Unto the Hills – Sunday, March 03, 1940
So long as we live in a world composed of people who do not accept a single law of conduct, a single standard of ethics, or a single code of morals, we shall have to face the problem of differences of opinion and disagreement among men. So long as we mingle socially and in business and in our schools and communities, with people whose views and standards of living are not identical with ours, we shall be confronted with a choice between being different In some respects from other men or sacrificing our own standards and beliefs for the sake of not being different.
There are some who abandon their convictions for fear of being socially conspicuous – for fear of courting the disapproval of the unthinking crowd. But when such considerations cause us to waver, may it be remembered that to uphold an Ideal is a social achievement of the highest order. The moat enviable grace, the most admirable poise, the most loveable ease of manner, and the most engaging attractiveness belong to those who, with sincere dignity and tolerant conviction, are true to their own ideals on all occasions. And if our own convictions and beliefs should at times cause us to be different from our neighbors, perhaps it would be helpful to remember this: It may be embarrassing to be different if one is wrong – but it is an enviable distinction to be different if one is right.*
Franz Schubert, whose life found little else but music to give it warmth and color, wrote his tribute to the divine art in a song which carries this message:
“How oft when life has dwindled
To one restricted circle bleak and gray,
Hath thou my heart to warmer love enkindled,
And borne my thoughts to better worlds away.
“How oft a sigh that from thy harp has drifted
Some sweet and holy chord, Some strain of thine,
My soul to high and heavenly spheres has lifted.
For this I thank thee, Art Divire.” _ _ _
Schober. (English version by Henry G. Chapman, Published by G. Schirmer, Inc.)
“Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear-” And thus saith the Lord., “What I have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall be fulfilled, * * * For behold * * * the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and forever-” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:11, 38,39)
*Copyright 1940 by Harper Brothers, Publishers. From the Book Entitled “Unto the Hills.”
March 03, 1940
Broadcast Number 0,550