After Baptism What? (1950s)

after

BAPTISM what?

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

AFTER BAPTISM W H A T ?

A s a prisoner, the Apostle P a u l once stood before K i n g A g r i p p a m a k i n g a m i g h t y defense of himself a n d the gospel of C h r i s t . So impressed w a s the k i n g that he s a i d to P a u l , " A l m o s t thon irersuadest m e to be a C h r i s t i a n . " ' The! A p o s t l e t o l d the k i n g of his o w n eonversion to C h r i s t , d e s e r i b i n g his j o u r n e y to D a m a s c u s to persecute the Saints. I t w a s then, he said, that a b r i g h t l i g h t c a m e f r o m h e a v e n , a n d a voice said, " S a u l , S a u l , w h y persccutest thou m e ? it is h a r d for thee to k i c k against the p r i c k s . " " A n d I said," continued Paul, " W h o art thou, L o r d ?

A n d he said, I a m Jesus w h o m thou persccutest."

P a u l then told the k i n g that the c r u c i f i e d a n d resurrected Jesus C h r i s t c a l l e d h i m into the m i n i s t r y a n d sent h i m to p r e a c h to the C e n t i l e s , "to open their eyes, a n d to t u r n t h e m f r o m darkness to light, a n d f r o m the p o w e r of Satan unto C o d , that they m a y receive forgiveness of sins, a n d inheritance a m o n g them w h i c h are sanctified b y f a i t h that is in m e . " A s P a u l a f t e r w a r d s w e n t a m o n g the nations m a n y people b e l i e v e d his teachings, repented of their sins, a n d j o i n e d the C h u r c h of Jesus C h r i s t b y b a p t i s m of the w a t e r a n d of the s p i r i t .

E a c h one thus b a p t i z e d c a m e " f r o m darkness to light, a n d f r o m the p o w e r of Satan unto C o d . " E a c h also r e c e i v e d the forgiveness of sins a n d the sacred i n h e r i t a n c e of w h i c h P a u l spoke to A g r i p p a .

I t is the same today. W h e n persons are c o n v e r t e d to the true gospel of Jesus C h r i s t , a n d are b a p t i z e d b y the a u t h o r i z e d servants of C o d , they too r e c e i v e a remission of 'Acts 26:28. =Acts 26:14-15, 18.

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t h e i r sins, a n d they too t u r n f r o m darkness to the light.

A n d they r e c e i v e that same i n h e r i t a n c e w h i c h w a s g i v e n to the m e m b e r s of the ancient C h u r c h . A l l of this comes to t h e m because of the completeness of the restoration of the gospel i n these m o d e r n times.

B u t after e n t e r i n g the C h u r c h , w h a t are n e w m e m b e r s supposed to do? W h a t are the next steps? A r e they to become a c t i v e p a r t i c i p a n t s in it, or are they to r e m a i n passive i n their w o r s h i p of the L o r d ?

T h e S a v i o r has g i v e n the a n s w e r . I t is that e a c h one s h a l l labor i n the k i n g d o m w i t h a l l his heart, m i g h t , m i n d a n d strength, a n d b r i n g f o r t h m u c h f r u i t . " I a m the v i n e , " s a i d the S a v i o r as he e x p l a i n e d this p r i n c i p l e . " Y e are the b r a n c h e s ; H e that a b i d e t h i n me, a n d I i n h i m , the same b r i n g e t h f o r t h m u c h f r u i t . " ' A l l w h o b e c o m e m e m b e r s of his true C h u r c h become p a r t of that v i n e , a c t u a l branches, as the L o r d e x p l a i n e d .

A n d a l l m u s t p r o d u c e " m u c h f r u i t " to be acceptable to h i m .

I n the S e r m o n on the M o u n t h e e x p l a i n e d that " e v e r y tree that b r i n g e t h not f o r t h good f r u i t is h e w n d o w n , a n d cast into the fire."^ T h e P r o p h e t N e p h i m a d e a elear e x p l a n a t i o n of w h a t s h o u l d f o l l o w b a p t i s m . S a i d h e : " A n d then are y e i n this straight a n d n a r r o w p a t h w h i c h leads to eternal l i f e ; y e a , y e h a v e entered i n b y the gate; y e h a v e done a c c o r d i n g to the c o m m a n d m e n t s of the F a t h e r a n d the S o n ; a n d y e h a v e r e c e i v e d the H o l y C h o s t , w h i c h witnesses of the F a t h e r a n d the Son, unto the f u l f i l l i n g of the p r o m i s e w h i c h h e h a t h m a d e , that if y e entered i n b y the w a y y e should receive. " A n d n o w , m y b e l o v e d b r e t h r e n , after y e h a v e gotten into this straight a n d n a r r o w p a t h , I w o u l d ask if a l l is done? B e h o l d , I say unto y o u . N a y ; for y e h a v e not come "John 15:5.

'Matthew 7:19.

thus f a r save i t w e r e b y the w o r d of C h r i s t w i t h u n s h a k e n f a i t h i n h i m , r e l y i n g w h o l l y u p o n the merits of h i m w h o is m i g h t y to save. " W h e r e f o r e , y e m u s t press f o r w a r d w i t h a steadfastness i n C h r i s t , h a v i n g a perfect brightness of hope, a n d a love of C o d a n d of a l l m e n . W h e r e f o r e , if y e s h a l l press f o r w a r d , feasting u p o n the w o r d of C h r i s t , a n d e n d u r e to the e n d , b e h o l d , thus s a i t h the F a t h e r : Y e s h a l l h a v e e t e r n a l life."'^ I n s p e a k i n g to the N e p h i t e s , Jesus h i m s e l f e x p l a i n e d the importance of p e r f e c t i n g o u r lives. H e s a i d , " A n d no u n c l e a n t h i n g c a n enter into h i s k i n g d o m ; therefore nothing entereth into h i s rest save i t b e those w h o h a v e w a s h e d their garments i n m y blood, because of their f a i t h , a n d t h e repentance of a l l their sins, a n d their faithfulness unto the end."ÂŤ K e e p i n g h i s c o m m a n d m e n t s is f u n d a m e n t a l to o u r b e i n g acceptable to the L o r d . L i e interprets love for h i m i n terms of service a n d obedience to h i m , for he s a i d , " I f y e love m e , keep m y c o m m a n d m e n t s . . . . L i e that h a t h m y c o m m a n d m e n t s a n d k e e p e t h t h e m , h e i t is that l o v e t h m e . . . . I f a m a n love m e , h e w i l l keep m y w o r d s . . . . H e that l o v e t h m e not k e e p e t h not m y s a y i n g s . " ' W h e n s p e a k i n g to h i s m o d e r n saints t h r o u g h t h e P r o p h e t Joseph S m i t h the L o r d e x p l a i n e d f u r t h e r b y s a y i n g , " O y e t h a t e m b a r k i n the service of C o d , see that y e serve h i m w i t h a l l y o u r heart, m i g h t , m i n d a n d strength, that y e may s t a n d blameless before C o d at the last d a y . " " W e e m b a r k i n the service of C o d w h e n w e join h i s C h u r c h . T h e a c t of e m b a r k i n g is b u t the b e g i n n i n g of a j o u r n e y w h i c h s h o u l d b e of l i f e l o n g d u r a t i o n , i n a spirit of devotion a n d obedience. T o keep h i s c o m m a n d m e n t s w i l l "2 Nephi 31:18-20.

