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Show St inia -- a- J. uiirMig otH iC?t Greetm I' un- t members of the Church and mankind everywhere we note that we are at the close, no only ol an eventful year, hut also of one of the great dec ades in the histoic of mankind. - 5i have leen years of i great achievement and progress for mankind generally and for the Church particularly. We express ur sinceie and heartfelt gratitude to Latter dav Saints everywhere for their loyalty and dev otion to the cause of the Master that have i exulted in the temporal and spiritual growth of the Kingdom of Cod in the earth. 1 hece IjcvKJ The vvoik of the Church has expanded inthroughout the five world. Meniliership efthe creases have lxen impressive through forts of a vvoild-vvid- e missionary program and the desire of mcmljers to bring the message ol restored truth to neighbors and friends. This growth has resulted in the building of hundreds of chapels throughout the world for the worship and educational programs of the Church. Temples and Church schools have also brought more of the- - blessings of the Gospel within the reach of a gmwing world mem-itershi- p. Saints in humble We join all thanks to God who guide s ot.r destinies. We glory in the advancement of knowlachieveme nt as seen in man s e fforts and edge to conquer space and the landing of men on the moon. This represents important advance's in mans understanding of the universe alunit liiin all of which Is the handiwork of Cod. Acharmony quiring such knowledge Mlis in fullwhether it truth, with gospel principles. the to or this to earth, the to universe, jK'rtains individual and his enviioument. is a part of the- Gospe l of JesUS ChlNt. - wise scholar has said. Tor the exercise and training of human facultie-s- , God in his w isdom and goodness has left man to find out the phv sic.il truth hv the use of the powe rs he ' 'oses M.iimonith's) A today that by such oiniiig .uquainte'd with r his universe. Man i coming to uiideisl.uul and appreciate, not only his immediate surroundings, hut by constantly pushing hack his horizons, he is discovering ex er more compeldeling evidence of a plan, and purpose, God. signed by this woilel and throughout the univci'C man increasingly finds ex idence of the operation of law; whether it he in stellar space, among the planets, or in the minute revolving universe within the atom, the same law is op- Jn erating. We know that the blessings of human happiness are predicated upon an enlightened sense of values. It is not surprising that the Himself the Prince of Peace-sho- uld Master have included peacemakers among those to he especially blessed. Ilis birth which we celebrate at this season of the vear was he ralded hv the angels singing Peace on Earth. a..d His last earthly bequest to His followers was, Peace I leave with v on, my world givctu, peace I give unto you; not as theAnd again He give I unto von. (John 14.2.) unto vou, have I These spoken things said, that in me ve might have peace. (Ibid., 16:33.) To Ik nu ml k red among the peacemakers requires a way of life which must Ie horn and nourished in the soul and dedicated to the love and service of fellovv men. Peacemakers must hunger and thirst after righteousness and develop a spirit of mercy and a determina-tio- n to he pure in heart. A.moug the common e of all countries is a universal longing for K'.ue Zh which is a primary religious impulse and. like mans instinctive faith in immortality, i rooted in human nature. Its realization is essential to the dignify, freedom, and salvation of the indiv ichial. It is nr pi aver at this Gluistiuas season that all men will cledicatc their lives and their .knowledge and underthe of truth and righteouscause to standing ness and to bringing peace and goenl ve ill to all all nun. May the peace of Caul be eiuoveel men cvcieeeherc. ever-increasin- g 1 t. tioics WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 1969 HURT' J |