3/26/02
"A person's freedom should never be suppressed by men, by Satan, nor
by our Lord. Men should never be in bondage one to another. While
Satan would like us under his control, God does not control the
actions of men. He has given us our agency to combat the trials,
temptations, and evils of every kind. However, he gives certain
principles that, if followed, will lead us back to his presence. God's
kingdom is founded upon perfect liberty. Every man, woman, and child
has the right to worship God according to the dictates of his own
conscience. Each person alone is responsible to his creator for his
individual acts." — Delbert L. Stapley, "Using
Our
Free Agency," Ensign, May 1975, p. 22
3/24/03
"The path of safety to the learned and all of us in the kingdom of God
is to hearken and obey the counsels of God in all things." — Delbert
L. Stapley, May 5, 1964, "BYU Speeches of the Year," p. 3
(6/24/03)
"God revealed to Moses that He 'created man in his own image and after
his likeness.' (See Gen.
1:26-27) How lofty and inspiring this knowledge is to his
children here on the earth, to know that they have not evolved from
some lower organism of life, as teachers of evolution would have us
believe, but are the literal offspring of Deity. "Man's evolution does
not concern his origin and beginning. God determined the fact of his
form and creation; but man's evolution as a son of God is to rise
towards the likeness of his Eternal Father in heaven by perfecting his
God-given abilities and powers which, in an embryonic state, are like
God's, but presently are not fully developed." — Delbert L. Stapley,
"Man, A Child of God," "BYU Speeches of the Year," 1962 p. 2
(9/10/03)
"Perhaps this statement will cause us to remember how small we are in
comparison to our God, who is all-knowing and all-powerful. The Lord
taught Moses a great lesson in this regard. After he had shown Moses
by vision the workmanship of his hands, he withdrew from Moses, and
his glory was not upon him. Moses was left unto himself, and he fell
unto the earth exhausted. It was many hours before he again received
his natural strength, and when he did, he humbly said: 'Now for this
cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.' (Moses
1:10.) This counsel should remind all of us to be meek and
contrite of spirit." — Delbert L. Stapley, "General Conference
Reports," 1 April 1967, p. 34
(9/27/03)
"Here is prophetic evidence of the continuity of God's latter-day
kingdom when established upon the earth. Daniel emphasized that point
dramatically when he said, 'The dream is certain and the
interpretation thereof sure.' The kingdom, prophesied Daniel, is not
to be destroyed; it is not to be left to other people; and it shall
stand forever. How convincing and certain this declaration is!" -
Delbert L. Stapley, "General Conference Reports," October 1959, p. 72
(9/8/04)
"I believe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can save
the world if its members will live as saints of God should. Each time
we let down in living gospel principles, someone is sure to observe
our conduct and form an unfavorable opinion about us and the spiritual
values of the Church. Our faithfulness gives meaning to the doctrines
we teach. The Savior emphasized this statement by saying: 'Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.' (Matt.
5:16.)" - Elder Delbert L. Stapley, "Our
Responsibility:
To Save the World," Ensign, December 1971, p. 95
11/18/04
"It was only after the death of Christ's apostles that revelation
ceased. The pure doctrines Christ taught became diluted with the
philosophy of the world, and profane innovations appeared in the
ordinances of the church. Eventually, that which had once been clear
and understandable became mythical and confusing. Confusion is the
field where Satan operates to deceive and lead mankind astray. Jesus
and His apostles predicted a 'falling away' (see 2
Thes. 2:1-4), which did occur, and Christianity entered a long
night of darkness." - Delbert L. Stapley, "What
Constitutes
the True Church," Ensign, May 1977, p. 22
(12/10/04)
"Faith and works complement each other. Faith impels works, and good
works make faith even firmer and stronger. Of this there is no end.
Faith adheres to intelligent life. Indeed, it is constituent with it.