"3 Nephi 27:19.

'John 1 4 : 1 5 , 2 1 , 2 3 - 2 4 .

'Doctrine & Covenants 4 : 2 .

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r e q u i r e a c o m b i n a t i o n of both o u r f a i t h a n d our w o r k s , for f a i t h w i t h o u t w o r k s is d e a d . " P a u l h a d this i n m i n d w h e n h e w r o t e to the P h i l i p p i a n s : " W o r k out y o u r o w n s a l v a t i o n w i t h fear a n d t r e m b l i n g . " ' " B u t i n w h a t d i r e c t i o n are w e to w o r k ? I s there a p l a n to f o l l o w ? H o w a r e w e to go about this business of s e r v i n g the L o r d ? H o w a r e w e to " b r i n g forth m u c h f r u i t " as h e has c o m m a n d e d ?

T h e L o r d ' s house is a house of order. H e does h a v e a definite p l a n for u s , a n d it is a c c o r d i n g to this p l a n that w e m u s t w o r k . I t has to do w i t h our i n d i v i d u a l , personal l i v e s as w e l l as w i t h our attitude t o w a r d o u r f e l l o w m e n . O u r a c c e p t a n c e before t h e L o r d is based u p o n both p r i n c i p l e s .

W h e n P a u l w r o t e to the E p h e s i a u s e x p l a i n i n g the p u r pose of the organization of the C h u r c h h e said that it w a s "for the p e r f e c t i n g of the saints, for the w o r k of t h e m i n istry, f o r the e d i f y i n g of the body of C h r i s t " ( m e a n i n g h i s people w h o a r e m e m b e r s of h i s o r g a n i z e d C h u r c h ) .

H e e x p l a i n e d too that this C h u r c h organization w o u l d serve as a protection to its m e m b e r s against b e i n g l e d astray b y the false teachings of u n i n s p i r e d a n d e v i l m e n . " T h e p e r f e c t i o n of the saints is one of the great objectives of the gospel. M o r o n i , the last s u r v i v i n g prophet of the B o o k of M o r m o n , a p p e a l e d to h i s readers as h e d r e w near the close of h i s w r i t i n g , s a y i n g , " Y e a , come unto C h r i s t , a n d b e perfected i n h i m , a n d cleny yourselves of a l l u n g o d liness; a n d if y e s h a l l d e n y yourselves of a l l ungodliness, a n d love w i t h a l l y o u r might, m i n d a n d strength, t h e n is h i s grace sufficient f o r y o u , that b y h i s grace y e m a y b e perfect i n C h r i s t ; a n d if b y the grace of C o d y e a r c perfect i n C h r i s t , y e c a n i n n o w i s e deny t h e p o w e r of Cocf."'•James 2:14-26.

"Philippians 2:12.

"Ephesians 4:11-14.

"Moroni 10:32.

T h e S a v i o r c o m m a n d e d this of his people, s a y i n g , " B e 'e therefore perfect, e v e n as y o u r F a t h e r w h i c h is i n T h e C h u r c h then becomes a factor of great importance to us. I t becomes the means b y w h i c h w e b u i l d C h r i s t - l i k e traits of c h a r a c t e r w i t h i n ourselves, it becomes a " v e h i c l e " by w h i c h the saints m a y w o r k together for their c o m m o n good, a n d it p r o v i d e s protection against those w o r l d l y forces w h i c h w o u l d destroy our s a l v a t i o n .

Since w e are to " w o r k out our s a l v a t i o n , " w e are to w o r k it out t h r o u g h a n d i n the C h u r c h w h i c h is set u p specifically for that purpose.

T o w o r k i n the C h u r c h is to p a r t i c i p a t e i n the activities of the C h u r c h , to engage i n the p r o g r a m it p r o v i d e s , a n d to be associated w i t h the other saints i n the w o r k of the Lord.

T h e n after b a p t i s m , w e should m a k e definite plans to be a c t i v e i n the C h u r c h . I t s p r o g r a m touches e v e r y righteous phase of our lives, i n c l u d i n g our o w n personal habits, our homes a n d our relationship w i t h people w h e t h e r i n business, i n our l o c a l c o m m u n i t y or i n the nation.

L e t us list some of the i m p o r t a n t parts of its p r o g r a m : I -

AS IT EFFECTS US

INDIVIDUALLY

F i r s t , our attitude must be i n h a r m o n y w i t h the gospel.

T h e L o r d o u t l i n e d w h a t he expects of a n e w c o n v e r t i n Section 20 of the D o c t r i n e a n d C o v e n a n t s . A s w e r e a d w h a t he says i n verse 37 of that section w e are i m p r e s s e d w i t h the thought that the L o r d requires sincerity. H e says i n this verse that the n e w c o n v e r t m u s t h u m b l e h i m s e l f before C o d . T h a t h u m i l i t y of soul m u s t continue w i t h h i m a l w a y s .

N e x t he says w e are to h a v e b r o k e n hearts a n d contrite "Matthew 5:48.

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spirits, that is, hearts w h i c h are repentant, a n d spirits w h i c h are s u b m i s s i v e to the w i l l of G o d .

R e c o g n i z i n g that w e are m o r t a l a n d subject to mistakes, w e m u s t strive constantly to a v o i d s i n , a n d to repent of a n y mistakes w e do m a k e .

