Learn from history

      - Stand fast in convictions

      - Obey laws of God

      Elder L. Tom Perry suggested Saturday morning that listeners apply the advice of Brigham Young: to imagine as they read the scriptures that they are standing in the place of the prophets who wrote them.

      He proposed that they imagine themselves in the place of Moroni, the last of the great Nephite prophets, who described in Mormon 8 the total destruction of his people.

      "I guess one of the greatest mysteries of mortality is why mankind fails to learn from history," remarked Elder Perry of the Council of the Twelve. "Why do those who profess to be true followers of Christ so often become victims of the enticements of the world? The evidence is so strong regarding the blessings which accrue to those who trust in and follow the ways prescribed by the Lord."

      He quoted favorable publicity in the national press about Utah's good qualities attributable to the Church's influence.

      "How I wish I could feel comfortable with all of the special attention we are receiving," he remarked. "In the midst of this favorable publicity, we find so many members seeking worldly pursuits contrary to the words of the Lord's prophets through the ages.

      "Many of us are [moreT concerned about our fine apparel, the size of our homes, and our cars and their gadgets than we are about the needs of the poor and the needy. We also have the threat of legalized abortion, gambling, pornography and challenges [toT public prayer undermining the values that bind us together as a community of saints."

      He pleaded with Church members to stand fast in their convictions, adding that Moroni's warning also should be translated into renewed desire to perform missionary service.

      "Moroni also witnessed the wickedness and destruction which comes from unbelief, when men's and women's souls are not anchored to the teachings of the gospel."

      Quoting Mormon 9:1-3,6, he asked: "Who would not want to heed the voice of one who had witnessed such heartache and misery? Is it any wonder that his words are to declare that there is a better, happier, more fulfilling way to live?"

      Further quoting from Mormon 9, Elder Perry seemed to speak to listeners who are not Church members, saying: "We are . . . to declare that the restored gospel of our Lord and Savior is here to bless all of our Father in Heaven's children. We are anxious to share it with you. . . . We invite you to come and join with us to find the real fulfillment life has to offer."

      The Lord has entered into a solemn covenant to bless His children, Elder Perry said, adding that obedience to the laws of God and service to His children are required of one who desires those blessings.