In this modern world plagued with counterfeits for the Lord's plan, we must not be misled into supposing that we can discharge our obligations to the poor and the needy by shifting the responsibility to some governmental or other public agency. Only by voluntarily giving out of an abundant love for our neighbors can we develop that charity characterized by Mormon as "the pure love of Christ." (Moro.7:47) This we must develop if we would obtain eternal life.

The prime duty of help to the poor by the Church is not to bring temporal relief to their needs, but salvation to their souls.

It has always seemed somewhat paradoxical to me that we must constantly have the Lord command us to do those things which are for our own good.

The principle of self-reliance grows out of a fundamental doctrine of the Church, that of agency. Just as each individual is accountable for his choices and actions in spiritual matters, so also is he accountable in temporal matters. It is through our own efforts and decisions that we earn our way in this life. While the Lord will magnify us in both subtle and dramatic ways, he can only guide our footsteps when we move our feet. Ultimately, our own actions determine our blessings or lack of them. It is a direct consequence of both agency and accountability.

The only motive strong enough to induce men to exercise the self control required by the religion of Jesus is love.

Peace has been variously defined, but perhaps we might think of it as 'harmony within one's self, and with God and man.'

The key to happiness is to get the spirit and keep it.