T h e L o r d m u s t h a v e h a d this i n m i n d w h e n he said, " T h e r e f o r e if t h o u b r i n g thy gift to the altar, a n d there r e m e m b e r e s t that t h y brother h a t h ought against thee; l e a v e there t h y gift before the altar, a n d go thy w a y ; first be r e c o n c i l e d to t h y brother, a n d t h e n come a n d offer t h y gift.""

T h e r e v e l a t i o n also indicates that as w e take u p o n ourselves the n a m e of C h r i s t , w e do so w i t h a d e t e r m i n a t i o n to serve h i m to the e n d of our l i v e s , a n d that w e m a n i f e s t by o u r w o r k s that w e h a v e r e c e i v e d of his S p i r i t .

I n a s m u c h as this is a r e q u i r e m e n t B E F O R E b a p t i s m , it becomes a s t a n d a r d for our c o n d u c t A F T E R b a p t i s m .

T h e r e are m a n y c o m m a n d m e n t s r e f e r r i n g to our personal, p r i v a t e conduct. W e h a v e room for b u t a f e w of t h e m here. B u t w e m a y m e n t i o n these: Prayer.

A L a t t e r - d a y S a i n t m u s t be p r a y e r f u l . T h e G e n e r a l A u t h o r i t i e s e m p h a s i z e the teachings of the scriptures that w e p r a y p r i v a t e l y , b y ourselves, f r e q u e n t l y , a n d that w e j o i n w i t h our f a m i l i e s i n d a i l y f a m i l y p r a y e r .

Fasting.

T h e first S u n d a y of e a c h m o n t h is designated as F a s t D a y i n the C h u r c h . O n that d a y it is expected that e a c h m e m b e r of the C h u r c h w h o is i n good h e a l t h w i l l r e f r a i n f r o m e a t i n g t w o meals, a n d this constitutes the m o n t h l y fast of the L a t t e r - d a y Saints. G e n e r a l l y this consists of going w i t h o u t b r e a k f a s t a n d the noon d a y m e a l , a n d t h e n b r e a k i n g the fast at the u s u a l t i m e of the e v e n i n g m e a l . A l t h o u g h there is no set p e r i o d d u r i n g w h i c h a fast w i l l continue, it is c u s t o m a r y to fast f r o m e v e n i n g to even i n g , or for 24 hours. S m a l l c h i l d r e n are not a s k e d to fast, "Matthew 5:23-24.

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nor are older people w h o s e h e a l t h w o u l d be j e o p a r d i z e d thereby.

Fast Offering.

I t is also c u s t o m a r y i n the C h u r c h to give to the bishop for the benefit of the poor the v a l u e of meals s a v e d b y s u c h a fast. S u c h donations are c a l l e d fast offerings. T h e s e donations are u s u a l l y r e c e i v e d i n sealed envelopes b y the A a r o n i c Priesthood w h o c a l l at the home, or at the m e e t i n g house.

Tithing.

M e m b e r s of the C h u r c h are expected to p a y a f u l l t i t h i n g . P a y m e n t s are m a d e to the president of the b r a n c h or the bishop of the w a r d , w h o are a u t h o r i z e d to give f u r t h e r counsel on this subject. T i t h i n g f u n d s are u s e d for b u i l d i n g temples, m e e t i n g houses, c a r r y i n g on missionary w o r k a n d m e e t i n g m a n y other C h u r c h - w i d e expenses.

Other Donations.

T h e r e a r e other donations w h i c h are m a d e b y C h u r c h m e m b e r s , i n c l u d i n g contributions to the C h u r c h W e l f a r e P r o g r a m , to f u n d s for m a i n t e n a n c e of our b u i l d i n g s a n d grounds, to priesthood q u o m m projects and other a c t i v i t i e s . A l t h o u g h none of these contributions are r e q u i r e d of the people, a n d a l l are v o l u n t a r y , it is expected that f a i t h f u l m e m b e r s w i l l support a n d sustain the C h u r c h w i t h t h e i r means as w e l l as w i t h their talents.

The Word of Wisdom.

T h e L o r d r e f e r r e d to repentance f r o m a l l our sins as b e i n g a p r e r e q u i s i t e to baptism.'"'

T h i s has specific reference, a m o n g other things, to items p r o h i b i t e d i n the W o r d of W i s d o m , w h i c h is f o u n d i n Section 89 of the D o c t r i n e a n d C o v e n a n t s . I n the W o r d of W i s d o m w e a r e counselled against the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco a n d hot d r i n k s . T h e hot d r i n k s r e f e r r e d to are i n t e r p r e t e d as b e i n g tea a n d coffee. T h e r e f o r e w e list f o u r prohibitions i n the W o r d of W i s d o m ; alcoholic beverages ( i n c l u d i n g b e e r ) , a l l forms of tobacco, a n d tea a n d coffee. T h e L o r d d e c l a r e d i t to be "the order a n d w i l l "•'Doctrino and Covenants 20:37.

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of G o d i n the t e m p o r a l s a l v a t i o n of a l l saints i n the last d a y s . " " T h e r e f o r e obedience to this l a w is r e q u i r e d of f a i t h f u l L a t t e r - d a y Saints.

Morality.

T h e C h u r c h regards sex s i n as b e i n g next to m u r d e r i n its seriousness. Persons w h o h a v e b e e n guilty of this sin i n the past a n d h a v e c o m p l e t e l y r e p e n t e d of it, m a y r e c e i v e forgiveness. B u t f u r t h e r indulgence i n this sin leads to e x c o m m u n i c a t i o n f r o m the C h u r c h . R e p e n t a n c e m e a n s complete a b a n d o n m e n t of the s i n , the m a k i n g of w h a t recompense c a n be made, a n d sincere l i v i n g of the l a w s of C o d by s u c h i n d i v i d u a l for the rest of his or h e r life. T h e L o r d c o m m a n d s that e a c h m a n m u s t be true to his o w n w i f e , that e a c h w i f e m u s t be true to h e r o w n h u s b a n d , that they are to " c l e a v e " unto eaeh other, a n d "none else."

I t is r e c o m m e n d e d that Section 42 of the D o c t r i n e a n d C o v e n a n t s , verses 22 to 26 be r e a d c a r e f u l l y , as w e l l as the 39th c h a p t e r of A l m a i n the B o o k of M o r m o n . T h e m o r a l l a w is u p h e l d i n the T e n C o m m a n d m e n t s " a n d i n m a n y other parts of the s c r i p t u r e .

