Elder L. Tom Perry: 'The Priesthood of Aaron'

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve addressed his remarks Sunday afternoon to the "wonderful young men" of the Aaronic Priesthood.

He spoke of delivering a similar general conference message 25 years earlier where he invited his grandson, Terry, to the podium. Terry had recently been ordained a deacon. His loving grandfather challenged him to keep his body healthy and clean, to develop his mind and become wise, to be strong and resist temptation and, finally, to trust in the Lord.

Terry, he reported, was faithful to his charge and now serves as an elders quorum president.

Elder Perry said it is special blessing to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. He spoke of the "glorious day," on May 15, 1829, when Joseph Smith and his scribe, Oliver Cowdrey, sought a prayerful answer on the banks of the Susquehanna River to their questions on the manner of baptism. The heavens were opened to them and the angel John the Baptist appeared. The angel placed his hands on the heads of Joseph and Oliver and conferred upon them the Priesthood of Aaron.

"After mankind had been waiting for centuries for God's authority to be restored, the power and glory of the Aaronic Priesthood returned to earth," he said.

Holders of the Aaronic Priesthood receive the power and authority to be agents of the Lord and are also given the keys of the ministering of angels.

"Young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, I testify to you that the Lord is bound by a solemn covenant to give you the blessings according to your faithfulness," he said. "If you will heed the voice of warning of the Holy Ghost and will follow His direction, you will be blessed with the ministering of angels. This blessing will add wisdom, knowledge, power and glory to your life. It is a sure blessing promised to you by the Lord."

The apostle said parents of the young men and women of the Church have a sacred duty to teach their children the doctrines of the holy priesthood. "Your children must learn at an early age of the blessing of having the Lord's eternal priesthood and what they must do individually to qualify for these blessings."

Bishops, he added, have the priesthood keys to preside over the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood. He told them to be certain each young man who is worthy to receive the priesthood understands the obligations and blessings that come to him as a bearer of that sacred authority. "Help them learn to magnify the priesthood now by giving them important assignments and by helping them serve and minister to others."