Nothing progressive or creative in character was ever begun without
having been initiated by faith. It is the basic power behind all
others." - Delbert L. Stapley, May 5, 1964, "BYU Speeches of the
Year," 1964 p. 10
(1/27/05)
"Honesty and integrity as perfected virtues in parents are more likely
to become the heritage and rich endowments of their children. Parents
cannot give to their children that which they do not possess. All
these fine ideals and principles that are a part of the gospel
teachings, together with all the virtues that make for good character
and good life, should be perfected in each of us. In that perfection
they become a part of our nature, and when parenthood comes, these
virtues are more apt to be transmitted to our children. We read in
Proverbs: 'The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are
blessed after him.' (Prov.
20:7.) How true and basic this statement is!" - Delbert L.
Stapley, "Honesty
and
Integrity," Ensign, June 1971, p. 105
2/18/06
"The same gifts of the Spirit which prevailed in the church at the
time of Jesus are prevalent today. Some of these gifts are:
revelation, healing, miracles, prophecy, and many others—as found in First
Corinthians, twelfth chapter; Doctrine
and Covenants, forty-sixth section; and in the tenth
chapter of Moroni in the Book of Mormon. Charity—the pure love
of Christ—will be in evidence among its membership.
"The same power which Jesus gave to His apostles that 'whatsoever ye
shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven' (Matt.
18:18) will also be in the true church today. There are
ordinances and blessings bestowed by an authorized ministry to Church
members. These covenants and obligations, if entered into and obeyed,
apply not just for this life, but for all eternity." - Delbert L.
Stapley, "What
Constitutes
the True Church," Ensign (CR), May 1977, p.21
4/22/06
"The Savior taught his disciples: 'No man can serve two masters: for
either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to
the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.' (Matt.
6:24.)
"This can be stated another way: You cannot serve both God and Satan.
Life is a real challenge, but blessed with God-given powers, we can
overcome every stratagem and obstacle Satan may place in our path. The
path to eternal life may not be an easy one to follow with all the
worldly enticements about us, but when we consider the rewards and
blessings we gather if we travel the narrow way, it is worth every
sacrifice we make." - Delbert L. Stapley, "The
Path
to Eternal Life," Ensign (CR), January 1974, p.42
11/13/06
"Surely if the transgressions of men continue in an upward trend, and
the world becomes ripe in iniquity, the judgments of God will be poured
out in great measure upon the wicked of the earth. Our only hope of
heavenly protection is in establishing righteousness and humility in the
hearts of men everywhere. The Lord has promised that he shall have power
over his saints and shall reign in their midst. It takes real courage
and purpose to live a saintly life." - Delbert L. Stapley, "Our
Responsibility:
To Save the World," Ensign (CR), December 1971, p.94
12/6/06
"Live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. If you have
its spiritual influence, it will bring conviction into your hearts. It
will build testimony and create in you a desire to love the Lord. You
will manifest that love by keeping his laws and commandments and serving
him. The Holy Spirit will testify to the truth of these teachings and
you will know, as the apostle Paul knew, that the gospel of Jesus Christ
is the power of God unto salvation. (See Rom.
1:16.)" - Delbert L. Stapley, "The
Path
to Eternal Glory," Ensign (CR), July 1973, p.99
2/21/07
"The present-day world is threatened by agencies of destruction.
Darkness of mind, hearts shaken by impulses of selfishness, the
prevalence of error, evil, ignorance of that which is the right and the
wrong, corruption, sin, and wickedness, all these and more, now, as in
the historic past, constitute the means by which human society could
destroy itself. That such may not come to pass is the ardent hope of all
who seek righteousness as their way of life. Their seeking will not be
in vain if they turn to '...the kingdom of God and his righteousness...'
(Matt. 6:33.) for a
realization of their aspirations. All that the kingdom represents is
opposed to the destructive forces which I have enumerated. The
righteous, we are told, will inherit the earth. That condition will only
be attained when the kingdom of God, through its saving power will
triumph over evil and wickedness." - Delbert L. Stapley, Conference
Report, April 1964, Afternoon Meeting, p.136
3/23/07
"Parents should build comradeship and love in the home and eliminate
strained relations to insure stability and security of home life for
children. In dealing with children there should always be love and
kindness, yet firmness, when setting up controls and rules of conduct.