The Sabbath Day. T h e r e is no more f u n d a m e n t a l l a w i n the go.spel t h a n observance of the S a b b a t h D a y . T h e L o r d r e q u i r e d it i n the T e n C o m m a n d m e n t s , a n d reiterated it m a n y times later. O n e of the most i m p r e s s i v e statements on the S a b b a t h D a y is that a p p e a r i n g i n the D o c t r i n e a n d C o v e n a n t s , Section 59 b e g i n n i n g w i t h verse nine. T h e S a b b a t h s h o u l d be devoted to s a c r e d purposes. O n that d a y w e s h o u l d a v o i d c o m m e r c i a l transactions a n d entertainments of a l l k i n d s , as w e l l as our u s u a l amusements a n d occupations. I t is r e a l i z e d that c o w s m u s t be m i l k e d , a n i m a l s m u s t be f e d a n d c e r t a i n other e m p l o y m e n t must be c a r r i e d on. B u t the spirit of a l l this is reflected i n the w o r d s of the L o r d as set f o r t h i n the above m e n t i o n e d r e v e l a t i o n to J o s e p h S m i t h the P r o p h e t . W h a t m u s t be "Doctrine and Covenants "Exodus 20.

89:2.

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done s h o u l d be a c c o m p l i s h e d " w i t h singleness of h e a r t , " as the L o r d said.

Honesty.

O n e of the A r t i c l e s of F a i t h of the C h u r c h begins w i t h the w o r d s : " W e b e l i e v e i n b e i n g h o n e s t . " " T h a t refers to our business dealings, to contacts w i t h n e i g h bors, w i t h theaters, bus lines, a n d r a i l r o a d s . I t refers to l y i n g , b e a r i n g of false w i t n e s s , the p a y m e n t of our r e g u l a r bills, a n d to a l l of our dealings. T h e C h u r c h accepts w h a t the L o r d s a i d on the subject of honesty, i n the T e n C o m m a n d m e n t s a n d i n Section 42 of the D o c t r i n e a n d C o v e nants, w h i c h scriptures w e r e c o m m e n d for c a r e f u l r e a d i n g .

Profanity. " T h o u shalt not take the n a m e of the L o r d thy C o d i n v a i n " " is one of the f u n d a m e n t a l l a w s of the C h u r c h . T o p r o f a n e the n a m e b y w h i c h w e ask for blessings i n our p r a y e r s , a n d b y w h i c h w e p e r f o r m our priesthood ordinances is j u s t u n t h i n k a b l e . E a c h instance of s u c h speech is a n i n s u l t to the A l m i g h t y . W o u l d not e a c h of us consider as a n i n s u l t the p r o f a n a t i o n of our o w n n a m e s ?

B u t there is something f u r t h e r that s h o u l d be m e n t i o n e d here also w i t h respect to u n c l e a n speech. F i l t h y language of a n y k i n d is reprehensible. T h e u n c l e a n story, the slighting r e m a r k , suggestive references a l l are out of h a r m o n y w i t h the s p i r i t of the gospel a n d s h o u l d be s t u d i o u s l y a v o i d e d b y the L a t t e r - d a y Saints. W h e n w e r e a l i z e that no u n c l e a n t h i n g c a n enter into the presence of C o d , a n d that w e are seeking to m a k e ourselves w o r t h y to be w i t h h i m , w e c a n h a r d l y b e s m i r c h ourselves w i t h filthy speech of a n y k i n d a n d hope to r e c e i v e the L o r d ' s blessings.

Attendance at Meetings.

Y o u r a c t i v i t y a n d interest i n the C h u r c h w i l l be m e a s u r e d i n large degree b y y o u r attendance at the meetings of the v a r i o u s organizations. O u r S a c r a m e n t S e r v i c e is tbe most i m p o r t a n t m e e t i n g h e l d i n the C h u r c h . I t is c o n d u c t e d i n e a c h w a r d a n d b r a n c h e v e r y "Thirteenth Article of Faith. '"Exodus 20:7.

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S u n d a y u n d e r the d i r e c t i o n of the bishop or b r a n c h p r e s i dent. A l l f a i t h f u l L a t t e r - d a y Saints s h o u l d attend this m e e t i n g e v e r y w e e k . A l l members of the f a m i l y are exp e c t e d to be present, i n c l u d i n g little c h i l d r e n . S u n d a y School is h e l d e a c h S u n d a y m o r n i n g for a l l m e m b e r s of the C h u r c h . I t is there the gospel is t a u g h t to a l l , w i t h classes o r g a n i z e d on age levels. W e e k d a y religious e d u c a t i o n is i m p o r t a n t i n the C h u r c h . L i t t l e c h i l d r e n h a v e the P r i m a r y organization, the y o u n g people above 12 years of age h a v e the M I A , w o m e n of the C h u r c h are o r g a n i z e d into the R e l i e f Society. T h e s e organizations h o l d meetings w e e k l y .

The Priesthood.

I t is designed that a l l m a l e m e m b e r s of the C h u r c h h o l d the priesthood. B u t a l l m u s t be w o r t h y of o r d i n a t i o n before they c a n r e c e i v e this blessing. T h e Senior A a r o n i c P r i e s t h o o d o r g a n i z a t i o n especially invites the attendance of a d u l t m e n n e w l y j o i n i n g the C h u r c h .

A s they f a i t h f u l l y attend these meetings a n d p r o v e t h e m selves b y l i v i n g the gospel, a d u l t m a l e converts m a y be o r d a i n e d to the grades w i t h i n the A a r o n i c Priesthood, looki n g to the time w h e n they m a y r e c e i v e the h i g h e r or M e l c h i z e d e k Priesthood. F o r boys i n the ages of 12 to 20 years, there are separate A a r o n i c P r i e s t h o o d q u o r u m s .

B o y s i n n e w c o n v e r t f a m i l i e s m a y attend these meetings, a n d after p r o v i n g their w o r t h i n e s s , be r e c e i v e d into this prie.sthood also.

Church Welfare Work.

