders
Romney spoke in our ward, and at Now, finally; to the reminder of
the pulpit he said, "1 have always sus- the promise given to you and to me
tained the President of the Church, and to all the faithful brethren-
and I can sustain him even when he That promise is, as you know, that
calls me as one of his Counselors." the Lord will renew you in body. This
We have solemn obligations to sus- is no small thing for those who seek
tain those who have called us. to serve Him with unwearyingness
Your spiritual dignity includes (see D&C 84:33; Helaman 10:4-5).
keeping confidences. The Lord, the During these blessed times of
Church member that you counsel, renewal, there will be moments,
Not only during family home and you really constitute all those brethren, when the Spirit will wash
evenings but also during family meals, who have a need to know certain over you like surf-to refresh you,
have some relaxed and low-key gospel things. And that dignity, that confi- to reassure you, and sometimes to
conversations, where, in the words dentiality, simply must be maintained. brace you. The Holy Ghost will also
of scripture, we "talk of Christ, we Let members and your family not let you know personally that the
rejoice in Christ ... that our children only see you going to the temple, overseeing Lord of the universe
may know to what source they may which reminds us what manner of knows and loves you personally. He
look for a remission of their sins" men and women we ought to be, but has known you for such a long, long
(2 Nephi 25:26) . A good leader is let them also see how what is experi- time. He is in the details of your lives.
always a good listener, especially enced there passes through you to He is mindful, as the scriptures say, of
at home. improve you. His people in every nation, and surely
He is likewise mindful of His priest-
Dignity Serving and Leading hood leaders in every nation (see
Next, brethren, as called agents of Now, brethren, if we will do Alma 26:37).
the Lord- these and like things day by day, we After all, brethren, all those we
Since you and I are preparing to will become the "manner of men" love and serve are God's children!
live in a celestial culture, whatever desired by Jesus. Others will see I so testify in the holy name of
exists in our temporary, local cultures wbat we are but also iobat we are Jesus Christ, amen!

JUNE 2003 17
..

PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON eralities, he will rarely have a suc-

First Counselor in the First Presidency cess; but when he deals in specifics,
he will rarely have a failure. We
eventually set forth a four-step plan

'~ New Spirit to achieve our overall objective of

increasing spirituallty."
The four-step plan of President

Will I Put within You" Christiansen and his counselors was

refined in an excellent fashion. Step
one: "We shall increase the spiritual-
(Ezekiel 36:26) ity of the membership of the East
Cache Stake by every family having
family prayer." Step two: "We shall
increase the spirituality of the mem-
bership of the East Cache Stake by
every member attending sacrament
When President Hinckley gave me
meeting weekly." Step three: "We
the assignment to address you today,
shall increase the spirituality of the
he directed that I speak as the Spirit
membership of the East Cache Stake
of the Lord prompted me. With this
by each member paying an honest
preamble, I shall confine my remarks
tithing." Step four: "We shall increase
largely to ward and stake administra-
the spirituality of the membership of
tion, interspersed with personal expe-
the East Cache Stake by each mem-
riences from my own callings.
ber honoring the Sabbath day and
In 1959, at the time I presided
keeping it holy." Each was the theme
over the Canadian Mission, Elder
for a specific period, with emphasis
ElRay1. Christiansen, a General
given regularly.
Authority, visited our mission.
The result was that each of the
For 10 days we traveled together
specific objectives was attained. The
throughout Ontario and Quebec,
spirituality of the stake membership
where we met in member district
literally soared.
conferences and missionary zone
conferences, and at the conclusion Effort on the Ward Level
Taking Specific Steps of the tour we met with the leaders
Today wards and stakes vary signifi-
of member districts which soon
I commend each of the speakers cantly in maturity, history, and priest-
would be combined to form a stake
from whom we have heard. My mem- hood strength. Each can improve its
of Zion-even the Toronto Stake,
ory goes back to a previous period performance with specific effort.
which became the 300th stake of
when similar topics were presented I was called to serve as bishop of
the Church.
by members of the Quorum of the the Sixth-Seventh Ward in Salt Lake
Elder Christiansen, an excellent
Twelve to what was then called the City in May of 1950. This ward was an
teacher, related a most Significant
general priesthood board meeting amalgamation of the Sixth Ward and
experience from the time he was
and were subsequently carried to the Seventh Ward, which were among
newly called as a stake president.
priesthood leadership meetings in the original 19 wards in Salt Lake.
He said, "When I was called as the
stake conference sessions. Industrialization had decimated the
president of the East Cache Stake in
At that time the Church was number of family dwellings, which
Logan, Utah, my counselors and I
smaller-both numerically and geo- occasioned the combination. At the
reviewed what would be the greatest
graphically. How very grateful we are time I was called, the membership
need of our stake membership. At
to benefit from modem technology, of the ward was a little over 1,000
length we agreed that the principle
which provides instant worldwide most needed was spirituality. We members. These were comprised of
communication. appreciated the truth found in the perhaps 25 percent pioneer families
observation: When one deals in gen- such as mine, 25 percent transient

