"History repeatedly confirms that the abundance of earthly possessions can be both a blessing and a curse, depending upon the way these things are viewed and used," counseled Elder Dean L. Larsen of the Presidency of the Seventy. "When we consume them upon our own lusts, we invoke tragedy."

At the Saturday morning session, Elder Larsen spoke of the tribes of ancient Israel as they moved from the desert to a land of "milk and honey." He said Moses warned them to "beware, lest thou forget the Lord." (Deut. 6:10-12)"The concerns expressed by Moses for his people have been repeated by other prophet leaders through all dispensations of the gospel," Elder Larsen explained. "It has seemed that one of the inevitable side effects that occurs as people apply gospel principles in their lives is that their material circumstances also improve.

"This does not suggest that it should be the right or the expectation of all who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ to become wealthy in the possession of worldly goods. The Lord has made it clear, however, that when His people are obedient, He desires to bless them with the necessities and comforts of life so that none should live in want.

"Historically, the abundance with which the Lord has blessed His people has proved to be one of their greatest tests. The cycles of their acquiring worldly wealth and their subsequent spiritual decline are well documented in scriptural and historical records."

Elder Larsen quoted Brigham Young, who with his customary candor, said, "The worst fear I have about this people is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and His people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution, and be true. But my greatest fear . . . is that they cannot stand wealth."

President Young felt some of the same apprehensions that Moses had felt, Elder Larsen said.

"These men felt there was nothing inherently wrong in the acquiring of wealth. The danger lay in its obscuring the need for acknowledging the Lord's hand in these blessings, and in failing to use the abundance to bless others and accomplish the Lord's purposes.

"The coveting of wealth so often has resulted in avarice, dishonesty, and greed. The acquisition of wealth has frequently produced pride, self-satisfaction and arrogance.

"The message that echoes to us from the pages of history and from the counsels of the Lord and His prophets is clear. Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven. Seek not for riches to consume them on your own lusts. Thou shalt not covet.

"Clothe the naked. Feed the hungry. Relieve the sick and the afflicted. Pay tithes and offerings. In all things acknowledge the Lord. Be grateful. Be humble."