I n most parts of the C h u r c h there are w e l f a r e projects designed to p r o v i d e goods for the support of the poor. T h i s is done i n a d d i t i o n to the assistance g i v e n t h r o u g h fast offerings. A c t i v e m e m b e r s of the C h u r c h are i n v i t e d to contribute labor on these p r o j ects i n behalf of their less fortunate brothers a n d sisters.

Temple Work.

A l l f a i t h f u l m e m b e r s of the C h u r c h look f o r w a r d to the time w h e n they c a n go to the t e m p l e a n d r e c e i v e the ordinances w h i c h are g i v e n there. T h e s e ordinances are a l l necessary for exaltation i n the C e l e s t i a l 10

K i n g d o m . N e w members a r e a s k e d to p r o v e themselves t h r o u g h at least one y e a r of C h u r c h m e m b e r s h i p before going to the temple. A h i g h s t a n d a r d of w o r t h i n e s s is r e q u i r e d for a d m i t t a n c e there, a n d a l l w h o go are c a r e f u l l y i n t e r v i e w e d b y their bishops or b r a n c h presidents. M e n must h o l d the M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d i n order to r e c e i v e the blessings of the temple.

Genealogical Work.

I t is the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of e v e r y m e m b e r of the C h u r c h to m a k e a f a m i l y r e c o r d , c o n t a i n i n g the genealogy of his or h e r forefathers. T h e C h u r c h conducts a large genealogical o r g a n i z a t i o n to assist its m e m b e r s in this w o r k . W h e n the records are c o m p l e t e d , v i c a r i o u s ordinances m a y be p e r f o r m e d for the persons listed i n those records. I t is the p r i v i l e g e of a l l w o r t h y C h u r c h m e m b e r s to go to the temple to p e r f o r m these v i c a r i o u s ordinances i n behalf of their d e p a r t e d dead.

Other Activities.

T h e L o r d has s a i d : " B e h o l d it is not meet that I s h o u l d c o m m a n d i n a l l things; for he that is c o m p e l l e d i n a l l things, the same is a slothful a n d not a w i s e servant; w h e r e f o r e he r e c e i v e t h no r e w a r d . V e r i l y I say, m e n s h o u l d be a n x i o u s l y engaged i n a good cause, a n d do m a n y things of their o w n free w i l l , a n d b r i n g to pass m u c h righteousness. " F o r the p o w e r is i n t h e m , w h e r e i n they a r e agents unto themselves. A n d i n a s m u c h as m e n do good they s h a l l in no w i s e lose t h e i r r e w a r d . B u t he that doeth not a n y t h i n g u n t i l he is c o m m a n d e d , a n d r e c e i v e t h a c o m m a n d m e n t w i t h d o u b t f u l heart, a n d k e e p e t h it w i t h slothfulness, the same is d a m n e d . " - " W i t h this i n m i n d , w e do not list a l l the c o m m a n d m e n t s of the L o r d p e r t a i n i n g to i n d i v i d u a l s a n d their conduct, b u t r e c o m m e n d a c a r e f u l study of the gospel, so that o n l e a r n i n g the w i l l of C o d , w e m a y c o m p l y w i t h i t . ''"Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-29.

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S u c h a study is a l l important. H o w c a n w e obey l a w s w e k n o w not of? H o w c a n w e l e a r n of t h e m w i t h o u t s t u d y ?

W e r e c o m m e n d that e a c h n e w m e m b e r of the C h u r c h m a k e a serious project of s t u d y i n g the r e v e a l e d w o r d of C o d as it appears i n the H o l y B i b l e , the B o o k of M o r m o n , the D o c t r i n e a n d C o v e n a n t s a n d the P e a r l of C r e a t P r i c e . C e r t a i n other books, o f f i c i a l l y s h o w i n g the doctrines of the C h u r c h w i t h comments thereon, are also of m u c h v a l u e .

Attitude of Others.

T h e attitude of others w i l l be more noticeable to y o u as y o u join the C h u r c h . Some persons m a y persecute y o u i n one w a y or another. F o r m e r f r i e n d s m a y snub y o u , or m a y gossip about y o u , e v e n c i r c u l a t i n g u n t r u t h s . I n some instances religious p e r s e c u t i o n goes b e y o n d that. B u t the L o r d offers great r e w a r d to those w h o are w i l l i n g to bear p e r s e c u t i o n c h e e r f u l l y . " B l e s s e d are y e , " s a i d the S a v i o r , " w h e n m e n s h a l l r e v i l e y o u , a n d persecute y o u , a n d s h a l l say a l l m a n n e r of e v i l against y o u f a l s e l y , for m y sake. R e j o i c e , a n d b e e x c e e d i n g g l a d : for great is y o u r r e w a r d i n h e a v e n : for so p e r s e c u t e d t h e y the prophets w h i c h w e r e before y o u . " ' " T h e n there is another attitude w h i c h w i l l come to y o u r attention. I t is that of d e l i n q u e n t m e m b e r s of the C h u r c h w h o do not l i v e u p to t h e i r opportunities, a n d w h o malce l i g h t of saered t h i n g s . S u c h persons h a v e b e e n b l i n d e d by the things of the w o r l d . L i k e the b l a d e i n the p a r a b l e of Jesus, t h e y h a v e w i l t e d i n the h e a t of the d a y . O r , a g a i n , l i k e the unprofitable s e r v a n t w h o f a i l e d to i m p r o v e u p o n his talent, they n e v e r f u l l y recognize w h a t C o d has done f o r t h e m , a n d lose the p e a r l of great p r i c e .

J u s t as w e s h a l l d i s r e g a r d those w h o a c t i v e l y persecute us, so w e w i l l ignore e x a m p l e s w h i c h m i g h t l e a d less t h o u g h t f u l ones astray.

'Matthew 5:11-12.

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II -

LIVING THE GOSPEL IN THE HOME

T h e h o m e is a f u n d a m e n t a l u n i t of the C h u r c h . T o all intents a n d purposes, it is a p a r t of the C h u r c h , for w i t h i n it m a n y of the p r i n c i p l e objectives of the C h u r c h are to be w o r k e d out.

Temple Marriage.

T h e h o m e is based u p o n m a r r i a g e .

