President Kimball Stresses Morality, Preparation

President Spencer W. Kimball emphasized morality and preparation for times of trial in talks given to thousands of young persons in Nevada and Utah recently.

Speaking at an area conference for some 10,000 Latter-day Saint youth from the Las Vegas, Nevada, area in April, President Kimball likened the Parable of the Ten Virgins to the conditions of the world and the Church at the Second Coming. He spoke of the “oil” of prayer, fasting, meeting attendance, Word of Wisdom observance, missionary service, home service, tithing, and chastity.

Speaking of chastity, President Kimball said, “Take this away and the light flickers and indeed it may go out.”

Morality was again his theme as he asked 11,000 students, faculty members, and others at Utah State University to fight rampant sins such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, abortion, alcoholism, dishonesty, and vandalism.

“Every sin that is imaginable is upon the earth today, and I would like to enlist your help this day to pledge your unqualified support toward calling the hand of Satan and bringing repentance to a confused and sickly world,” he said.

Sister Camilla Kimball, wife of the prophet, encouraged the group to pray and to stay active in the Church:

“Your first greeting of the day should be to your Heavenly Father, asking him for his help during the day. At the close of the day, report to him what you have done.” She also counseled students to manage their time wisely.

President Kimball speaks at Logan, Utah. (Photography by Eric W. White.)