(9/4/98)
"I am wondering how many of you know the Articles of Faith? How many of
you
big men, as well as the little men? Do you know them? Have you repeated
them?
You are always prepared with a sermon when you know the Articles of
Faith. And
they are basic, aren't they? I would think it would be a wonderful
thing if all
the boys, as they learn them, would learn them word perfect. That means
that you
don't miss and you don't forget." — Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Privilege Of Holding The Priesthood," General Conference,
October 1975
(6/27/99)
"Apostasy usually begins with question and doubt and criticism. It is a
retrograding and devolutionary process. The seeds of doubt are planted
by
unscrupulous or misguided people, and seldom directed against the
doctrine at
first, but more often against the leaders." — "The Teachings
of
Spencer W. Kimball", p. 462
(12/14/99)
"There are depths in the sea which the storms that lash the surface
into
fury never reach. They who reach down into the depths of life where, in
the
stillness, the voice of God is heard, have the stabilizing power which
carries
them poised and serene through the hurricane of difficulties."
— "The Rewards, The Blessings, The
Promises," General Conference, October 1973
(12/15/99)
"As Latter-day Saints we must ever be vigilant. The way for each person
and
each family to guard against the slings and arrows of the Adversary and
to
prepare for the great day of the Lord is to hold fast to the iron rod'
to
exercise greater faith, to repent of our sins and shortcomings, and to
be
anxiously engaged in the work of His kingdom on earth, which is The
Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Herein lies the only true happiness
for all
our Father's children." — "The
Lord Expects Righteousness," General Conference, October 1982
(12/16/99)
"Avoid the tendency to crowd too many meetings in on the Sabbath day.
When
holding your regular meetings, make them as spiritual and effective as
possible.
Meetings need not be hurried nor rushed, for they can be planned in a
manner
that permits their sacred purposes to be accomplished without
difficulty. The
consolidated meeting schedule was implemented largely in order to
provide
several more Sabbath hours for families. Therefore, take time to be
together as
families to converse with one another, to study the scriptures, to
visit
friends, relatives, and the sick and lonely." —
"Rendering Service to Others," General Conference, April 1981
(12/17/99)
"Let us be serene and filled with peace and love as we live in a world
that
is unfortunately filled with increasing crime and violence. Let us
remember and
keep the Lord's great commandment to love our neighbors. Where there
are
differences or misunderstandings, let us resolve or diminish them
through
kindly, brotherly service and genuine concern and regard." —
"Follow the Fundamentals," General
Conference, April 1981
(12/18/99)
"Now, my brothers and sisters, it seems clear to me, indeed, this
impression weighs upon me--that the Church is at a point in its growth
and
maturity when we are at last ready to move forward in a major way. Some
decisions have been made and others pending, which will clear the way,
organizationally. But the basic decisions needed for us to move
forward, as a
people, must be made by the individual members of the Church. The major
strides
which must be made by the Church will follow upon the major strides to
be made
by us as individuals." — "Let Us
Move Forward And Upward," General Conference, April 1979
(12/19/99)
"But I say we do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or
amused; we
go there to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility, and
regardless
of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in
spirit and
in truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the
sacrament,
and contemplating the beauties of the Gospel. If the sacrament meeting
is a
failure to you, you are the one that has failed. No one can worship for
you, you
must do your own serving of the Lord." — "Conference
Report," April 1944, p. 145
(12/20/99)
"Men do not give their lives to perpetuate falsehoods. Martyrdom
dissipates
all question as to the sincerity of the martyr. Personalities do not
survive the
ages. They rise like a shooting star, shine brilliantly for a moment
and
disappear from view, but a martyr for a living cause, like the sun,
shines on
forever. ...Thousands gave lives they could have saved, in Missouri,
Illinois,
and crossing the plains, and today a great people hailed for their
education,
practicability, and virtue, stand to bear witness that the martyrdom of
Joseph
Smith, like that of the martyrs before him, is another of the
infallible proofs
of the divinity of the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored in its fulness
through
that humble prophet." — "Conference
Report," April 1946, p. 50
(12/21/99)
"Christmas comes once a year to reveal to us the beautiful and near
approach man can make to the divine, to the ideal, to the Christlike
life."
— "The Teachings of Spencer W.
Kimball," p.247
(2/18/02)
"As you investigate the Church of Jesus Christ, you will find it is not
a
religion claiming succession from those who shared Christ's earthly
ministry;
nor is it a Protestant religion. It is a divine restoration of Christ's
earthly
kingdom, organized, as was his primitive church, with 'apostles,
prophets,
pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.' (A of F 1:6.)"
— Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Stone Cut without Hands," Ensign, May 1976, p. 7
(4/8/02)
"I am grateful for the cultural refinement that comes into Latter-day
Saint
homes as the mothers are able to draw upon their experiences in the
Church to
add to the serenity of our homes. Especially is this true if we
approach these
things in the spirit of the thirteenth Article of Faith: 'If there is
anything
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after
these
things.' [A
of F 1:13]"
— Spencer W. Kimball, "Privileges
and Responsibilities of Sisters," "Ensign," Nov.
1978,
p. 105
(8/04/02)
"Jesus was not a painter, and yet he inspired Michelangelo and many
other
great painters. They painted Jesus and he was the inspiration for it.
He was not
an orator, and yet no man spake as this man spoke. He didn't wave his
hands and
shout in stentorian sounds, but he penetrated men's souls with his
thoughts. His
sayings have been hammered in marble, chiseled into imperishable stone
and
granite, wrought into enduring bronze tablets, written in stained glass
windows
of numberless churches, and fashioned in rich mosaics upon temple walls
and set
in arched domes of colossal cathedrals." — Spencer
W. Kimball, "The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," Bookcraft, p. 9
(5/26/03)
"Alma said it well. He had tasted the bitterness of a sinful life and
of
spiritual rebellion, so he knew well what he was saying - 'Wickedness
never was
happiness.' (Alma
41:10.)
And since happiness brings peace, wickedness brings its antithesis -
strife and
turmoil." — Spencer W. Kimball,
"Miracle of Forgiveness," p. 360
(7/4/03)
"Idolatry is among the most serious of sins. There are unfortunately
millions today who prostrate themselves before images of gold and
silver and
wood and stone and clay. But the idolatry we are most concerned with
here is the
conscious worshiping of still other gods. Some are of metal and plush
and
chrome, of wood and stone and fabrics. They are not in the image of God
or of
man, but are developed to give man comfort and enjoyment, to satisfy
his wants,
ambitions, passions and desires. Some are in no physical form at all,
but are
intangible." -- Spencer W. Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness,"
[Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], p. 58
(7/18/03)
"In the midst of discordant sounds of hate, bitterness and revenge
expressed so often today, the soft note of forgiveness comes as a
healing balm.
Not least is its effect on the forgiver." — Spencer W.
Kimball, "The
Miracle of Forgiveness," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969]
(10/7/04)
"What is it to know of the doctrine? It is an unwavering assurance. The
Lord has offered a rich reward but has provided that it can be had only
by
meeting certain requirements. In this case the blessing promised is a
knowledge
of the divinity of the doctrine. And in this case the law or
requirement is that
one must 'do his will.' Most of us know what his will is, far more than
we have
disposition or ability to comply. One must not only be baptized and
receive the
Holy Ghost, but also live the commandments to be given the knowledge of
the
divinity of the work. Mere passive acceptance of the doctrines will not
give the
testimony; no casual half-compliance with the program will bring that
assurance;
it will come only through an all-out effort to live his commandments."
-
Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out," [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1981], p. 21
(10/9/04)
"It is impossible to understand what happened on Calvary without some
understanding as to what went on in Gethsemane. Likewise, the birth at
Bethlehem
must be tied to the significance of the empty tomb which signaled the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. The ministry of the Master cannot be
understood
fully either, unless we understand about his ministry on this
hemisphere to the
other sheep which were not of the fold in Jerusalem (see John
10:16; 3 Ne.
15:17,
21-24). The more one understands about the ministry of Jesus
Christ, the
more absurd it is to regard him as any less than the resurrected Son of
God." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Savior: The Center of Our Lives," New Era, April 1980, p. 34
(11/15/04)
"We are bound to note events and trends in the
world which will constitute special challenges. We cannot expect to
live in
times of turbulence without experiencing some of that turbulence
ourselves. But
we do not need to be 'tossed to and fro, and carried about [by] every
wind of
doctrine' without anchor (see Eph.
4:14). We have fellowship in a divine church. We have present-day
prophets
to guide us. We have Christ as our shepherd to lead us." - Spencer W.
Kimball, "Do
Not Weary by the Way," Ensign, November 1980, p. 76
(12/29/04)
"We extend to every listener a cordial invitation to come to the
watered
garden, to the shade of pleasant trees, to the unchangeable truth. Come
with us
to sureness, security, consistency. Here the cooling waters flow. The
spring
does not go dry. Come listen to a prophet's voice and hear the word of
God. The
Lord does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His
church
stands firm and unchangeable. Sin will not be tolerated, but sincere
repentance
will be rewarded with forgiveness." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Voices
of the Past, of the Present, of the Future," Ensign, June
1971, p. 19
(2/2/05)
"'Brother Kimball, have you ever been to heaven?'...
