Je me sens très humble et très faible en

[FR] I feel very humble and very weak in approaching this duty, not because I have not thought and studied and prepared for it. I presume that we are all apprehensive on occasions such as this, lest we might not profitably occupy the time of the saints and speak those things which are in consonance with the wisdom of our brethren and the Spirit of God. I can think of no other reasons which give rise to the fears and the trepidation which hold one as he stands in this great presence. I have prayed that my words and my thoughts might be in harmony and ring true with the great messages which have been delivered during this conference. ¶

In the Language of Youth

I have been hoping that the Église may interpret the Évangile in the language of youth. I am certain that if boys and girls can understand its glorious message they will respond. Religion has always seemed more or less formidable to youth. I think that is in part because its inhibitions and its "don'ts" have been emphasized rather than its persuasions and its happiness. The representative of religion has usually been characterized as a somber joy-killing person without much of human understanding and human sympathy. I would, if I could, change this erroneous conception, indulged by youth, and substitute the glorious conceptions of abundant life and living given to us by the Lord Jésus-Christ. ¶

[FR] Youth should understand that the spirit is the life of man, and the body is its tabernacle ; that the tabernacle cannot be polluted or defiled without injuring the spirit, and that the spirit will grow and develop only as the house in which it dwells provides an atmosphere of purity and beauty. Youth admires strength and power. They must learn that the real strength is the strength of being clean. ¶

Liberty and Safety Through Obedience

Youth should know that obedience is not bondage, but liberty — liberty under law; that the only real freedom is the freedom from our weaknesses : from the vices, the remorse of conscience, and the infraction of law. When youth understands that the bending of the will in obedience tends to liberty and joy, then lawlessness, disrespect and irreverence will wane. I wish that youth could realize that the only death to be feared is the death that is the wages of sin, and that the Évangile program of living is insurance against that dreadful calamity ; that the commandments of God, both the "shalts" and the "shalt nots," and the warnings, reproofs and admonitions of God's servants, are all kindly calculated to hedge round the precious age of youth with safe-guards which shall protect its course until the age of wisdom and judgment shall be reached. ¶

[FR] I know that it is difficult, but I wish that everyone who reproves youth could "show forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom he hath reproved, lest he esteem him to be his enemy." I know of nothing in scripture that evinces a nicer understanding of human nature than does this splendid admonition given of God, so delicately put. ¶

Manifestations of God's Truth

While I recognize the necessity of the prohibitions and injunctions of the Évangile, all to be interpreted for the blessing of man, it seems to me that I would lay my major stress for youth on the positive, constructive, inviting concepts of truth which enlarge the vision and hold forth those exalted hopes, stations and glory which attract the soul of man as the marvelous magnet of the sun attracts the planets of the universe. ¶

[FR] Youth should understand that all the beauties of nature, the majestic mountains, the hills and vales, the streams crystal clear, the changing seasons, the gorgeous garb of earth, the peace of the summer night, the thunderous awful beauty of the storm, are all but manifestations of God; that the unfoldment of science is but a revelation of fragments of God's truth, and that the searcher for facts, when he discovers truth, however startling it may seem to the human mind, will never find anything, if it is real truth, which is not compatible with the revelations of God as they have been made known and will be made known to his prophets. ¶

Des enseignants de compréhension et de sympathie

I am sorry that youth seems to be so much disturbed in this respect. I am sure it is attributable to inadequate instruction in the fields of both science and religion. Youth sorely needs today teachers of great understanding and sympathy, who can reconcile apparent conflicts and enable youth to hold fast to God's word and time-tested principles, while science, through experimentation and research, unfolds and develops the secrets and the processes of nature. I have long been persuaded that no teacher will ever be able to perform this high service for youth unless he be at once a man of God and a real scientist, a man who understands and believes the revelations and who fully appreciates the possibilities and the limitations of scientific method. It may seem boastful to say it, but I believe that such teachers are more apt to be found in the Église of Jésus-Christ of Saints des Derniers Jours than in any other place in all this wide world. ¶

Une bonne compréhension des principes religieux

[FR] May youth recognize that all true morality is founded on religious principles ; principles that have been tried and not found wanting ; that old things are not to be despised merely because they are old, and that the Ten Commandments are still the basis of Christian virtue. I want them to know that the scriptures are the word of God and that they will discover within them the deepest and truest philosophy, the most interesting history, the most vital principles to human life and welfare and the finest literature that the world has ever known. They should understand that pure recreation is not sinful and not inhibited by the Lord ; that play is necessary as work is necessary ; that both play and work are to be enjoyed; that service is the pursuit of most lasting satisfaction ; that worship is the recreation of the soul. ¶

Compagnonnage grâce aux associations dans l'Évangile

Would that youth could appreciate in full measure the companionships of Évangile association. Would that they could realize that there is no such life-mating as that under the influence of the Holy Spirit and the power of the priesthood ; that the quorums are fraternities where men clasp hands in bonds that are stronger than the bonds of death ; that the organizations and service in the Église bring friendships dearer and more lasting than even life itself ; "that God is a Father ; that man is a brother ; that life is a mission and not a career." ¶

L'attitude des dirigeants de l'Église envers les jeunes

I have earnestly desired that youth might more fully understand the leaders of the Église and their attitude toward them, because I think they feel that we are exacting, that we do not understand and are therefore not sympathetic with their environment and their thinking. Perhaps we do not fully understand them. I want them to know, however, that it is not because we do not love them and desire their welfare. I would like to assure every young man and every young woman in the Église of God that they have no warmer and truer friend than President Heber J. Grant. I know that never a day passes that he and his associates in the leadership of the Église do not pray for the youth of Zion, and that there are no lengths to which they would not go to bless them. I entreat the youth to give to their leaders and their parents their confidence and their trust. These are their best friends. ¶

La signification et la bénédiction des temples

I wish that youth could grasp more clearly the vital significance and transcendent blessings of our temples. I am fearful that by many the temples are regarded as institutions of rather formidable mystery. I wish they could come to know that these sacred establishments of the Église are places of education and incomparable blessing, where the real meaning of life is made clear and glorious. ¶

After all, to understand the Évangile is to love it. I am so enamoured of its glorious conceptions that I feel sure that if we can win the affection of youth for its joyous principles, their salvation will be assured. ¶

The Glorious Age of Youth

What a glorious age of promise youth is, when life is in the bud and early blossom, when each experience is fresh with curiosity and adventure. I think that if we may envy anything it is the life and vitality of youth. I would not rob it of its joy and its sparkle. I would only add to its richness by securing its enjoyment through the passing years. I know that a real appreciation of the Évangile will do that. Gospel truth will always quicken the impulses of the spirit, and the spirit is the life of man. It unfolds new visions as knowledge increases, and these new visions keep life ever new ; so, in the Évangile life, there is youth even in old age. ¶

God bless youth that they may understand truth and us, and God bless us that we may understand youth, I pray in the name of Jésus-Christ. Amen. ¶