Graduates of Ricks College can be part of a new spiritual aristocracy, who do things in the Lord's way, said President James E. Faust at the college's graduation ceremonies Saturday, April 29.

"Spiritual aristocracy" is grounded in purity and faith, said President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency. "It is submission to the sovereign God, a willingness to do things in the Lord's way. By combining your spiritual learning with your secular learning you can be armed and prepared for the daily assaults on your values and morals."President Faust, who was accompanied to Ricks by his wife, Ruth, addressed the college's 106th commencement exercises, during which 2,542 graduates received 2,599 degrees. He told the graduates: "You must make a difference. You are part of the greatest work in the world."

He asked the graduates to stand firm so their influence and example might help reverse the moral dry rot in today's culture. "This new spiritual aristocracy will seek not only to clean up the physical environment . . . but by example and persuasion, the moral environment as well."

Spiritual aristocracy will seek to reach right concepts and replace bad ideas with enlightened thoughts. It will not be led astray or intimidated by the sophistries of the insincere, hypocritical or self-righteous, he said. "To be a part of this new spiritual aristocracy, one must be involved in noble and selfless activities . . . . It is not haughty, snobbish and arrogant, but humble and strong."

An example of spiritual aristocracy is the some 50,000 young men and women and couples, who leave home and loved ones to serve as missionaries. "It

spiritual aristocracyT will not be politically or socially powerful, but will have great inner moral strength."

While the ways of the world are confusing, the Lord's ways are not, President Faust explained. He encouraged the young men to exercise "more faith in the Lord and in themselves as they seek to find their place in life." He counseled the young women to prepare themselves in all things, to learn and study all they can, and "to answer first that which is at the very center of your soul."

"Living our lives in the Lord's way means that we live providently. It means we live within our means and save a little for a rainy day. It means that we avoid debt as much as possible."

He reminded the graduates, "If we can say that we have managed our stewardship in the Lord's way, both temporally and spiritually, we will be surprised beyond our fondest dreams and expectations by the Lord's generosity as we account to Him for our stewardship."

Ricks College Pres. Steven D. Bennion, in his sixth year as college president, saluted the graduates for their achievements and quest for excellence. "You are remarkable. I fear my comments may border on boasting , . . . but I believe cheerleading is part of my job description."

He told the students they can reach impossible dreams as they utilize faith, hard work and prayer throughout their lives. "I hope that from your participation at Ricks you have come to know that with God's help you can climb high mountains."

Life is not easy, but it is good, Pres. Bennion continued. "

This yearT you have had the opportunity to be inspired and lifted . . . . I am confident you have found the opportunity and joy of service in your many settings. May God bless you with many successes and joys in your life."

The oldest participant in this year's graduation ceremonies was Clendon Gee, 87. Brother Gee, from nearby Sugar City, Idaho, has two courses to finish for an associate degree, but college officials granted him permission to march in the procession so he could march with two of his granddaughters, Melinda and Diana Gee, also from Sugar City.

Brother Gee was the college's student body president in 1927. Because of the Depression, Brother Gee was unable to finish school at the time. He returned to Ricks in January 1995, accepting a challenge from his granddaughter, Diana.