"'Yes. Just an hour ago. It was in the holy temple across the way. The
sealing room was shut off from the noisy world by its thick,
white-painted
walls; the drapes, light and warm; the furniture, neat and dignified;
the
mirrors on two opposite walls seeming to take one in continuous
likenesses on
and on into infinity; and the beautiful stained-glass window in front
of me
giving such a peaceful glow. All the people in the room were dressed in
white.
Here were peace and harmony and eager anticipation. A well-groomed
young man and
an exquisitely gowned young woman, lovely beyond description, knelt
across the
altar. Authoritatively, I pronounced the heavenly ceremony which
married and
sealed them for eternity on earth and in the celestial worlds. The pure
in heart
were there. Heaven was there.'" - Spencer W. Kimball, "Glimpses
of Heaven," Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 36
(3/23/05)
"For many years I saw a strong man carry his tiny, emaciated, arthritic
wife to meetings and wherever she could go. There could be no sexual
expression.
Here was selfless indication of a"Hidden
knowledge is not unfindable. It is available to all who really search.
Christ said, '...seek and ye shall find.' (Matt. 7:7.)
Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking; even
prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of one's
life. The knowledge of things in secular life are of time and are
limited; the knowledge of the infinite truths are of time an eternity."
- Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, October 1968, Afternoon
Meeting, p.129ffection.
I think that is pure love. I saw a
kindly woman wait on her husband for many years as he deteriorated with
muscular
dystrophy. She waited on him hand and foot, night and day, when all he
could do
was to blink his eyes in thanks. I believe that was love.
"I knew a woman who carried her little, handicapped daughter until the
child was too heavy to carry, and then pushed her in a wheelchair for
the
following years until her death. The deprived child could never express
appreciation. It seems to me that that was love. Another mother visited
regularly her son who was in the penitentiary. She could receive
nothing from
him. She gave much, all she had." - "The Teachings of Spencer W.
Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1982], p.
245
(5/24/05)
"The Lord declared: 'For
Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness;
her borders must be enlarged; her stakes
must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you,
Zion must arise and put on her beautiful
garments.' (D&C 82:14; italics added.) Zion consists of the
pure in heart—those who are sanctified and whose garments are
washed white through the blood of the Lamb (see
Alma 13:11).
These are they who take charity as a mantle and serve"Hidden
knowledge is not unfindable. It is available to all who really search.
Christ said, '...seek and ye shall find.' (Matt. 7:7.)
Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking; even
prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of one's
life. The knowledge of things in secular life are of time and are
limited; the knowledge of the infinite truths are of time an eternity."
- Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, October 1968, Afternoon
Meeting, p.129 others out of a pure heart.
"We are building up the strength of Zion—her cords or
stakes—throughout the world. Therefore, we counsel our people
to remain in their native lands and gather out the elect of God and
teach them the ways of the Lord. There temples are being built and the
saints will be blessed wherever they live in all the world." - Spencer
W. Kimball, "The
Fruit of Our Welfare Services Labors," Ensign, Nov. 1978, 76
12/21/05
"Peter urged us to give honor unto our wives. (See 1 Pet. 3:7.)
It seems to me we should be even more courteous to our wives and
mothers, our sisters and our daughters, than we are to others. When
Paul said that a man who did not provide for his
own and those of his own household was 'worse than an infidel' (1 Tim. 5:8),
I like to think of providing for our own as including providing them
with affectional security as well as economic security. When the Lord
told us in this dispensation that 'women have claim on their husbands
for their maintenance' (D&C
83:2), I like to think of maintenance
as including our obligation to maintain loving affection and to provide
consideration and thoughtfulness as well as food." - Spencer W.
Kimball, "Fundamental
Principles to Ponder and Live," Ensign (CR), November 1978,
p.43
3/9/06
"It frequently happens that offenses are committed when the offender is
not aware of it. Something he has said or done is misconstrued or
misunderstood. The offended one treasures in his heart the offense,
adding to it such other things as might give fuel to the fire and
justify his conclusions. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the
Lord requires that the offended one should make the overtures toward
peace....
"To the Nephites the Lord said:
"...if ...thy brother hath aught against thee-
"Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother,
and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive
you. (III
Nephi 12:23-24.)...
"Do we follow that commandment or do we sulk in our bitterness, waiting
for our offender to learn of it and to kneel to us in remorse?" -
Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1949, Third
Day—Morning Meeting, p.132
3/14/06
"We see about us constant change. Even the pace of life itself has
speeded up. Sometimes it seems that the world is undergoing such throes
of change that people are disoriented, not knowing what is of value.