T h e Lorci's mode of m a r r i a g e is the temple c e r e m o n y w h i c h is for t i m e a n d eternity. E v e r y couple n e w l y j o i n i n g the C h u r c h s h o u l d look f o r w a r d to the time w h e n they can go to the t e m p l e for this o r d i n a n c e . T h e y s h o u l d p l a n also to h a v e t h e i r c h i l d r e n sealed to t h e m for eternity. I t is a basic tenet of the C h u r c h that f a m i l i e s s h o u l d be b o u n d together i n this m a n n e r b y the p o w e r of the priesthood.

Family Prayer.

O n e of the i m p o r t a n t elements i n L a t t e r - d a y S a i n t f a m i l y l i f e is f a m i l y p r a y e r , n i g h t a n d m o r n i n g , e v e r y d a y . K n e e l i n g together i n this w a y teaches f a i t h a n d p r a y e r to c h i l d r e n , brings f a m i l i e s close together, and i n v i t e s into the h o m e the S p i r i t of the L o r d , w h i c h is so necessary to h a r m o n y a n d love i n the f a m i l y c i r c l e .

Teaching the Children.

T h e L o r d has r e v e a l e d that it is the d u t y of a l l L a t t e r - d a y Saint parents to t e a c h their c h i l d r e n the gospel i n the home, a d d i n g that if they f a i l to do so, "the sin be u p o n the heads of the parents."-" I t is the intent of the L o r d that c h i l d r e n be taught i n this m a n n e r to p r e p a r e t h e m for bax^tism if they are not y e t b a p t i z e d . T h e age for the b a p t i s m of c h i l d r e n is eight years, for that is w h e n c h i l d r e n become accountable for their acts i n the eyes of C o d . C h i l d r e n n e e d to be t a u g h t and c o n v e r t e d , so that they w i l l obey the gospel.

Word of Wisdom.

I t s h o u l d be h a b i t u a l in the L a t t e r day Saint h o m e for a l l to l i v e the W o r d of W i s d o m . A s parents set the e x a m p l e , c h i l d r e n w i l l l i k e l y f o l l o w .

Tithing in the Home. A l l m e m b e r s of the f a m i l y s h o u l d ""Doctrine and Covenants 68:25-28.

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p a y t i t h i n g if t h e y h a v e any income at a l l . E v e n c h i l d r e n s h o u l d be e n c o u r a g e d to p a y a f u l l a n d honest t i t h i n g u p o n a n y i n c o m e t h e y m a y h a v e , either f r o m d o i n g tasks about the home, or f r o m p a r t time or other e m p l o y m e n t a w a y f r o m home. P a r e n t s s h o u l d t e a c h this l a w to t h e i r c h i l d r e n , both b y p r e c e p t a n d b y e x a m p l e .

Speech in the Home.

P a r e n t s s h o u l d u n d e r s t a n d that c h i l d r e n absorb habits a n d ideals f r o m their parents, either for good or for e v i l . T h e r e s h o u l d be no p r o f a n i t y i n the home, no e v i l s p e a k i n g of a n y k i n d , no l y i n g , b a c k b i t i n g or c r i t i c i s m . T h i s holds true w i t h respect to a l l , i n c l u d i n g neighbors a n d authorities of the C h u r c h . T h e r e is no q u i c k e r w a y to t e a c h i n g c h i l d r e n to lose respect f o r C h u r c h officers t h a n for t h e i r parents to speak d i s p a r a g i n g l y of them.

Respect for Each Other.

O n e of the T e n C o m m a n d ments urges respect as b e t w e e n parents a n d c h i l d r e n . T o w i n the respect of t h e i r c h i l d r e n , parents m u s t t h e m s e l v e s be respectable. B u t parents m u s t also respect their c h i l d r e n , a n d be f a i r a n d just to t h e m . C h i l d r e n are to honor father a n d mother, be obedient to t h e m , a n d cooperate w i t h t h e m i n d e v e l o p i n g a C h r i s t - l i k e atmosphere i n the home.

Blessing the Sick. " I s a n y sick a m o n g y o u ? let h i m c a l l for the elders of the c h u r c h ; a n d let t h e m p r a y over h i m , a n o i n t i n g h i m w i t h o i l i n the n a m e of the L o r d ; A n d the p r a y e r of f a i t h s h a l l save the sick, a n d the L o r d s h a l l raise h i m u p . " " " Patriarchal Blessings.

P a t r i a r c h s i n the C h u r c h g i v e blessings to w o r t h y m e m b e r s . T h e s e blessings r e v e a l to the i n d i v i d u a l s r e c e i v i n g t h e m , w h a t their possibilities are if they are obedient to the t r u t h . B o t h parents a n d c h i l d r e n m a y r e c e i v e these blessings. B u t parents s h o u l d p r e p a r e t h e i r c h i l d r e n c a r e f u l l y for this r i c h e x p e r i e n c e . P a t r i a r c h s ""James 5:14-15.

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officiate o n l y w i t h i n the stakes of Z i o n . H o w e v e r , persons l i v i n g i n missions, if w o r t h y , m a y r e c e i v e f r o m b r a n c h a n d m i s s i o n jiresidents, r e c o m m e n d s p e r m i t t i n g t h e m to obtain blessings w h e n a n d if they v i s i t a p a t r i a r c h w i t h i n a n established stake of the C h u r c h .

The Family Hour.

O n e of the l o v e l y customs i n the C h u r c h is r e f e r r e d to as the F a m i l y H o u r . P a r e n t s are u r g e d to h o l d a " f a m i l y e v e n i n g " once a w e e k , w i t h a l l m e m b e r s of the f a m i l y t a k i n g p a r t . P a r e n t s a n d c h i l d r e n present v a r i o u s n u m b e r s on the f a m i l y p r o g r a m . T h e s e n u m b e r s m a y be h u m o r o u s , serious, m u s i c a l , or m a y e v e n i n c l u d e stunts. T h e jroint is that e a c h m e m b e r of the f a m i l y s h o u l d be p e r m i t t e d to p a r t i c i p a t e i n a w h o l e s o m e a c t i v i t y b e f o r e the other m e m b e r s of the f a m i l y . R e f r e s h ments m i g h t w e l l be s e r v e d . A l l s u c h evenings s h o u l d i n c l u d e some d i r e c t gospel t e a c h i n g f r o m the parents, a n d s h o u l d open a n d close w i t h p r a y e r .

Doing Things Together.

I t is v i t a l to the success of a n y f a m i l y that the members l e a r n to do things together i n a s p i r i t of l o v e a n d cooperation. F a m i l i e s w h i c h w o r k a n d p ay a n d w o r s h i p together m a k e the greatest success i n life.

