(8/01/03)
"The law of free agency, or 'whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap,' indicates in effect that we may know the end of our lives
from the beginning, and that to a considerable extent we can control
the processes of life which bring us happiness and success, or sorrow
and failure. This law was given to Adam in the Garden of Eden. Moses
gave the law of God to the children of Israel and promised them
blessings for obeying and a penalty for disobedience. The Prophet
Joshua proclaimed, 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve.' (Josh.
24:15) The Savior told his disciples, 'For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.' (Matt. 6:21) No man can serve two
masters." — Franklin D. Richards, "Choose the Right," "BYU Speeches of
the Year," 1964
(8/22/04)
"Patience is truly a mighty virtue and can be developed as we become
peacemakers and make up our mind to be patient within our own life as
well as with others." - Franklin D. Richards, "Be
a
Peacemaker," Ensign, November 1983, p. 58
11/7/04
"The ministry of Christ was not confined to the few who lived on the
earth in the meridian of time, and it is not confined only to those
living now. The apostle Peter made it clear that those who do not have
the opportunity to hear the gospel on this earth will have such an
opportunity in the spirit world (see 1
Pet. 3:18-20; 1
Pet. 4:6). And the apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthians
asked, 'Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if
the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?' (1
Cor. 15:29)." - Franklin D. Richards, "Happiness
and
Joy in Temple Work," Ensign, November 1986, p. 71
(1/6/05)
"As long as one is honest with the Lord, the amount paid is not
material. The widow's or child's mite is as important and acceptable
as the rich man's offerings. When men, women, and children are honest
with God and pay their tithes and offerings, the Lord gives them
wisdom whereby they can do as much or more with the remainder than
they could if they had not been honest with the Lord. Many times they
are blessed and prospered in various ways-spiritually, physically, and
mentally, as well as materially. I bear my witness to you that this is
true, and I am sure that many of you can bear such a testimony." -
Franklin D. Richards, "The
Law
of Abundance," Ensign, June 1971, p. 46
(2/7/05)
"Although it is not customary for one to seek out the difficult or
unpleasant experiences, it is true that the trials and tribulations of
life that stand in the way of man's growth and development become
stepping-stones by which he climbs to greater heights, providing, of
course, that he does not permit them to discourage him.
"The story of most men and women who attain a degree of greatness and
achievement is generally the story of a person overcoming handicaps.
It appears that there are lessons that can only be learned through the
overcoming of obstacles." - Franklin D. Richards, "The
Purpose
of Life: To Be Proved," Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 50
12/22/05
"December 23, Joseph Smith's
birthday, and December 25, the day we celebrate the Savior's birth, are
two of the most consequential days of the year. The Christmas season is
the happiest season of the year. It is indeed a season of mirth and
gladness with everyone seemingly wanting to make someone happy. It is
the spirit of losing self for others, of substituting giving for
getting, of substituting selfishness for love." - Franklin D. Richards
December 14, 1965, BYU Speeches of the Year, 1965, p.3
4/26/06
"Now, when to pray: Generally, I think we might say that we should pray
in secret, with our families, and in worship meetings and public
assemblies.
"Secret prayer should have a place in every persons life. Again the
Savior gave us the pattern when he said: '...when thou prayest,
enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy
Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall
reward thee openly.' (Matt.
6:6.)
"The Prophet Joseph Smith, speaking on this subject, stated: 'We would
say to the brethren, seek to know God in your closets, call upon him in
the fields. Follow the directions of the Book of Mormon, and pray over,
and for your families, your cattle, your flocks, your herds, your corn,
and all things that you possess; ask the blessing of God upon all your
labors, and everything that you engage in.' (DHC, vol. 5, p. 31.)" -
Franklin D. Richards, "The
Importance of Prayer," Ensign (CR), July 1972, p.66
6/7/06
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches the value of
eternal progression. We progressed in the premortal existence, and we
have the opportunity to progress in this estate and throughout all
eternity. Each of us is endowed with gifts and talents, and through
study, prayer, proper work habits, and the use of our gifts and talents,
we can accomplish our eternal objectives.
