Advice to Young People

ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE. BY PRESIDENT FRANKLIN S. BRAMWELL, OF THE UNION STAKE OF ZION. [At a conjoint meeting of the M. I. A. of LaGrande, Oregon, President Bram- well was invited to speak. He expressed himself as pleased with the Mutual Im- provement organizations, as they afford golden opportunities for the development of the young people in principles and practices that enable them to best fill their missions upon the earth, in conformity with the designs and laws of our Heavenly Father. His remarks in part follow. Editors.] This subject is exceedingly broad, and we can scarcely find any matter of ethical importance but will come under this heading. I desire very much, first, to have you know that I love you, that I am your friend, and that, while I may speak plainly, it is with no other intent than for jour betterment. A person who will flatter you is not your friend. He is your friend who will point out the way, and warn you of probable danger. "To be forewarned is to be forearmed." I desire you to know yourselves, and som.e- thing about the vicissitudes you may encounter in your journey through life. I think I shall confinemy remarks to a few things of plain, everyday life, very common, but none the less important. Never be late. Be very careful not to make appointments, unless you are quite sure you can fill them, and on time. To be late is more of a habit than anything else. Remember there may be many waiting your arri\al, and for you to keep them waiting is a loss of time, and subjects you to criticism. Never engage in vulgarity. If your companions use slang or vulgar expressions, right then and there, draw the line. Tell those who forget themselves that vulgarity is oflfensive to you; and if they will not cease to thus degrade themselves, leave their com-

972 . IMPROVEMENl ERA. • pany, and seek your companionship from other and better sources. Always seek the society of those who know mere than you do. Watch their habits. Note with care their expressions; note the ideas they advance; make them yours, and thus day by day, ad- vance in ideas, language, and improvement intellectually. The very worst that can overtake a person is for him to reach a point when development is imposssible. When this condition overtakes us, the fact stands out so boldly that all with whom we come in contact can see it at once, and in their minds either pity or con- demn us. Seek to improve every moment, as later in life you will have use for all the information you can possibly command. Never jest about sacred things. Too much jest and familiar- ity is not good at any time, but especially are false impressions made when indulged in, in matters of sacredness and importance. There are many people who cannot enjoy a joke. To these, joking is harmful, and to indulge in jest can do no good, and possibly much harm. I do not mean by this that we shall always pull a long face, but that we should be careful as to what we say, for fear of wounding someone. Remember, friendship once broken can perhaps never be made whole again. It may be patched up, but probably can never be healed and made as strong as it was before the rent was made. Strive to keep all your old friends, and make as many new ones as possible, as you may need them. Never eavesdrop. Eavesdroppers rarely hear anything good about themselves. People are cowards who try to get informa- tion not intended for them. Mind your own business, and you will be kept very busy indeed, too busy to bother with the general af- fairs of others. Never lend your ear to a confidential statement of a friend, and then tell someone of what has been given you, without first obtaining permission to do so. It is a base act to betray the con- fidence of a friend, and especially is it unfair and illegitimate to use such statements as against the person confiding in you. Un- der no circumstances play the part of a traitor. Never borrow a book, implement, or anything else, and fail to return it. It often becomes necesary to borrow, and it is a fact that, as a rule, people are negligent in returning. Try also to re- turn an article in as good condition as it was when you obtained it.

ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE. 973 Never borrow money from a bank' or individual unless you are compelled to do so. If you borrow money for a stipulated time, and find at maturity that you are unable to pay, go don't — write —to the person to whom you are indebted, make a full ex- planation of the cause of your inability to liquidate, as agreed up- on. To manifest a spirit of indifference will destroy your credit, thereby making your journey in life much harder, brought on by your own neglect. Never refuse when called upon to speak, in Sunday School, in meeting, or elsewhere. Never offer apologies for not being pre- pared. In offering an apology, you waste time, and indicate your ignorance. There is no reason why you are not informed, except that you yourself have failed to study. When you speak, talk to some point. Don't make it an object to talk at length, but rather try and give as much information as possible in a short time. Let each effort be better than the last one. Never engage in slander nor in anyway defame the good name of any person. It is a manifest weakness of the human family to speak lightly of others. Many aching hearts are caused by the backbiting tongue of evil disposed people. We will have to re- every pang caused by our folly. — "Judge not that ye be not judged," and that The pay, and dearly, Savior said too, for the same measure we mete unto others shall be measured unto us, "pressed down, full, and running over." If we spe^k evil of others, and that same sentiment is measured to us, pressed down, full, and running over, it will then surely be our turn to weep; but, if we have dealt lovingly and righteously with our fellow men, and that is measured back to us, pressed down, full, and running over, we will indeed be happy and rejoice together. Decide what you want, and sow the seed at your m\ and pleasure. Never in any way criticize or speak lightly of any pers Dn be- cause of difference in religious belief. Always remember the Eleventh Article of our Faith, and allow all men to think and wor- ship as they see fit. Their faith is doubtless as sacred to them as yours can be to you. If you know that you have the better plan, first obtain their confidence, and then in a kind way tell them of what you have, and at the same time ask God to bless what you say, that it may bear fruit. Above all, do not annoy people by

