A memory from his childhood of his grandfather artfully planting alfalfa seeds helped President James E. Faust, years later as a missionary, to understand the Savior's parable of the sower, "which is actually a parable about different kinds of soil."

Speaking at the Saturday evening priesthood session, President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, said, "In this parable, the seed is the same but it lands in four different kinds of soil.

"The Savior also explained the meaning of the parable. The seed that fell by the wayside represents those who hear the word of God but do not understand it and fall into the clutches of Satan. The second seed, which fell upon stony places, describes those who joyfully hear the word and thrive as long as all goes well. But when trials come and they feel peer pressure because of their beliefs, they are offended and do not endure. The third seed, which fell among thorns, represents those who hear the word but worldliness and riches are more important to them, and they fall away from the truth. The last seed, however, which fell into good ground, represents those who hear the word, understand it, live it and reap great eternal rewards. (See Matt. 13:19-23.)"

He said the Zoramites in the Book of Mormon are an example of seed that fell by the wayside. (See Alma 31:8-9.)

"Some seeds fell upon stony places in the early days of the Church, when the Prophet Joseph Smith issued calls to several converts to serve as missionaries," he said, adding that among them was Simonds Ryder. After reading a revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith and finding that his name was misspelled, Ryder became offended, apparently unaware that the prophet often dictated his revelations to scribes.

"His disillusionment over the misspelling of his name led not only to his apostasy but ultimately to his infamy in helping to tar and feather the Prophet Joseph," President Faust recounted.

An example of thorns choking the seed bed, President Faust explained, is the rich young man who asked the Savior what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Recognizing the young man's attachment to riches, the Savior taught him the higher law of the gospel and told him to sell all that he had, give the money to the poor, and follow Him. The young man went away sorrowing, for he had great possessions. ( See Matt. 19:21-22.)

"Today, as we travel throughout the world, we see that many seeds have fallen into good ground," President Faust observed. "We meet wonderful, stalwart members of the Church who are faithful and dedicated. Some of us who have sown seeds as missionaries may have felt that those seeds fell on hard ground. It is not always possible to know the consequences of one single contact."

Such was the case, he said, with William R. Wagstaff, who served in the North Central States Mission from 1928-30. Brother Wagstaff felt disappointed he had not baptized more people. One of his contacts was the mother in a farm family about 180 miles west of Winnipeg, Manitoba, to whom he gave a copy of the Book of Mormon and with whom he had numerous gospel discussions during numerous visits. When he left she had not been baptized.

In October 1969, he attended a missionary reunion. She was there and approached him to ask if he remembered her. In her worn copy of the Book of Mormon, he saw his name and address. She told him about 60 members of her family were members of the Church, including a branch president.

"Each of us needs to nourish our seeds of faith so that they continue to take root," President Faust admonished. "President Hinckley has strongly urged us to help the new members prepare their souls so that the seeds of faith planted by the missionaries can grow and develop."