Right and wrong, however, are as they always were. The principles of
the gospel are unaltered. All of men's evil speaking and all of men's
evil acting cannot alter one jot or tittle of the commandments of God."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Hold
Fast to the Iron Rod," Ensign (CR), November 1978, p.4
3/15/06
"'If ye love me, keep my commandments,' he told his people constantly. (John 14:15.)
"There are depths in the sea which the storms that lash the surface
into fury never reach. They who reach down into the depths of life
where, in the stillness, the voice of God is heard, have the
stabilizing power which carries them poised and serene through the
hurricane of difficulties.
"There are so many beautiful promises. To read the scriptures and turn
the pages, and it seems that it is almost all rewards, evidence of
living the commandments of the Lord." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Rewards, the Blessings, the Promises," Ensign (CR), January
1974, p.14
9/3/06
"Work brings happiness, self-esteem, and prosperity. It is the means of
all accomplishment; it is the opposite of idleness. We are commanded to
work. (See
Gen. 3:19.)
Attempts to obtain our temporal, social, emotional, or spiritual
well-being by means of a dole violate the divine mandate that we should
work for what we receive. Work should be the ruling principle in the
lives of our Church membership. (See
D&C
42:42;
D&C
75:29;
D&C
68:30-32;
D&C
56:17.)" - Spencer W. Kimball, "Welfare
Services: The Gospel in Action," Ensign (CR), November 1977,
p.76
12/30/06
"Let us hold fast to the iron rod. The Savior urged us to put our hand
to the plow without looking back. In that spirit we are being asked to
have humility and a deep and abiding faith in the Lord and to move
forward—trusting in him, refusing to be diverted from our
course, either by the ways of the world or the praise of the world. I
see that quality of readiness and devotion in our people today. There
is so much yet to be done! let us, then, move forward; let us continue
the journey with lengthened stride. The Lord will lead us along, and he
will be in our midst and not forsake us." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Let
Us Not Weary in Well Doing,"
Ensign (CR), May 1980, p.80
1/17/07
"Hidden knowledge is not
unfindable. It is available to all who really search. Christ said,
'...seek and ye shall find.' (Matt. 7:7.) Spiritual knowledge is not
available merely for the asking; even prayers are not enough. It takes
persistence and dedication of one's life. The knowledge of things in
secular life are of time and are limited; the knowledge of the infinite
truths are of time an eternity." - Spencer
W. Kimball, Conference Report, October 1968, Afternoon Meeting, p.129
1/19/07
"It is normal for children to
try. They fall and get up numerous times before they can be certain of
their footing. But adults, who have gone through these learning
periods, must determine what they will do, then proceed to do it. To
'try' is weak. To 'do the best I can' is not strong. We must always do
better than we can. This is true in every walk of life. We have a
companion who has promised: 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and
ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' (Matt. 7:7.)
With the inspiration from the Lord we can rise higher than our
individual powers, extend far beyond our own personal potential." -
Spencer W. Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," p.163
6/14/07
"Wondering or skeptical people often ask, Why are there not the spiritual
manifestations today, including healings, as in the days of the Prophet Joseph
Smith and the days of the Savior?
"The answer is clear: There are infinitely more healings today than in any age,
and they are just as wondrous. The religious history of the Savior's ministry
and the period following is written in a few short chapters; as John said,
'There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be
written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the
books that should be written.' (John
21:25.)
"As the history of the years was condensed, it would be expected that only the
most spectacular of the healings would be chronicled, giving the impression that
all miracles were spectacular ones and that all who asked were healed. Little
mention is made of the possibly numerous times in Christ's and the later
apostles' ministries when the blessings were not so outstanding, when a headache
was stopped, when a recovery was greatly speeded up, or when agonies were
relieved. Today the libraries would bulge their walls if all the miracles of our
own time were recorded." - Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out,"
p.77-78
7/9/07
"On a number of
occasions I have encouraged the Saints to keep personal journals and family
records. I renew that admonition. We may think there is little of interest or
importance in what we personally say or do—but it is remarkable how many of our
families, as we pass on down the line, are interested in all that we do and all
that we say. Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us—and as
our posterity read of our life's experiences, they, too, will come to know and
love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the
eternities, we will already be acquainted." - Spencer W. Kimball, "We Need a Listening Ear," Ensign (CR), November
1979, p.4
10/6/07
"Another act in
the greatest drama is being played. No theatrical stage has ever produced such
acts of such engrossing interest and importance as have been the scenes of the
history of the Church in these last days. The stage has changed from New York to
Ohio to Missouri to Illinois to Utah. The conditions have altered and the people
who have taken the parts are different people. Today another great leader is
sustained. What a privilege for us who are here to be a part of such an
important event! In this change in leadership of the Church, it is important
that the quorums of the priesthood and the assembly of the Saints have an
opportunity to express their gratitude, pledge their support and confidence, and
reaffirm their covenants." - Spencer W. Kimball, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," Ensign
(CR), January 1973, p.33
11/21/07
"No, revelation has
not ceased and will not cease. This kingdom of God has been set up for the rest
of time, never to be torn down nor given to another people. It is a continuous
program and will grow instead of diminish. Its doctrines are well established,
but because of growth and expansion, improved ways are afforded to teach the
gospel all over the world. Additional servants are called to the increasing work
for a bigger world. Revelation and other miracles will never cease unless faith
ceases. Where there is adequate faith, these things will continue." - Spencer W.
