We may have no idea what the final cost in suffering or sacrifice may be, but we can vow never to give up. In doing so we will learn that there is no worthy task so great nor burden so heavy that will not yield to our perseverance. We can make it...however long and hard the road." So writes Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints. The chapters in this volume, messages of hope and comfort, have been adapted from addresses given and essays written by Elder Holland during the time he served as president of Brigham Young University. "All of my professional life has been spent with young people," he explains, "and universally they (like the rest of us) have needed support, encouragement, reassurance, and confidence. They have, in short, needed hope--that incentive to keep moving, keep trying, and keep believing until hope's siter virtues of faith and charity can also work their miracles." Elder Holland illustrates his messages with examples from classical and current literature, from the lives of individuals in the scriptures and in church history, and especially from the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He explains how others have overcome temptations and feelings of inadequacy and, through repentance, have obtained forgiveness and strength--and how we too may find success in our own searchings...however long and hard the road.

    McConkie examines each article in great, inspiring detail. He sheds new light on many subjects, including faith and belief, the nature of the Father and the Son, the mission of the Holy Ghost, the Atonement, spiritual gifts, and more.

    Other times, a talk has been prepared for which there was neither occasion nor audience.Whether the author simply needed the spiritual calisthenics which go with such added preparation, it now matters not. These "Sermons Not Spoken" are here printed for audiences unseen, but with no less desire that somehow, for them, they will prove helpful.As always, it should be said that this is not an official Church publication. The views expressed herein are those for which the author alone is solely responsible.Genuine appreciation is expressed to Daniel H. Ludlow and Roy W. Doxey for their review of and suggestions concerning this manuscript and to Susan Jackson for processing, so patiently, the flow of words.

    3. Jacob 1:1-Mosiah 17:20