"Study, particularly of the scriptures, is an important factor. We are
counseled to 'seek learning, even by study and also by faith.' (D&C
88:118.) Eternal progress involves continual study. The Lord has
told us that 'the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words,
light and truth.' (D&C
93:36.) - Franklin D. Richards, "Life—A
Great Proving Ground," Ensign (CR), May 1981, p.50
9/11/06
"President Spencer W. Kimball has counseled us in this manner: 'Let us
... seek to read and understand and apply the principles and inspired
counsel found within the [scriptures]. If we do so, we shall discover
that our personal acts of righteousness will also bring personal
revelation or inspiration when needed into our own lives. (Ensign,
Sept. 1975, p. 4.)
"An abundance of modern revelation is to be found in latter-day
scriptures. These scriptures explain in detail how to meet today's
challenges. Knowledge received from studying the scriptures assists us
in making correct decisions in all areas of life's activities and helps
us to know God and understand his purposes." - Franklin D. Richards, "Life—A
Great Proving Ground," Ensign (CR), May 1981, p.50
3/25/07
"A temple is a retreat from the vicissitudes of life, a place of prayer
and meditation providing an opportunity to receive inner peace,
inspiration, guidance, and, frequently, solutions to the problems that
vex our daily lives.
"A temple is a place where the divine spark in man, or the infinite in
man, can seek the infinite in God." - Franklin D. Richards, "Happiness
and Joy in Temple Work," Ensign (CR), November 1986, p.70
7/31/07
"In the parable given, the sower had a choice to make—whether to prepare
the soil for the seed or take a chance and sow the seed without
preparing the ground, hoping that the seed would fall on good ground. He
was, however, careless and chose to take a chance, sowing without
preparing the soil. Some seeds fell by the wayside and were eaten by the
birds. Some fell among thorns and they were choked out. He learned that
sowing where birds ate the seeds and where the thorns choked out was not
profitable.
"Had he prepared the soil before sowing, he could possibly have reaped
one hundredfold. This sower truly witnessed the truth of the statement
that 'whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' The choice he
made before sowing commenced determined to a large extent the harvest he
was to reap.
"All of us are in many respects in the same position as the sower. We
have our free agency, or what we call the freedom of choice. When we sow
without regard to the consequences, we reap sparingly. On the other
hand, when we carefully observe the laws of progress and happiness, we
reap growth, development, and great happiness." - Franklin D. Richards,
November 3, 1964, "BYU Speeches of the Year, 1964," p.3
10/5/07
"'Please, Lord, help me to help myself.' I am convinced that
this prayer for increased personal powers—spiritual strength, greater
inspiration, and greater confidence—is one that God always answers. We
can learn to solve our problems with God's help, making him our
partner." - Franklin D. Richards, "The
Importance of Prayer," Ensign (CR), July
1972, p.66
7/12/10
"Accept every
opportunity to serve in building the kingdom of God, and I bear you my
witness that as you do your part, the Lord will make you equal to every
task that you are called upon to perform." - Franklin
D. Richards, "Conference Report," October 1969, Third Day—Morning
Meeting, p. 124
6/17/2011
"As we sing our
hymns, let us be conscious of the beauty and import of each hymn, and
as we do, our singing will deeply move our souls, bring us in closer
harmony with the Holy Spirit, and strengthen our testimonies." - Franklin
D. Richards, "LDS
Hymns—Worshipping with Song," Ensign (CR) October 1982
9/7/11
Jesus Christ is called
the Prince of Peace (see Isa.
9:6), and his message is a message of peace to the individual and
to the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of life that will
restore peace to the world, remove inner tensions and troubles, and
bring happiness to the human soul. It is the greatest philosophy of life
ever given to man. - Franklin D.
Richards, "