18
families, and the remaining 50 per- Working with Youth Richard say, "You found me, Bishop!
cent somewhere in between. With regard to the Aaronic You found me. I'll come up." He
As a new bishopric, our first objec- Priesthood and young women of rarely missed another priesthood
tive was to provide an assignment to comparable age, we Simply deter- meeting.
each member of the ward. To heip mined that as a bishopric we would The family moved to a nearby
achieve this goal, we printed a small lend every effort to ensure that no stake. Tune passed, and I received a
pamphlet, very brief, which reiated boy, no girl was lost. For example, phone call informing me that Richard
the pioneer hlstory of the ward, the I turned to my second counselor with was responding to a mission call to
friendly nature of its membership, the plea, "Your assignment, Brother Mexico. I was invited to speak at the
and the need for all to serve. Hemingway, pertains to the deacons sacrament meeting prior to his leaving
How? and those who should be deacons. to the mission field.
First, a dignified call preceded by Pray about it, and then, with the help When Richard responded, he men-
earnest prayer; second, an explana- of the adviser to the deacons and the tioned that the turning point in his
tion concerning what was expected deacons quorum presidency, go to determination to fill a mission came
of the person being called; and, work to ensure that each deacon is one Sunday morning-not in the
third, the presentation of the little ready to be ordained a teacher at chapel, but as he gazed up from the
pamphlet, which contained funda- age 14." depths of a dark grease pit and found
mentals for successfui teaching, I then turned to my first coun- his quorum president's outstretched
such as: selor, Brother Cox, and repeated the hand.
A personality filled with religious same direct but lovingly expressed Through the years I received occa-
quality charge to pray about it and then, with sional progress reports, always signed,
A genuine interest in people. the adviser to the teachers and the "the boy in the grease pit," telling of
A knowledge of the gospel. teachers quorum presidency, to see his testimony, his family,and his faith-
A wholesome attitude. to it that each teacher would be ful service in the Church, including
A utilization of good teaching ready to be ordained a priest at his own service as a bishop.
methods. age 16. Today Richard Casto is once again
The pamphlet also contained I then declared that I would do serving as a bishop.
"8 Points of leadership" by Elder the same with regard to the priests
Guidance from the Scriptures
John A. Widtsoe, a former member quorum.
of the Quorum of the Twelve No effort was to be spared. At our ward priesthood committee
Apostles: Genuine love and a sense of duty meetings and our ward council meet-
The mark offaith were to guide our efforts. ings, we usually began with a perti-
The mark of love I wish I could say that we suc- nent scripture, just to focus our
The mark of understanding ceeded totally, but I can declare that thinking on our duty to rescue. I
The mark of industry the result bordered on the miracu- recall a few of those scriptures; you
The mark of self-effacement lous. One example was Richard are familiar with them:
The mark of obedience Casto, a priest. From Doctrine and Covenants
The mark of sincerity One Sunday morning I observed 64:33-34: "Wherefore, be not weary
The mark of prayer! that Richard was missing from the in well-doing, for ye are laying the
quorum meeting. I left the quorum foundation of a great work. And out
Explained to the newly called
in the care of the adviser and visited of small things proceedeth that which
was the specific help which would be is great. Behold, the Lord requireth
Richard's home. His mother said he
provided. The teacher improvement the heart and a willing mind."
was working at the West Temple
course was explained. Help from the Again, from Doctrine and
Garage. I drove to the garage in
auxiliary organization presidency was Covenants 84:106: "And if any man
search of Richard. I looked every-
assured. The fact that the ward had a
where but could not find him. among you be strong in the Spirit,
Significant number of relatively tran- let him take with him him that is
Suddenly I had the inspiration to
sient members was not considered a weak, that he may be edified in all
gaze down into an old-fashioned
deterrent at all. Rather, this provided
grease pit situated at the side of the meekness, that he may become
an ideal opportunity to reach and
station. From the darkness I could strong also." That is the key to home
teach more of our Heavenly Father's teaching.
see two shining eyes. Then I heard
children. What a privilege!