"Youth, if properly taught, for the most part expect and desire
restrictions to guide them in social activities and dates. Safeguards
and protective counsel are necessary to fortify them against
familiarities and intimacies that lead to sin.
"What appears to youth as fun, excitement, or glamour may present
lurking dangers. If parents enjoy the confidence of their children and
know what their plans are, they will then be able to see the hidden
perils before them and from the experience of parenthood give protective
guidance and counsel to help control their emotions and to safeguard
virtue and honor, so essential to youth for a happy and satisfying
life." - Delbert L. Stapley, Conference Report, October 1956, Afternoon
Meeting, p.121-122
8/6/07
"We marvel at the numerous and varied discoveries that are achieved in
the laboratories of industry, in universities of learning, and through
private research. If man would concentrate the same degree of research
in the laboratory of his soul, he would discover life's purpose and
God's way to attain eternal life. This should be man's greatest and
most important goal." - Delbert L. Stapley, "Conference Report,"
October 1966, Third Day—Morning Meeting, p.112
9/17/07
"Men who by search and research discover the truths of the kingdom
of heaven may have to abandon many of their cherished traditions and
even their theories of imperfect philosophy and science if they
would possess the pearl of great price, God's kingdom which, with
its standards, principles, ideals, and holy ordinances is the gospel
plan of life, salvation, exaltation, and glory." - Delbert L.
Stapley, "Conference Report," October 1965, First Day—Morning
Meeting, p.13
3/26/09
"Perhaps
in Church assemblies today we do not stress sufficiently the
importance of gospel covenants and the Saints' obligation to them. It
is our duty to learn and understand the sacred and binding nature of
the covenants we accept at baptism and the covenants and obligations
associated with all other ordinances of the gospel found along that
narrow path which leads to life eternal."
- Delbert L. Stapley, "Conference
Report," April 1959, Afternoon Meeting, p.108
5/1/09
“What
should men and women look for to distinguish the kingdom of heaven,
the goodly pearl, from all other churches? There are many facets to
this goodly pearl. …
“… covenants: (1) The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is a covenant between God and his people. (2) When baptized by an authorized servant of God, we covenant to do God's will and to obey his commandments. (3) By partaking of the Sacrament we renew all covenants entered into with the Lord and pledge ourselves to take upon us the name of his Son, to always remember him and keep his commandments. (4) There is an oath and covenant which belongs to the priesthood wherein men receiving this holy power pledge themselves faithfully to keep all the commandments of God and to magnify their callings in the priesthood, which is God's gift of his power and authority unto them. (5) In connection with all ordinances pertaining to the temples of our God, men and women accept covenants and obligations which relate to the endowment and to the eternity of the marriage and family relationship. All these doctrines and more are necessary and vital to the salvation, exaltation and eternal happiness of God's children.” - Delbert L. Stapley, “Conference Report,” October 1965, First Day—Morning Meeting, p.14
5/8/09
"We
cannot mix evil with good and attain the eternal mansions of our
Heavenly Father. Our duty is to constantly do the works of
righteousness. The Lord has said that light and truth, which is the
word of God, forsake the evil one. (See D&C
93:37.) Without light and truth in our lives, we are subject to
the powers of Satan." - Delbert L.
Stapley, “The Path to Eternal Life,” Ensign (CR), January 1974, p.
42
6/14/09
“No
man, following the example and dedication of the Christ, should become
ashamed or afraid of his true Christian status and lack courage and
strength, in the face of opposition or the taunting of men, to remain
true, firm, and steadfast to his conviction of what is right in the
sight of God. This life is a probationary state wherein men and women
are tried and proven in the crucible of mortal existence.” - Delbert
L.
Stapley, “Conference Report,” April 1966, First Day—Morning Meeting,
p. 26
8/19/09
“The natural inclination of man is to rely solely upon himself and to
ignore the purpose of his existence as well as his relationship to God
who is his spiritual father. If man will recognize his divine origin,
he will then realize his Heavenly Father will not leave him alone to
grope in darkness of mind and spirit, but will make available a power
to influence him in right paths and into standards of good behavior.