974 IMPROVEMENT ERA. trying to force them to see, think, and act, as you do. Remember, you will never succeed in forcing any one to heaven. Never allow the names of our Church leaders to be spoken of lightly or disrespectfully. Always defend them. I am personally acquainted with many of the general authorities of the Church, and I testify to you that they are unselfish, upright, broad-minded and inspired men. There are no better men on the earth than President Joseph F. Smith, his conselors and the general authori- ties. Follow their example. They desire the salvation of all mankind. This can also be said generally of the various stake au- thorities, as well as of the Union stake officers. They love you, and want to do you good. commend these brethren to you. I Seek their counsel and advice, as they point the way to peace, good order, and eternal happiness. Sustain them, defend them, pray for them, and help them to accomplish the meaning of their mission. If you will do this, our Father will defend and sus- tain you. Never pass judgment on any point or question until you have heard both sides; investigate thoroughly. There are always two sides to every question. Even after you have heard and seen both sides, be very careful not to misjudge. How often the motives of people are misconstrued and made evil of. Perhaps the great- est good was intended. Be very careful not to misjudge. It will make you happy. Christ said: "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man." Never trifle with the love of any person. Young ladies, as well as young men, sometimes make mistakes by making their se- lections from outward appearances instead of inward worth. Re- member there are many "rough diamonds." When -you get a rough diamond, help to polish it, so it, too, may give light for others to walk in and to follow. Never humiliate those who are less fortunate than you are. Rather than make light of them, show them that you fully appre- ciate what God has done for you, and give them a kind word. Es- pecially does this apply to those who are maimed or crippled, as they are particularly sensitive and are apt to take a slight, even though not meant for them at all. Make it a point never to re- fer to their condition, but always try and lead their minds from

ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE. 975 the fact, and rather give them preference when you meet them at home or abroad. Never undertake anything: of magnitude without first seeking and obtaining the counsel of more mature minds. Seek the ad- vice of father and mother. None have greater love for you, and none are less selfish. They desire your welfare always, and to which end nothing within legitimate lines will be refused you. Others may seem to be your friends, but when they are all asleep, your parents will still be praying and working for your welfare. Seek advice before you leap, and you will often be saved the neces- sity of asking for help to dig you out of trouble. Too often we go headlong on our own account, but as soon as we get into trouble, then we ask for advice and help. Never chastise in anger. When angry, the blood becomes poi- soned, and subjects you to contagion of any kind that may face you. Smallpox of the mind is worse than smallpox of the body. When angry, we say and do things that bring sorrow later. To think before you speak is much better than to speak and think later. Never put on paper anything you would be ashamed to say, were you face to face with the party you are addressing. Be careful what you write. Letters last a long time. Sometimes we write too freely— the letter is posted— we think then, alas ! it is too late, and the letter is in the hands of the other person. Be bold, brave and fearless, in all things, at the same time be exceedingly charitable. Be firm as a rock, but harmless as a dove. Never criticise the weak points you see in others. Be sure you have no weak points in your general make-up. If you will follow this rule, you will never criticise any person. Never become conceited because of your own acts or abili- ties. No matter how bright and beautiful your doings may seem to you, they may have quite a different appearance to others. Never allow the praise of others to make you conceited or fill you with bigotry. An upstart is an eye-sore to intelligence. Be hum- ble, bless and be blessed. Never fail to ask your Heavenly Father for what is necessary from day to day, but be careful not to ask for foolish things. By

: 976 IMPROVEMENT ERA. asking for things we should not have, we make it necessary for our Father to refuse our requests. Often we ask for things which, if given us, would cause our destruction. Never half do things. Any thing worth doing at all is worth doing well. Especially is this true of religion. If the system of religion we have espoused is worth anything, it is worth our lives, for it means life to us. Let not this pass your minds, but let it become a part of your character and being. Work is the key- note to salvation. Never be content to walk in any rut. Get out, broaden, be- come more intelligent, greater and better every day. Never put off for tomorrow what you can and should do to- day. Many times we count on what we shall do tomorrow, while, as a matter of fact, tomorrow never comes NOW IS THE BEST TIME. If you have hard work to do, Do it now. Today the skies are clear and blue; Tomorrow, clouds may come in view; Yesterday is not for you. Do it now. If you have a song to sing, Sing it now; Let the notes of gladness ring Clear as song of birds in spring, Let each day some music bring. Sing it now. If you have kind words to say, Say them now; Tomorrow may not come your way. Do a kindness while you may; Loved ones will not always stay; Say them now. If you have a smile to show. Show it now. Make hearts happy, roses grow; Let the friends around you know The love you have, before they go, Show it now.