October 1980 – J. Richard Clarke
“My dear brothers and sisters, the greatest test for any generation is how it responds to the voice of the prophets. Our prophets have admonished us to –
- Increase our personal righteousness.
- Live within our means and get out of debt.
- Produce, can, and store enough food, clothing, and where possible, fuel for one year.
This straightforward counsel has not been followed by all of you. Some have believed and complied; others have waited until they could be sure the storm clouds were really gathering; and still others have rejected the counsel.
…People respond only to what they are prepared to believe.”
“Frugality is a principle of righteousness. Consumption should never exceed our production. Economic freedom comes from the surpluses we create.”
October 1979 – J. Thomas Fyans
“The real strength of the Church lies in the savings accounts, the gardens, the income-producing skills, the home storage, the resiliency, the talents, and the testimonies of each individual member of the Church and in the family of which each of us is a part…The real strength of the Church does not ultimately lie in the financial and commodity reserves of the Church; rather, it rests in the reserves and strength of every household.”