Kimball, "The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball,
p.448
12/30/07
"Remember that there were no clouds in the sky, no evidence of rain, and
no precedent for the deluge when Noah builded the ark according to commandment.
There was no ram in the thicket when Isaac and his father left for Moriah for
the sacrifice. Remember there were no towns and cities, no farms and gardens, no
homes and storehouses, no blossoming desert in Utah when the persecuted pioneers
crossed the plains. And remember that there were no heavenly beings in Palmyra,
on the Susquehanna or on Cumorah when the soul-hungry Joseph slipped quietly
into the Grove, knelt in prayer on the river bank, and climbed the slopes of the
sacred hill.
"But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate drouths, heal the sick, and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God. May this be our desire to develop this kind of faith and may we finally attain the blessings which such perfect faith can bring...." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1952, Second Day—Morning Meeting, p.51
12/31/07
"We preach and discuss the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom, and
usually think of the temporal blessings that will come to us in increased health
if we live in harmony with its teaching, that we might run and not be weary and
walk and not faint, and the destroying angel should pass us by, but there is
also a spiritual aspect which is more far-reaching and should stimulate us to
high purpose. The promise I am thinking of is this:
"'And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments... shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures...' (Doc. & Cov. 89:18, 19.)
"What could be so priceless as wisdom and knowledge, even hidden treasures?" - Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1944, Afternoon Meeting, p.42
1/3/08
"Brothers and sisters and friends, if we
will sue for peace, taking the initiative in settling differences—if
we can forgive and forget with all our hearts—if
we can cleanse our own souls of sin, accusations, bitterness, and guilt before
we cast a stone at others—if we forgive
all real or fancied offenses before we ask forgiveness for our own sins—if
we pay our own debts, large or small, before we press our debtors—if
we manage to clear our own eyes of the blinding beams before we magnify the
motes in the eyes of others—what a
glorious world this would be! Divorce would be reduced to a minimum; courts
would be freed from disgusting routines; family life would be heavenly; the
building of the kingdom would go forward at an accelerated pace; and the peace
which passeth understanding would bring to us all a joy and happiness which has
hardly "entered into the heart of man.'"
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference
Report," October 1949, Third Day—Morning
Meeting, p.133
1/22/08
"There is an urgency to engage more
fully in the redeeming of our kindred dead through more frequent temple
attendance. All those who possess temple recommends should use them as often as
possible to engage in baptisms, endowments, and sealings for the dead. Other
members of the Church should concern themselves seriously with preparations to
qualify for temple recommends that they, too, might enjoy these eternal
blessings and also act as saviors on Mount Zion. There is an ever-increasing
burden of temple work to be done by the Saints, and we should rise to meet this
challenge." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Hold
Fast to the Iron Rod," Ensign (CR),
November 1978, p.4
2/23/08
"It is sad to
me to see in the congregations many people standing silent when they could
be singing "their hearts out." I wonder constantly if they would sing
happily today if for twelve years they could only move their lips through
thousands of songs and could make no sound? I wonder if the silent ones can
even imagine what it is like to be unable to join fellow singers in praise
to their Lord in music?...
"If the
conductor sings also, it will encourage the congregation and help them
remember the words.... In every beat of the baton should be the pleading to
the Saints of God: Sing. Sing. Sing from your hearts."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball,"
edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.518-519
7/13/08
"Could the thousands of our pioneers have voice this morning, I am sure that
they would ask for no shrine, no monuments to their name, no words of praise,
but this thing would they ask: that we, their posterity, should consecrate our
lives, our fortunes, our energies, and ourselves to the work of the Lord, the
cause for which they gave so much." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The Teachings of
Spencer W. Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.156
