The Priesthood of Aaron - L. Tom Perry

  This is the talk that I believe Elder Perry wanted to give to the Priesthood Meeting on Saturday.  I called to my mind the older generation, the times, choices, activities, challenges, disappointments and winnings of those years of youth.  Now I am reminded that I conferred this Priesthood of Aaron upon each of my four sons at their appropriate time and I believe that each one would say that overall it has made a difference.  Shirlyn is however, the person who directed their feet to the Eagle Scout badge mentioned here also.
  Now I look at this next generation of eight new warriors who will sooner than you know be candidates for this preparatory priesthood with its three offices of responsibility.  They will reach that age of 12 when the latter-day prophets have determined is the appropriate time.  They will follow in this order:

• Max
• Justin
• Gavin
• Brady
• Timothy J.
• Austin
• Levi
• Royce

  At that time the world will not be any better or safer for them to begin but it will have the same direction of good parents and teachers showing the way.  The commandments will be explained.  The decisions will become such that mistakes will be made.  The gifts of faith and repentance will begin to have place in each day and parents will have less presence during hours away from the safety of home.  In each day these warriors will need to confront alone the dangers that are presented in our world.  Therefore, I will say to them as they prepare for this time, what Elder Perry told his grandson Terry:

1. Keep your body healthy and clean
2. Develop your mind and become wise
3. Be strong and resist temptation in a world filled with it
4. Trust in the Lord, especially when you need His protection

  This advice was based on the story of Daniel in the Old Testament.  Referring to this story and the many others in the scriptures he counseled:  "These stories in the scriptures will never grow old.  They will be just as exciting for you when you're reading them as a deacon, a teacher, a priest, a missionary, a home teacher, an elders quorum president, or whatever the Lord calls on you to do.  They will teach you to have faith, courage, love for your fellowman, confidence, and trust in the Lord."
  As I watch this priesthood in action in this far away land, I see the same reverence and power here as the young men prepare and pass the sacrament.  The same attitudes that Elder Perry explained in this talk.  Even though the meetings here are not part of a stake or ward like the ones your young men are part of, the priesthood is the same.  They are being taught here by men with testimonies and challenged as you will be to live as the Lord has patterned for you.
  And then his challenge for you as parents who may be reading this summary; "Parents of these magnificent young men and women, we charge you with the sacred responsibility of teaching your 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."
  We know, as grandparents of these eight young warriors that the preparation is being done and we thank you.  Our prayers are alive with this hope and blessing.