How to Succeed in Preaching the Gospel

HOW TO SUCCEED IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL. BY HON. JOSEPH C. RICH. [Judge Joseph C. Rich, recently of Bear Lake County, Idaho, the eldest son of the late Apostle Charles C. Rich, died in Centerville, Davis county, October 17, 1908. He was a pioneer of 1847, and would have been sixty-eight years of age next January. With his father he pioneered San Bernardino county, California, but when Bear Lake was settled, removed to that country where he continued to reside until about three weeks before his death. His name is closely linked with the history and growth of southeastern Idaho. He was a pioneer, a telegrapher, and a newspaper man, and was one of the first practicing lawyers in the state. He was gifted with original wit, and was the originator of the "Bear Lake Monster" and other stories. President Francis M. Lyman attended the funeral, at Centerville, on October 20. The body of Mr. Rich was taken by his son, Edward C. Rich, to Montpelier, where it was interred in the Paris cemetery, near his father and mother and two children. His son, Edward C. Rich, writes, in reply to a request from President Lyman, enclosing the following letter written by his father to him on his departure on a mission to Great Britain, some twelve years ago. The letter not only explains what Joseph C. Rich's feelings were regarding "Mormonism," but contains valuable admonitions for all who go out into the world on missions, and as such is of general interest. What he wrote at this time, he always felt and expressed to his children. — Editors.] Montpelier, Idaho, October 3, 1896. My Dear Son, Edward: — You are now about to start out in the world upon one of the most important actions of your life; and you go with the approval, confidence, and blessing of your father and mother, brothers and sisters, and, I believe, all your friends and acquaintances. It is one of the greatest honors that can be conferred upon a person, to be considered worthy to be a messenger to his fellow-man in preaching the gospel, and representing our Lord and Savior; and, if faithful, great will be your reward hereafter, and peace and satisfaction here.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL. 141 You must be able to bear your testimony that the gospel has been restored to the earth, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon is true, and other matters connected therewith, of which you will learn. Read the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants and Bible with care, faith, and a desire to know the truth, and ask in confidence privately of the Lord for a testimony for yourself of the truth, and it will be made known to your satisfaction. Always bear in mind that you are on a mission for your Lord and Master, as his servant; and always, night and morning and in private, seek his aid and counsel, and let all your labors be with this object only in view, and your way will be opened up and you cannot fail to be successful in your mission, and will always have the confidence and approval of those who preside over you. Remember that you will never be alone, for you can always have access to your Heavenly Father for advice and counsel on all occasions. Your labors will be mostly amongst the poor; never fear to bear your testimony to the truth, and when you are called to appear in public, never study beforehand what you shall say, but lean upon the Lord, and ask him for his Spirit that you may be led to say such things as may be proper, at all times, and herein lies the secret and success of preaching the gospel. That you are truthful and honest, I know; and in your intercourse with all, be frank, open and straightforward in your course. Be obedient to those who may preside over you, and prompt in all your obligations. Obey as strictly as you can the word of wisdom, and in your counsels and teachings to the people, lead and show them by your example the soundness of your teachings. No person can have the confidence of the people when he does not himself live what he recommends to others. You are not called upon to have a long face and be what is termed sanctimonious, but you can be yourself; have enjoyment and preach the gospel with a smiling face. The Good Spirit will make you cheerful, but on account of your position, and the fact that your conduct will be scrutinized, you will be more on your guard than at home, and see that no act of yours shall in any manner prevent you from discharging your duties acceptably before God. Be guarded especially in your actions towards the opposite sex, as you will find that virtue is a loose quality in the world ; no crime except murder is greater than

142 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . unchastity. I have every confidence that you will fill a useful and honorable mission, and return with the approval and confidence of the authorities. On this mission will depend your reputation for all time to come, and you will consider all matters connected with it with the greatest seriousness and care. In all cases of doubt as to advice to be given, or in your own affairs, seek counsel from those whose duty it is to counsel you. Don't depend upon money, but ask the Lord to open up your way and give you friends; but do not oppress the poor, and always try to pay your way when it is necessary. Smallpox and other contagious diseases are always more or less prevalent in the old country, and should you at any time have reason to believe you are so afflicted, lose no time in letting your condition be known, so the proper remedies may be applied. Let us know your circumstances, from time to time, and we will do all we can for you. Now, dear son, good-bye for the present, and realize that you depart from us with our faith, prayers, confidence and blessings, and may the Lord bless and preserve you until we met again. Your father and mother, J. C. Rich, Anna Eliza H. Rich. THANKSGIVING. For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. * * * For the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished — Isaiah 51: 3, 6.