Ill -

ACTIVITY IN THE WARD OR BRANCH

T h e i m p o r t a n c e of p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n w a r d a n d b r a n c h activities has b e e n stressed u n d e r the section d e v o t e d to our i n d i v i d u a l responsibilities. I t s h o u l d be pointed out that i n stakes, the w a r d is a c e n t r a l religious u n i t for a l l members living w i t h i n a given geographical area. T h e b r a n c h holds a s i m i l a r p l a c e i n missions. I t is the u n i t w h i c h p r o v i d e s the g r o u p a c t i v i t y so necessary i n C h u r c h procedure.

I t is i n the w a r d or b r a n c h w h e r e the l o c a l priesthood a u t h o r i t y resides. T h i s a u t h o r i t y regulates a l l affairs of 15

the b r a n c h or w a r d , so that the p r o g r a m of the C h u r c h w i l l be p r o p e r l y c o n d u c t e d , a n d so that a l l m e m b e r s a r e g i v e n e q u a l opportunities for a c t i v i t y . T h e r e the bishop or b r a n c h president issues r e c o m m e n d s f o r b a p t i s m , f o r a d v a n c e m e n t i n the priesthood, or for the temple. I t is here w h e r e w e receive o u r i n s t r u c t i o n i n the gospel a n d i n o u r s p e c i a l assignments. I t is the seat of l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t i n the C h u r c h .

Meetings, T h e r e g u l a r w a r d or b r a n c h meetings h a v e a l r e a d y been mentioned, a n d a l l m e m b e r s s h o u l d p l a n to p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h e m . T h e r e are also stake or district meetings i n w h i c h n e w converts w i l l be interesetd. T h e y i n c l u d e stake or district conferences w h i c h are h e l d e v e r y three months. T h e s e a r e meetings of great i m p o r t a n c e a n d are often addressed b y the G e n e r a l A u t h o r i t i e s of the C h u r c h . T h e entire f a m i l y s h o u l d plan to attend. A l l s h o u l d be promx^t i n c o m i n g to these meetings, a v o i d i n g tardiness i n attendance.

Reverence.

O u r meeting places are the houses of the L o r d . H i s S p i r i t is i n t h e m . W e s h o u l d s h o w d u e r e v e r ence for t h e m a n d teach our c h i l d r e n to do l i k e w i s e .

Respect for Authority.

T h e authorities of the C h u r c h l o c a l a n d general, a r e the servants of the L o r d . T h e y are entitled to o u r respect. W e s h o u l d supx^iort a n d sustain t h e m b y our x^articixiation i n the r e g u l a r activities of the C h u r c h , a v o i d i n g u n k i n d r e m a r k s about t h e m . T h e L o r d honors h i s servants. T h i s is e v i d e n t a l l t h r o u g h the s c r i p tures, w h i c h teach that those w h o r e c e i v e the servants of the L o r d s h a l l themselves be r e c e i v e d of the L o r d , b u t those w h o reject the L o r d ' s servants w i l l themselves be rejected."'' "'Matthew 10:40; L u k e 10:16; John 13:20; Doctrine and Covenants 84:36; 112:20.

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IV - THE LATTER-DAY SAINT IN THE COMMUNITY W h e n the L o r d gave us the first a n d great c o m m a n d ment, w h i c h w a s to l o v e G o d w i t h a l l o u r hearts, he also said: " A n d the second is l i k e unto i t , T h o u shalt love t h y neighbor as t h y s e l f . " " I n the S e r m o n on the M o u n t he ga\ us w h a t has become k n o w n as the G o l d e n R u l e : " A l l things w h a t s o e v e r ye w o u l d that m e n s h o u l d do to y o u , do y e e v e n so to them.""

A s w e read the scrixiturcs w e are i m x n c s s c d w i t h the fact that o u r relationshixi t o w a r d o u r f e l l o w m e n w i l l determine i n large measure the k i n d of s a h ation w e shall receive f r o m the L o r d .

W h e n the S a x i o r ga\ us his lesson in forgiveuoss i e connection w i t h the L o r d ' s x^rayer, h e m a d e it clear that w e s h a l l r e c e i x e forgiveness of o u r sins o n l y i n x^rox^orbon to the w a y i n w h i c h w e f o r g i v e others w h o trespass against us."'

I n the d a y of j u d g m e n t he w i l l r e w a r d e v e r y one a c c o r d i n g to his w o r k s " a n d measure to e v e r y m a n a c c o r d ing to the measure w h i c h he has m e a s u r e d to his fellow man.""

T h e entire S e r m o n on the M o u n t bears u p the spirit of this teaching. Most x^ieoxilc ha\ g r e a t l y underestimated the importance of the Second G r e a t C o m m a n d m e n t a n d the G o l d e n R u l e .

I n o u r c o m m u n i t i e s w e are to l i v e i n s u c h a w a y that our lives w i l l b e e x a m p l e s of the ideals of Jesus, a n d w i l l - Matthew 22:36-40. *Mattliew7:12. ''Matthew 6:14-15. ""Doctrine and Covenants 1:10.

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serve as a b e a c o n o n a h i l l , i n v i t i n g a l l m e n to come unto Christ.

V - LATTER-DAY SAINTS A S CITIZENS " W e b e l i e v e i n b e i n g subject to kings, presidents, r u l e r s , a n d magistrates, i n o b e y i n g , h o n o r i n g a n d s u s t a i n i n g the l a w . " " N e e d more b e s a i d t h a n this w h i c h is t a k e n f r o m o u r A r t i c l e s of F a i t h ?

E a r l y i n o u r h i s t o r y as a C h u r c h the L o r d s a i d : " L e t no m a n b r e a k the l a w s of the l a n d , f o r h e that k e e p e t h t h e l a w s of G o d h a t h no n e e d to b r e a k the l a w s of the l a n d . " " ' F o r persons l i v i n g i n the U n i t e d States i t is i m p o r t a n t to k n o w that the L o r d h i m s e l f e s t a b l i s h e d a free f o r m of g o v e r n m e n t i n A m e r i c a , a n d that h e h i m s e l f r a i s e d u p righteous m e n to w r i t e the C o n s t i t u t i o n of the U n i t e d States.