JUNE 2003
19
 Another, from Doctrine and president asked the members of the Obeying Counsel
Covenants 76:5-6, my favorite: "I, high council to remain for a moment I served as a bishop during the
the Lord, am merciful and gracious longer. period of the Korean War. We had
unto those who fear me, and delight "With an emotion-filled voice, received from Church headquaners
to honor those who serve me in righ- the president thanked the brethren a letter, many letters. This one indi-
teousness and in truth unto the end. of the council for their service and cated that bishops should send a per-
Great shall be their reward and eter- devotion. It had been a long evening, sonalletter -not a form letter, a
nal shall be their glory." and all were tired, but as the high personal letter -to each serviceman
And finally,from Doctrine and councilors listened to their president every month, along with a subscrip-
Covenants 88:78, a favorite of Presi- express his love and gratitude for tion to the Church magazine, at that
dent Packer: "Teach ye diligently and them the weariness departed and time the Improvement Era, and a
my grace shall attend you." the spirit of their callings filled and subscription to the Church News.
warmed them. That took a little doing. In our large
Your Time to Serve "'I don't know what I would do ward, we had about 18 servicemen
Brethren, this is your time to without you brethren,' the president serving. We did not have much
serve. Today stake presidents do not said. 'You are my arms and legs in money. Priesthood quorums, with
serve for 20 to 30 years, as they did carrying out the work of the Lord in effort, supplied funds for the sub-
at an earlier period. Bishops do not this stake. I regard each of you with scriptions to the publications, and I
serve for 34 years, as did Bishop the same esteem I hold for my two took care of the letter writing to each
William Thorn of the ward where I counselors in the presidency."" one. From my experiences in the
presided. When I served as a ward I commend the priesthood leader- Navy at the end of a previous war,
clerk, I searched the Church micro- ship of this Church, brethren, world- I knew the importance of receiving
film records of that ward and learned wide. When the Church calls, you communication from home.
that the First Presidency once sent serve. You serve Willingly.You serve One day the sister who took
Bishop Thorn an unusual letter faithfully.As fathers, as husbands, as the shorthand for those individually
which had this language within it: sons, as brothers, you honor the dictated letters said to me, "Bishop
"Dear Bishop Thorn: counsel given by the Apostle Paul to Monson, don't you ever get discour-
"As you know, Bishop Harrison Tunothy: "Be thou an example of the aged?"
Sperry of the Fourth Ward has been believers, in word, in conversation, in I said, "No, I don't, Why?"
called to serve a two-year mission to charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" "Do you realize," she explained,
England. So that he will not lose his (1 Tunothy 4:12). "that this is the 17th consecutive
bishopric while he is so serving, we President John Taylor provided a monthly letter you've sent to
are calling you, Bishop Thorn, to look motivating caution to you and me Lawrence Bryson, and you've never
after the affairs of the Fourth Ward when he declared, "If you do not received a reply?"
until Bishop Sperry rerurns. This, magnify your callings, God will hold I said, "Well, send number 17.
of course, will be in addition to your you responsible for those whom you It might do the job." And it did.
responsibilities as the bishop of the might have saved had you done your I received a reply from an APO num-
Seventh Ward. duty"
ber in San Francisco. Brother Bryson,
"Sincerely your brethren, the First President Harold B. Lee, when far away in the Pacific,had written a
Presidency." speaking to priesthood leaders, said short letter which began, "Dear Bish-
Quite a number of you attending this: "When one becomes a holder op, I've been owing you this letter for
this priesthood leadership session of the priesthood, he becomes an some time now;"
serve on the high council of your agent of the Lord. He should think
"I don't know about what I'll talk
stakes. You fill a vital role. From the of his calling as though he were on
about or say. This is the first time
Church News I read this account the Lord's errand." When you are on I've ever written or tried writing to
which to me was inspiring and the Lord's errand, you are entitled to a bishop. How are you and your fam-
demonstrated a classic virtue of the Lord's help.
ily?How is the Church? How was
Church government-namely, an My personal plea is that all of us
Christmas? I would have liked to
expression of appreciation: will strive to know what we should
have been there. It's quite a change
"At the end of the formal [discipli- know, to do what we should do, and
from Christmas at home to Christmas
nary council] proceedings, the stake to be what we should be.
here.

