Some favorite sayings of the Presidents of the Church
Some favorite sayings, maxims, or adages of our Presidents of the Church:
- Joseph Smith: “Seek knowledge by study and by faith.”
- Hyrum Smith: “Say what God says and no more.”
- Brigham Young: “Help people to help themselves.”
- John Taylor: “Leave your enemies to the Lord.’
- Wilford Woodruff: “Avoid confessing other people’s sins.”
- Lorenzo Snow: “Aim to become creative.”
- Joseph F. Smith: “Do the best you can and leave the rest to the Lord.”
- Heber J. Grant: “Live the gospel!” “That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do; not that the nature of the thing changes, but our capacity to do increases.”
- George Albert Smith: “I would not be an enemy to any living soul.” “There’s a great tug-o-war going on between the Lord and the adversary. Stay safely on the Lord’s side of the line.”
- David O. McKay: “Every member a missionary.” “The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home.” “True Christianity is love in action.”
- Joseph Fielding Smith: “There is no cure for the ills of the world except the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” “Wickedness never was happiness.”
- Harold B. Lee: “Be true to the faith; just live the Gospel.” “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved.”
- Spencer W. Kimball: “Do it!” “We must lengthen our stride.”
- Ezra Taft Benson: “Cleanse the inner vessel by conquering pride.” “The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ.” “What manner of men ought ye to be? Even as I am.”
- Howard W. Hunter: “Treat each other with more kindness, more courtesy, more humility, and patience and forgiveness.” “Let another man praise thee, not thine own lips.”
- Gordon B. Hinckley: “Keep trying. Keep believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.” “Do your best.”
- Thomas S. Monson: “Work will win when wishy-washy wishing won’t.”
- Russell M. Nelson: “The gathering of scattered Israel is the greatest work on the earth.” “Let God prevail in your life.” “Stay on the covenant path.” “Think Celestial!”
(from the files of Elder Glen L. Rudd)
Other “favorites” of some of the Church presidents:
- Heber J. Grant: 1) hymn — “Do What Is Right” 2) food — bread and milk 3) trait — persistence.
- George Albert Smith: 1) hymn — “Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words” 2) food — apple pie with warm milk on top 3) trait — compassion
- David O. McKay: 1) hymn — “O Say, What is Truth” 2) food — Cummings chocolates 3) trait — consideration
- Joseph Fielding Smith: 1) hymn — “Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire” 2) food — sweet pickles 3) trait — gospel scholarship
- Harold B. Lee: 1) hymn — “Praise To The Man” 2) food — bread and mild 3) trait — being in tune with the Spirit
- Spencer W. Kimball: 1) hymn — “I Need Thee Every Hour” 2) food — date nut bread with cold milk 3) trait — dedication
- Ezra Taft Benson: 1) hymn — “How Great Thou Art” 2) food — fresh raspberries 3) trait — love
- Howard W. Hunter: 1) hymn — “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?” 2) food — Alaskan crab 3) trait — always looking for the good in other people
- Gordon B. Hinckley: 1) hymn — “God of our Fathers” 2) food — pie and ice cream 3) trait — do your best
(From a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson at Brigham Young University on September 15, 2009)
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