The Holy Ghost is that power.” - Delbert L. Stapley, “Conference
Report,” October 1966, Third Day–Morning Meeting, p. 114
4/5/10
"Although we would not want it otherwise, there is so much
knowledge present in the world today; and tomorrow and each succeeding
day thereafter discovery, invention, and knowledge will continue to
increase and become so conveniently available that mental development
and learning will come earlier and earlier in the life of youth. With
it, unless youth is well grounded in the faith, will come worldly
sophistication and material pursuits and pleasures. Without maturity
of feelings and judgment, wrong roads and attitudes can be easily
taken that would impair the promise to them of a rich, useful, and
happy life." - Delbert L. Stapley, “Conference Report,” October
1956, Afternoon Meeting, p. 121
7/13/10
"The Church provides every opportunity for us to use our God-given
talents, gifts, and powers. However we must learn obedience to
authority and to keep all the commandments of God." - Delbert L.
Stapley, "Conference Report," April 1952, Second Day-Morning
Meeting, p. 49
"If the tender, profound, and sympathizing love practiced and recommended by Jesus were paramount in every heart, the loftiest and most glorious ideals of human society would be realized and little would be wanting to make this world a kingdom of heaven. Love is indeed heaven upon the earth, since heaven above would not be heaven without it." - Delbert L. Stapley, "Conference Report," October 1970, Afternoon Meeting, p. 44
7/23/11
"The Lord has
counseled his people to pray over their flocks and herds, which applies
to every man's interests. If we faithfully live the gospel and honor the
Holy Priesthood of God, we have a right and claim upon him for his
blessings and the inspiration to guide us in making proper decisions for
the conduct of our businesses in this period of economic uncertainty.
There are serious rough spots ahead, flashing warning lights of caution
that Latter-day Saints cannot ignore. … Business and markets are
sensitive to any change in world conditions. We must recognize the signs
of the times as indicated by prophecy and have vision and wise
understanding of national and world trends to safeguard our interests
and thus strengthen the cause of Zion, even as Joseph of old so wisely
planned and prepared against the days of famine and adversity, and thus
became a great benefactor to the Egyptians and his father's family. We
need all th help that faith, prayer, and inspiration can give." - Delbert
L. Stapley, "Conference Report," April 1953, Third Day-Morning
Meeting, p.119
6/1/12
The future we seek as Latter-day
Saints is a life motivated by good thoughts, expressed in good works,
and sustained by an inner peace and determination of righteous doing.
The destiny we desire is an inheritance in the celestial mansions
prepared by our Savior for the faithful of God’s children. - Delbert
L. Stapely, "Good
Habits Develop Good Character," Ensign (CR) November 1974
6/6/12
Disobedience to God and His chosen servants ignores the fact that we
are all the children of an Eternal Father who has endowed us with the
capacity to be as He and His Son Jesus Christ are—perfected,
glorified, holy personages. Often we forget that obedience must be
learned. Even Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, learned
perfect obedience, which qualified Him to serve as our Lawgiver and
Lord. - Delbert L. Stapely, "The
Blessings of Righteous Obedience," Ensign (VR) November 1977
9/9/13
We now tread in the same path
that He trod. That path has been clearly marked out for each of
us with signs and warnings to guide us along the way, preventing
us from being diverted and lost. But, like Jesus, we must learn
obedience. That is the purpose of our mortal life. If we fail in
this experience, we will not find the true happiness that leads
to exaltation. - Delbert
L. Stapley, "The
Blessings of Righteous Obedience," Ensign (CR)
November 1977
11/15/14
To save
the world is a great responsibility. This responsibility rests not
only upon the leadership of the Church, but upon the membership of
the Church as well. The true gospel of Christ is the hope of the
world. It is the only plan that will unite the ethnic and national
groups and break down the barriers that divide mankind today. - Delbert
L. Stapley, “Our
Responsibility: To Save the World,” Ensign (CR) October 1971
1/8/15
Today many people of the world
are questioning their belief in God, thinking they have progressed
intellectually and scientifically beyond their need for his guidance
in the affairs of life. They choose to forget that he is the source
of all knowledge, he controls all life, and all things are his works
of creation. - Delbert L.