20
 "Well, Bishop, I've run out of Notes
words already. As you can see, I'm 1. John A. Widtsoe, "8 Points of
still the same backward kid you knew. Leadership," Improvement Era, June
1939,330-31,378,380.
But lowed you this letter, and here 2. "A 'Sacred Calling,''' Church News,
it is. Keep the letters coming. It's a 19 Feb. 1994, 16.
3. In Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, 6 Aug.
pleasure to get them. Tell everyone 1878, 1.
hello. I'll tty to drop you a few 4. Stand Ie in Holy Places (1974), 255.
lines once in a while. Till then, I'm
sincerely yours, Lawrence Bryson.
"P.S.I forgot to thank you for the
Church News and magazines. They're
great."
I still have that wonderful letter
written to me from Lawrence Bryson
and dated "Christmas Day,December
25, 1953." It was one of the most
treasured Christmas gifts ever
received by me.
Yes, you sometimes wonder after
17 letters have been sent why no
reply has come, but I remembered a
line of truth: "The wisdom of God
may appear as foolishness to men.
But the greatest single lesson we can
learn in mortality is that when God
speaks and a man obeys, that man
will always be right." The leaders of
the Church had spoken. We as bish-
ops needed only to obey. The bless-
ing was sure to follow.
We have a model to follow, breth-
ren, in President Gordon B. Hinckley,
our prophet, seer, and revelator. He
is receptive to the Spirit of the Lord.
He lives in such a way as to merit His
direction. He asks nothing from all of
us beyond that which he himself
exemplifies.
I close with the words of Jesus,
who declared, "Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock: if any man hear my
voice, and open the door, I will come
in to him" (Revelation 3:20). That is
our promise.
He is our Lord and Master. We are
His servants. Let us so serve that we
may be worthy of His clivinehelp and
approbation, I humbly pray, in the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

JUNE 2003 21
 PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY Well, repetition is a law of learning.
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints No matter how long we have served,
we need constant refreshing and
exposure to new ideas and different

