(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, "
