--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - N. L. Monson collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 7 number: 7 published: 1904-05 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'N. L. Monson, "Talks to Young Men. VII—Our Goal," *Improvement Era* 7, no. 7 (May 1904): 532–535.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0707unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera0707unse start_page: 532 end_page: 535 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1904-05) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0707unse publication_year: 1904 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1904, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Talks to Young Men. VII—Our Goal TALKb TO YOUNG MEN. VII.— OUR GOAL. Some have complained that in these talks the writers are a little worldly, and that the ethics of success held out to be fol- lowed lead rather to intellectual achievement, to every-day, mate- rial progress, advancement and prosperity, than to that spiritual development which ends in complete resignation to the will of the Father, and in the contentment born of the broad knowledge that all things perish save the good that is done to others. That may be true, but I think there is splendid justification in young people striving for educational superiority, for worldly prosperity, for material success. Why? Because without knowledge and wealth, one's chance for doing good is very limited. The thing to be avoided is to make the intellectual and material things the end of existence instead of making them essential means for the grand end— the obtaining of spiritual salvation, eternal life and glory. But without mental and material success, one is often hampered in spiritual progress. The great striving, then, of our young men should be to seek worldly progress, not for its own value, but to make it a means, a lever for spiritual advancement. But let them avoid falling so in love with their worldly achievements that they shall overshadow and swallow up the more precious end of existence. How shall this be done? Let both ends be held in view from childhood to age. Let the temporal needs clasp hands with spiritual necessities, in your life. Let these be your guide on the right, and those your stay upon the left. You cannot neglect your temporal being without injury to your spiritual; and if you neglect your spiritual self, the temporal may swallow you up to your eternal condemna- TALKS TO YOUNG MEN 533 tion. Let the two go hand in hand, and, as the interests of the two clash for mastery in your mind, your good sense and judg- ment will chide the one, and encourage the other, or hold the one in abeyance, and let the other have full freedom, as necessity de- mands. know a very wealthy man in this city, whose every I touch seems to turn to gold, who keeps above his desk a great painting illustrating a pathetic scene of poverty, bereavement and sorrow. Asked one day why he had placed such a sad picture over his desk, to be constantly before him, he replied, "That I may be reminded of my duty to my fellows, and have my selfishness curbed." It is needless to say he is among the best givers and helpers in the city, and responds freely to all just and human- itarian appeals. Having said this much, let me present a little talk from Elder N. L. Monson. He is at present filling a mission in Sweden, and naturally looks upon the spiritual side: Every young man and young woman in every station in life, has some unfulfilled desire, the realization of which they would con- sider the zenith of glory. To the true man or woman, this desir- able, unattained something is always of an ennobling character. The aim of their lives will be the betterment of mankind, and in order to elevate others, they themselves will seek to stand above re- proach. Towards the realization of their life's hope many greatly vary- ing paths are chosen. The ambition of some is to become famous as defenders of truth and liberty. To gain this end, some choose the literary channel, and with a gifted pen denounce the oppressor, and point out avenues of escape from bondage. Others select the bar of justice as the most appropriate place to cry out the wrongs of the oppressed. Another class seek to gain this same point over the more perilous road that leads to martial fame. Others choose a position from which they can extend a helping hand to suffering humanity by alleviating their bodily ills, even as the pa- tient, help- dispensing hospital nurse, or in the more lucrative pro- fession of medical practitioner. Still another class choose, as their sphere of action, the field where they can develop the mental fac- ulties of their associates. Others select a course enabling them to supply the wants of man, either by catering to his ambition for a display of wealth, or by supplying his actual wants. All have their ideal in life. All have their goal. Again, another class, though they never shine in literary cir- cles and their names are unknown in the professional class, are none the less busy scattering rays of sunshine in dark places. Many a tired and heart-sick soul has been instilled with new life by the magnetic influence of their presence. Many a dark cloud has been dispelled by the soft touch of these patient, self-sacrificing angels of mercy. Without them, this world would indeed be a sad place. As children of the Saints of God, we, also, should have a goal. Not alone satisfied with the attainment of earthly honor, we should aim at a higher distinction, at the same time not forget- ting that the road to the eternal goal is inseparably connected with that of our daily walk. The gospel of Christ teaches us that un- told possibilities lie in wait for the sons and daughters of God. To gain these should be our goal. In order to gain a desired object, it is necessary that we have a clear conception of the obligations that attend the contest. In every race, there are rules that must be followed, if the winner desires to be left in undisputed possession of the prize. On the cross of Calvary hung the Master, pointing out the way to the eternal man- sions. His teachings contain the germ of life everlasting, and are to us the rule for the race to a better land. His words should be our guiding star, shedding rays of living light on the path of eternal life. Let the ambitious youth and maiden who yet stands undecided as to what course in life to follow, turn their thoughts to the lowly Nazarene. Let him be your teacher and guide. Listen to his counsels, they will lead you to pleasant lands: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." These are words of advice suited for all. They will fit into every occupation in life, and bring everlasting bliss to him who heeds them; and, on the eternal shores, they will bear fruit a hundred fold. Young man and young woman, stand not aghast at the hurry- scurry life that surrounds you, thinking thereis no room for you. TALKS TO YOUNG MEN. 535 There is many a vacant chair at the top, and to gain one you need not be a literary light or a professional star. The humbler occu- pations in life are not to be shunned. Turn your eye again to the cross. Your Master was but a humble artisan. The birds of the air have nests and the foxes have holes, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head, yet he said: "All power is given me in heaven and in earth." What a crowning victory! What a glorious goal! You need not, like the seekers for the fountain of perpetual youth, go out into strange lands to seek a mystic treasure. You may begin right at your door. Your nearest duty is your first duty, and the rule for the race of life is: —Let no duty be undone. Unlike other races, the prize is not to the one who first reaches the end, but to him who squarely faces every duty, and who goes through and not around every obstacle that obstructs his path. He who gains his place in this way, will be fitted to retain his seat among the wedding guests. The poor, struggling brother or sister at your side needs an encouraging word. A helping hand extended at the proper time may save a preeious soul. A ray of sunshine shed on the unfor- tunate's road, will bring down blessings upon your head. You will find the source of the fountain of life at your very door, for by these acts you will gain the approbation of the Master. ''Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." These words are also meant for you and for me, and when we hear the words, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from before the foundations of the world," we will gain access to the Holy City, where perpetual youth reigns. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." This is our goal.