Stapley, “The
Path to Eternal Glory,” Ensign (CR) April 1973
6/3/15
The renewal and sanctification of our bodies by the power of the
Holy Ghost is obtained by living the gospel. Our treasures of good
works that precede us are building our eternal mansions. To project
one's thinking into the eternities under the influence of the spirit
will stretch one's mind and give clear vision of God's plan, which
will help chart a true course back to his presence. Keep eternity
always before you here in mortality and base your acts and judgments
and decisions upon God's eternal laws. We should educate ourselves
not only for time but also for eternity. - Delbert
L. Stapley, "Conference Report," October 1967, Afternoon Meeting,
p. 75
6/20/15
By accepting this challenge to become perfect, we avoid the idea
that attaining perfection is a bar to further progress. Perfection
is overcoming, one by one, every facet of character weakness. We
understand that perfection is a goal of excellence toward which we
strive. With this understanding, one can attain perfection. - Delbert
L. Stapley, "Conference Report," October 1968, Afternoon Meeting,
p. 27
7/17/15
My young brothers and sisters, seek for the knowledge and faith that
saves. Choose your companions well, and be a person sought out by
others as a proper companion. Hold high the standards and ideals of
the gospel. Do not follow the crowd; they can be wrong and often
are. Do not waver or settle for anything less than you are worthy
and entitled to receive. To compromise is to give up something—and
to give up something is to lose. - Delbert
L. Stapley, "Conference Report," October 1969, Afternoon Meeting,
p. 45
8/10/15
If somehow we could view with
clarity the impressive picture of the life hereafter resulting from
obeying every gospel principle and ordinance while here perhaps we
would plan our lives in mortality differently and see to it that all
our daily actions are motivated by truth and righteousness and good
works. Life then would have sincere purpose and would earn rewarding
values for the soul. - Delbert L.
Stapley, "Conference Report," April 1961, Afternoon Meeting, p. 67
2/21/16
We
have a gracious, kind, and loving Father in heaven who stands ready
to help us. Self-mastery, self-control, and self-discipline are
required strengths that enable us to set aside temptations to do
wrong. It is a wonderful feeling to conquer wrong practices and to
be free and unencumbered from their detrimental effects, both
physically and spiritually. When we have conquered our bad habits
and replaced them with good ones, living as we should, obedient and
faithful, then we are on our way to the presence of God. - Delbert
L. Stapley, "Good
Habits Develop Good Character," Ensign (CR), November 1974,
p.20
3/21/16
Every seeker after truth should searchingly and honestly ask himself
or herself this question: Am I attempting to climb heavenward by
some other path than the one marked out by the Redeemer and Savior
of men? - Delbert L. Stapley,
Conference Report, April 1958, Afternoon Meeting, p.112
5/12/16
Many of the signs spoken of by the prophets to precede the second
coming of Christ are now being fulfilled before us. They are easily
recognizable, and they remind us of the parable of the ten virgins,
the five who were wise, and the five who were foolish. Those who
were foolish were not prepared when the bridegroom came, and as they
went out to prepare themselves, the doors were closed against them,
and they could not gain admittance.
You and I need to be prepared. We know not the day nor the hour in
which the Son of Man shall come. That day we must be prepared for. -
Delbert L. Stapley, "Conference
Report," October 1953, Afternoon Meeting, p.71
2/5/17
A person earnestly seeking eternal life must avoid the pitfalls of
temptation and sin. He is never safe from committing sin unless he
has fully prepared himself and decided on the course he will take
before temptation comes into his life. – Delbert
L. Stapley, “The
Path to Eternal Life,” Ensign (CR) November 1973
2/6/17
Paul kept the saints in remembrance of the necessity to read and
study the scriptures. To Timothy he said,
“From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:
“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works.” (2
Tim. 3:15–17.) – Delbert L.
Stapley, “Teachings
of the Apostle Paul,” Ensign (CR) November 1976