Rejoicing faces, all designed to bring about a

strengthening of the work.
As I have been listening with you,

in the Privilege to Serve a question has arisen in my mind as

I believe it has in each of yours. That
question is this: "How can I find the
time to do it all?"
Let me say that there is never
enough time to do it all. There is so
much more than any of us can single-
handedly give attention to.
I think I know something of this.
Russia and to her neighbors; in I have been where many of you are
Mexico, Central America, and in all today. There is only one way you can
the lands of South America; in Asia, get it done. That is to follow the
in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, direction which the Lord gave Joseph
the Philippines, Thalland, Malaysia, Smith. To him He said, "Organize
India, and on down to Singapore and yourselves; prepare every needful
Indonesia; in Australia and New
thing" (D&C 88: 119).
Zealand, and the isles of the Pacific;
in Africa with all its many nations; A Fourfold Responsibility
across Canada and the United States.
Each of us has a fourfold respon-
I think of the miracle of it all.
sibility. First, we have a responsibility
I think first of the miracle of the
to our families. Second, we have a
growth of the Church. The little
responsibility to our employers.
stone which was cut out of the
Third, we have a responsibility to
mountain without hands is rolling
the Lord's work. Fourth, we have
forth to fill the earth (see Daniel
a responsibility to ourselves.
2:34-35). I think also of the miracle
First, it is imperative that you not
of speaking to you in these circum-
The Miracle of It All neglect your families. Nothingyou
stances. We are men of different
My dear brethren, what a pleasure have is more precious. Your WIVes
nations and different languages, but
and an honor and an opportunity to and your children are deserving of
we are all servants of the living God,
say a few wrap-up words. This has the attention of their husbands and
leaders in His Church and kingdom.
been a great session, and I hope that fathers. When all is said and done, it
It is a glorious miracle that we are
after this meeting is over, all of us is this family relationship which we
thus able to join together.
who will have opportunity to have will take with us into the life beyond.
It is important that we do so. The
it in printed form or otherwise might To paraphrase the words of scripture,
Lord has provided the way.
take occasion to review it again and "What shall it profit a man though he
We now have some 350 or 400 new
again and again. It will be profitable serve the Church faithfully and lose
stake presidents every year. We have
to do so. his own family?" (see Mark 8:36).
some 4,500 new bishops each year.
While the Brethren have been Together with them, determine
Other officers are constantly rotating.
speaking I have been thinking of you, how much time you will spend WIth
New leaders must be trained, and
my dear associates in this great work. them and when. And then stick to It.
some of the mature leaders may be
In my mind's eye I have seen you 'fry not to let anything interf~re ..
inclined to say, "I've heard it all
across the world-in all the nations Consider it sacred. Consider It bind-
before."
of Europe and to the east across ing. Consider it an earned time of
enjoyment.

22
 ing to the needs of the members of of my life. I watch others work, and
his ward. they tell me how happy they are.
Four, every Church leader has an I have the best job in the Church."
obligation to himself. He must get Now, of course, this man had an
needed rest and exercise. He needs immense amount of work to do.
a little recreation. He must have time There were many responsibilities
to study. Every Church officer needs which he could not give to others.
to read the scriptures. He needs time But the frustration was gone. The
to ponder and meditate and think by worry was gone. He had the capacity
himself. Wherever possible he needs to make assignments and to make
to go with his wife to the temple as those to whom assignments were
Keep Monday night sacred opportunity permits. given feel that everything depended
for family home evening. Have an These four obligations rest upon on the way they performed. As a
evening alone with your wife. Arrange each of us. With thoughtful consider- matter of fact, it did.
some vacation time with the entire ation and careful planning, we can so Brethren, I want to plead with you
family. budget our time as to accommodate that you be happy in your work. Wear
Two, to your business or your them. We cannot, brethren, we must a smile on your face, and have a song
employer. You have an obligation. Be not neglect anyone of them. The in your heart as you serve the Lord.
honest with your employer. Do not Lord does not expect us to be super- I am an old man now. I Simply do
do Church work on his time. Be loyal men. But if we will place ourselves in not have the energy to do what I
to him. He compensates you and His hands, if we will plead with Him once did. But I will not permit myself
expects results from you. You need in prayer, He will inspire us and help to be unhappy in doing what I can.
employment to care for your family. us. He will magnify us and make us The demands are great. I feel a
Without it you cannot be an effective equal to the responsibility. constant, unrelenting concern for
Church worker. He has said, "Be thou humble; and what is being accomplished in the
Three, to the Lord and His work. the Lord thy God shall lead thee by Church. I want to do better; I want
Budget your time to take care of your the hand, and give thee answer to thy to improve things. But I know that
Church responsibilities. Recognize prayers" (O&C 112:10). I cannot do it alone. I have two won-
first that every officer has many He has further said, "God shall derful counselors, able and dedicated
helpers, as we have been reminded give unto you knowledge by his Holy men. I have the Council of the
today. The stake president has two Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of Twelve. There is no better body of
able counselors. The presidency has the Holy Ghost" (O&C 121:26). The men on the face of the earth. I have
a high council of dedicated and able challenge that faces every good the Seventy and the Bishopric. And
men. They have clerks as they need leader is the challenge oflearning to I have all of you working together as
them. Every bishop has counselors. delegate. Every stake president, every one great family to assist our Father
They are there to lift the burdens of bishop, every quorum president must in bringing to pass His incomparable
his office from his shoulders. He has pass responsibility to others so that work concerning the immortality and
a ward council, together with others he will have the time to do that eternal life of His children. I have the
to whom he may and must delegate which he alone must do. great blessing of prayer. And so does
responsibility He has the members each of you. I have the opportunity
of his ward, and the more he can del- Happiness in This Work to get on my knees and ask the Lord
egate to them, the lighter will be his Brethren, if you are constantly to show me the way and give me the
burden and the stronger will grow complaining that you have too much strength and the will and the wisdom
their faith. to do, then you do have too much to accomplish that which He would
Every priesthood quorum presi- to do. You need to get rid of some have done.
dent has counselors, as well as the of it because a disgruntled leader There is no other work in all the
membership of the quorum. It is so becomes a poor leader. world so fraught with happiness as is
with the Relief Society. No bishop I asked a friend who had been this work. That happiness is peculiar.
can expect to fill the shoes of his made a bishop how he was getting It comes of serving others. It is real.
Relief Society president in minister- along. He said, "I am having the time It is unique. It is wonderful.

