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Show r Virtue holds Gold plates fill prophecy From cover to cover the Book of Mormon is a revelation, an inspired translation, the work of God and not of any man. From cover to cover it is true. Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Council of the Twelve said this at the Saturday morning conference session as he spoke of the divine calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet and the miracle of his translating and bringing forth the Book of Mormon to the world. Joseph Smith did more for the salvation of men in this world than any one else who ever lived in it with the sole exception of our Lord and Savior, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, Elder Petersen said. Joseph was the instrument through whom the true Church and kingdom of God were again restored to earth. He brought forth the Book of Mormon . .. . He sent the everlasting gospel, now restored to the four quarters of the earth. He left a name and a fame that will never die, and as the years roll on, and the Church continues taking the gospel to his name will every nation be magnified even further, honored and blessed by the millions of faithful who come to ... ... Enrich marriage Spiritual know how truly great his calling really was. Elder Petersen explained how the work of Joseph Smith wras foretold by the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied of a nation that would be destroyed suddenly, but which would speak in modem times by means of a book. We testify that Isaiahs prophecy has been fulfilled and that the book is now avialable, he said. It is the Book of Mormon. He told of how an ancient civilization in America had kept records on plates of gold, and just before the people were destroyed, the plates were placed in a stone box and buried in the ground. In 1823, near Palmyra, N.Y., the Joseph Smith was led by an angel of God to the plates and given the charge of translating them. In the days when the Prophet Joseph Smith was translating the plates, enemies arose and sought to take the divine stamp away from his translation of the Book of Mormon, Elder Petersen said. They determined to make it appear he was doing it on his own account, saying that he himself has composed the volume, or that he stole it from together Elder Mark . . . Petersen "gospel restored" E. (Solomon) Spalding, or that Sidney Rigdon wrote it, although it was published well before Joseph ever heard of Sidney Rigdon. Elder Petersen continued, Joseph Smith declared that he wrote only under the gift and power of God. He quoted statements from Oliver the prophets scribe, and from Emma Smith, his beloved wife, that testified to the divinity of the work. Joseph Smith was faithful to his charge, the speaker conHe did not tamper tinued. with the work of Mormon (an ancient prophet), the sermons of Jesus, the marvelous deCow-der- fense of Abinadi, nor the writings of Micah or Isaiah. The whole task of translation was a miracle the book is a marvelous work and a wonder as Isaiah said. and practical guidelines for building and maintaining a happy marriage, and avoiding the sorrows of divorce were given Saturday morning by Elder James E. Faust of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Why is happiness in marriage so fragile and fleeting for so many, yet so abundant for others? he questioned. Why does the resulting train of heartache and suffering have to be so long and have so many innocent people on board? He noted there are no simple answers to the challenging questions of happiness in marriage. Although there are many reasons for divorce, he said, In my experience there is another reason which seems not so obvious but which precedes and laces through all of the other. It is the lack of a constant enrichment in mar- riage. It is an absence of that something extra which makes it precious, special and wonderful. He listed a few questions which, he said, each person whether married or contemplating marriage, should ask: 1. Am I able to think of the interest of my marriage and partner first before I think of my own desires? 2. How deep is my commitment to my com- - Church welfare plan inspired The unselfish labor that goes forth through the Churchs wel fare program to care for members in need was the focus of Elder Thomas S. Monsons conference address Saturday morning. Elder Monson, a member of the Council of the Twelve, noted that famous Temple Square in Salt Lake City is not the only square where gospel principles emanate and the work of the Church goes forward. "Situated somewhat off the is yet another beaten path he said. famous square, Here in a quiet fashion, motivated by a Christ-liklove, elderly and handicapped workers serve the needs of others after the divine plan of the Master. I speak of Welfare Square, sometimes known as the Bishops Storehouse. At this central location and at numerous other sites throughout the world, fruit and vegetables are canned, commodities processed, stored and distributed. There is no sign of government dole nor th exchange of currency here, for here, only the signed order from an ordained bishop is honored. how is it financed? 3) what prompts such devotion on the part of every worker? In answer to the first question, Elder Monson said he usually responds by telling of his own experience as a bishop in a ward where the members operated a poultry project sup- plying to the storehouse thousands of dozens of fresh eggs and hundreds of pounds of dressed poultry. ... e 6 CHURCH WEEK ENDING' His was just one of thousands wards that prepared a commodity so that the needs of the people might be met. All bishops prepare a commodity requirement budget that is carefully reviewed and compiled and specific assignments given to units of the Church to of Elder Thomas S. Monson . . . "Christlike love" Elder Monson noted that journalists are surprised and pleased at this welfare plan and write glowingly of a people who take justifiable pride in the independence of caring for their own. Frequently the visitor will ask three fundamental questions, he said. They are 1) how does this plan operate? 2) OttOlJER 8 1977 produce what is needed, he said. In response to the second question, IIoW is your Welfaie plan financed? one needs but to describe the fast offering Latter-dahe said. principle, Saints fast one day each month and contribute the equivalent of two meals forfeited and often much more. Such sacred offerings finance the operation of storehouses, supply cash needs of the poor and provide medical y care for the sick who are without funds. To the third and final question, What prompts such devotion on the part of every worker? the answer is simple, Elder Monson said. (It is) an abiding testimony of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, even an overwhelming desire to love the Lord with all ones heart, and to love ones neighbor as oneself. He told the story of a single man, who was crippled and lonely and troubled by a lack of money that prevented him even from keeping his house warm. Learning of this mans plight, the bishop of the ward mobilized the ward members to help him. Shortly thereafter, the mans sidewalks were repaired by devoted members, a new door was installed, ceilings lowered, walls papered, the roof replaced and the cupboards filled. Young Adults visited the mans home each week bringing a hot meal, and they stayed to share a home evening. To all within the sound of my voice, I declare the welfare plan of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-da- y Saints is inspired of the Lord, Elder Monson said. ' ... Elder James . . . E. Faust "avoid divorce" panion aside from any other interests? 3. Is he or she my best friend? 4. Do I have respect for the dignity of my partner as a person of worth and value? 5. Do we quarrel over money? 6. Is there a spiritually sanctifying bond between us? fI Marriage relationships can be enriched by better communication, Elder Faust said. One important way is to pray together. . . Listening is excellent communication. Complete trust in each other is one of the greatest enriching factors in marriage. Nothing devastates the core of mutual love and trust necessary to maintain a fulfilling relationship like infidelity. ( There is never a justification for adultery. He continued, Our loyalty to our eternal companion should not be merely physical, but mental and spiritual as well. Since there are no harmless flirtations and no place for jealousy after marriage, it is best to avoid the very appearance of evil by shunning any questionable contact with another to whom we are not married. Virtue is the strong glue which holds it all together. Marriage is the way provided by God for the fulfillment of the greatest of human needs, based upon mutual respect, maturity, selflessness, decency, commitment and honesty, he said. The soul of the marriage is greatly enriched and theis spiritual growing process greatly strengthened when a he couple become parents, continued. Parenthood should bring the greatest of all happin-essMen grow because as fathers they have to take care of their families. Women blossom because as mothers they must forget themselves. We understand best the full meaning of love when we become parents. s. |