T h e r e f o r e the C h u r c h regards t h a t i n s t r u m e n t as b e i n g i n s p i r e d of the L o r d , g u a r a n t e e i n g the p e r s o n a l l i b e r t y of all w h o live here.

T h e L o r d says b y r e v e l a t i o n that i t is not r i g h t t h a t one m a n s h o u l d b e i n bondage to another a n d that p e r s o n a l l i b e r t y is p r o v i d e d b y l a w as a m e a n s of p e r m i t t i n g m a n to be j u d g e d a c c o r d i n g to h i s o w n d e e d s . " I t is e a s i l y seen, therefore, w h y the L o r d t o l d us t h a t if w e obey h i s l a w there is no n e e d to disobey the l a w of the l a n d .

I n short a good L a t t e r - d a y S a i n t s h o u l d b e a good c i t i z e n , o b s e r v i n g the l a w s , t a k i n g p a r t i n elections a n d o t h e r w i s e c o n t r i b u t i n g to the p r e s e r v a t i o n of justice, peace a n d order i n the l a n d . " T w e l f t h Article of Faith.

"Doctrine and Covenants 5 8 : 2 1 . "'Doctrine and Covenants 98:4-5; 101:77-80; 1 Nephi 13:10-20; 3 Nephi 21:4.

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CONCLUSION T h e gosjrel is the p l a n of s a l v a t i o n . I t is a w a y of l i f e .

I t is not s o m e t h i n g to be eonsidered on S u n d a y a n d forgotten the rest of the w e e k . I t is a p a t t e r n to h e l p us to b e c o m e Christ-like.

W e s h o u l d labor i n it w i t h w i l l i n g n e s s a n d c h e e r f u l n e s s .

W e s h o u l d p u t it first i n o u r lives, a l w a y s k e e p i n g i n m i n d that d i v i n e i n j u n c t i o n of the S a v i o r : "Seek y e first the k i n g d o m of G o d , a n d his righteousness; a n d a l l these things s h a l l b e a d d e d unto y o u . " " ' L e t us not be w e a r y i n w e l l d o i n g . L e t us not suppose that the task is too h a r d . T h e r e is no e x c e l l e n c e w i t h o u t labor, a n d there is no s a l v a t i o n w i t h o u t obedience.

T h e L o r d is k i n d a n d he is h e l p f u l . I f w e w i l l b u t b e l i e v e i n h i m , a n d accept his w o r d , w e s h a l l discover the t r u t h of w h a t he s a i d o n another great occasion: " T a k e m y y o k e u p o n y o u , a n d l e a r n of m e ; for I a m meek a n d l o w l y i n heart: a n d y e s h a l l find rest unto y o u r souls. " F o r m y y o k e is easy, a n d m y b u r d e n is light.""'^ "Matthew 6:3.3.

"Matthew 11:29-30.

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T H E ARTICLES

OF

FAITH

OF T H E CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST L A T T E R - D A Y SAINTS

OF

1 . W e b e l i e v e i n C o d , the E t e r n a l F a t h e r , a n d i n H i s son, Jesus C h r i s t , a n d i n the H o l y G h o s t .

2. W e believe that m e n w i l l be p u n i s h e d for their o w n sins, a n d not for A d a m ' s trangression.

3. W e b e l i e v e that t h r o u g h the atonement of C h r i s t , a l l m a n k i n d m a y be s a v e d , b y obedience to the l a w s a n d ordinances of the G o s p e l .

4. W e b e l i e v e that the first p r i n c i p l e s a n d ordinances of the G o s p e l a r e : — ( 1 ) F a i t h i n the L o r d Jesus C h r i s t ; (2) R e p e n t a n c e ; (3) B a p t i s m b y i m m e r s i o n for the r e mission of sins; (4) L a y i n g on of H a n d s for the G i f t of the H o l y Ghost.

5. W e believe that a m a n m u s t be c a l l e d of G o d , b y prophecy, a n d b y the l a y i n g on of hands, b y those w h o are i n authority, to p r e a c h the G o s p e l a n d administer i n the ordinances thereof.

6. W e b e l i e v e i n the same organization that existed i n the P r i m i t i v e C h u r c h , v i z . : Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.

7. W e b e l i e v e i n the gift of tongues, prophecy, r e v elation, visions, h e a l i n g , interpretation of tongues, etc.

8. W e b e l i e v e the B i b l e to be the w o r d of G o d as f a r 20

as i t is t r a n s l a t e d c o r r e c t l y ; w e also b e l i e v e the B o o k of M o r m o n to be the w o r d of G o d .

9. W e b e l i e v e a l l that G o d has r e v e a l e d , a l l that H e does n o w r e v e a l , a n d w e b e l i e v e that H e w i l l y e t r e v e a l m a n y great a n d i m p o r t a n t things p e r t a i n i n g to the K i n g dom of G o d .

10. W e b e l i e v e i n the l i t e r a l g a t h e r i n g of I s r a e l a n d i n the restoration of the T e n T r i b e s ; that Z i o n w i l l be b u i l t u p o n this [ t h e A m e r i c a n ] continent; that C h r i s t w i l l r e i g n p e r s o n a l l y u p o n he e a r t h ; a n d , that the e a r t h w i l l be ren e w e d a n d r e c e i v e its p a r a d i s i a c a l glory.

1 1 . W e c l a i m the p r i v i l e g e of w o r s h i p i n g A l m i g h t y G o d a c c o r d i n g to the dictates of our o w n conscience, a n d a l l o w a l l m e n the same p r i v i l e g e , let t h e m w o r s h i p h o w , w h e r e or w h a t they m a y .

12. W e b e l i e v e i n b e i n g subject to k i n g s , presidents, rulers, a n d magistrates, i n o b e y i n g , h o n o r i n g a n d s u s t a i n i n g the l a w .

13. W e b e l i e v e i n b e i n g honest, t r u e , chaste, b e n e v olent, v i r t u o u s , a n d i n d o i n g good to a l l m e n ; i n d e e d , w e m a y say that w e f o l l o w the a d m o n i t i o n of P a u l . W e b e l i e v e a l l things, w e hope a l l things, w e h a v e e n d u r e d m a n y things, a n d hope to be able to e n d u r e a l l things. I f there is a n y t h i n g v i r t u o u s , l o v e l y , or of good r e p o r t or p r a i s e w o r t h y , w e seek after these t h i n g s . - J O S E P H S M I T H .

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