Vol. 3 No. 7 - July 1956

"Many are Called but Few are Chosen"

President David O. McKay said: "Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimes experiences. Being true to self, loyal to high ideals, develops spirituality. The real test of any religion is the kind of man it makes, being honest, true, chaste, virtuous, and in doing good to all men are virtues which contribute to the highest acquisition of the soul. It is the divine in men." (Conference Report, April 1949, pg. 17.)

The Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith, "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." This was the admonition and promise that he received and it is an admonition to us and promise that we may receive.

"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson" (D&C 121: 34, 35)

One of our good LDS hymns written by Brother Robert B. Baird says:

Verse 1

Improve the shining moments; Don't let them pass you by.

Work while the sun is radiant; Work, for the night draws nigh.

Verse 2

Time flies on wings of lightning; We cannot call it back.

It comes, then passes forward Along its onward track.

Verse 3

We cannot bid the sunbeams to lengthen out their stay.

Nor can we ask the shadow to ever stay away.

Verse 4

And if we are not mindful, the chance will fade away,

For life is quick in passing. 'Tis as a single day.

Improve each shining moment. In this you are secure, for promptness bringeth safety and blessings rich and pure. Let prudence guide your actions; Be honest in your heart; And God will love and bless you and help to you impart.

Asael T. Sorensen