JUNE 2003 23
 Notes

The Privilege to Serve speaking I felt impressed to say sim- cause and kingdom. I do it all in the
In conclusion, let me tell you of an ply: 'It is over. You have suffered long sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
experience recounted by L. Robert enough. I am sure the Lord has for- amen.
Webb when he served as a bishop. given you. Repentance consists of
Bishop Webb said: forsaking a sin and confessing. You Note
"I learned from my counselors at forsook that guilty act long, long ago. 1. 1. Robert Webb, "vast and Intimate: The
Atonement in the Heavens and in the
one point that an elderly sister had Tonight you also confessed. Now you Heart," Brigham Young University
declined a calling in the ward. Sensing are free. I feel certain that the Lord 1998-99 Speeches (1999), 78-79.
that something was amiss ... , I made has forgotten your transgression and
an appointment to go to her home to is eager to dispel your guilt with
speak with her. When I got there, she redeeming grace.'
and her husband were both present. ''After kneeling in prayer together
''After a little polite conversation I we three stood encircled in one
said that I understood that she had another's arms as they sobbed out
not felt comfortable in accepting a the last of their pent-up suffering and
ward calling and asked what I could anguish.
do to help. Both of them stared at " 'Oh, Bishop, is it really over?'
the floor a long, long time before she they asked.
answered. At last she spoke to explain "I assured them that it was.
that 50 years earlier, before they had "The loving kindness and the
been married, they had been intimate grace of the Savior poured into their
with one another and had been too lives in sweet forgiving. He reached
ashamed to clear this up with the past the things that separated them
bishop before being married in the from him and embraced them in
temple. For all of these years they sweet communion."l
had lived under the guilty burden of Yours, my dear brethren across the
this transgression while paying gener- world, is the privilege of standing in
ous tithes and offerings, ... rearing a the shadow of the Redeemer of the
family in the faith, and sending chil- world as we carry forward this work.
dren on missions. Yours is the opportunity to speak of
"Though they were faithful, they the beauty of the atoning blood of
were not whole. They were kept from the Lord Jesus Christ in behalf of His
the peace and contentment that sons and daughters. Could there be a
should have been theirs in golden greater privilege than this?
years by clouds of self-doubt and the Rejoice in the privilege which is
tarnished memory of unresolved yours. Your opportunity will not last
transgression. Outwardly they forever. Too soon there will be only
seemed secure and serene. Inwardly the memory of the great experience
they were carrying a kind of damage you are now having.
and hurt that intruded on their spiri- None of us will accomplish all
tual confidence. Together they had we might wish to. But let us do the
suffered this awful alienation from best we can. I am satisfied that the
the Lord for a long time. Redeemer will then say, "Well done,
"I do not know why their ordeal thou good and faithful servant"
lasted a lifetime. I only know when (Matthew 25:21).
it ended as the Lord lifted them from God bless you, my beloved breth-
their lonely lamentations. As I tear- ren. I leave you with my love for you.
fullylistened to their story; I prayed Each of you has a warm place in my
earnestly to know what I might do heart. I leave my blessing upon you
to relieve them. When they finished as my fellow servan ts in this great

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 THE CHURCH OF

JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS