Certain standards for membership must be attained in order that this witness be not nullified. The following are some accepted standards to which we should subscribe when owning membership.

          "We believe that the religion of Jesus Christ, as taught in the New Testament Scriptures, will, if its precepts are accepted and obeyed, make men and women better in the domestic circle and better citizens of town, country and state, and consequently better fitted for the change which comes at death."

--Epitome of Faith.

WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS?

A Saint Cultivates the Christian Graces.

          "Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."-II Peter 1:5-8.

A Saint Is Clean in Thought, Speech, and Life.

          The aim to be spotless in these matters is essential. This requires that the heart and mind will be filled with the divine vision to the exclusion of the carnally devised moral compromises of the social world. In other words, the moral standard of a member should be above reproach.

A Saint Is Sincere and Honest.

          The religious life must be rooted in sincerity, integrity, and honesty. Good works must proceed from a sincere heart, not from a desire for praise or honor. The word of a Saint must be as good as his bond. He must be scrupulously honest in business dealings, in friendly relations, and in all other social contacts. He must be honest with God. "Thou shalt be honest with thyself, thy neighbor and thy God."

A Saint is Generous.

          A Saint should cultivate a generous attitude toward others. Tolerance and open-heartedness are important characteristics of sainthood. Hatred, spite, envy, or revenge should not be given place in the heart. The generosity required by those in need should not be restricted to those who appear worthy. In short, the "second mile" principle should govern in generosity.

A Saint Is Brotherly.

          There should be evidenced an attitude toward others that does not discriminate between color, race, nation or social class. Thus love to all mankind should be a standard of the saintly life.

A Saint Is a Good Citizen.

          A Saint should be a law-abiding citizen. To be in good standing in the church is also the guarantee of a worthy citizen. Conscientious acceptance of the responsibilities placed upon us by state citizenship is obligatory upon Saints.

A Saint Leads a Useful Life.

          The Saint must engage in useful occupation which should be in keeping with all other standards of sainthood.

A Saint is Thrifty.

          A good Saint discharges his responsibility as a steward with care and consecration, and there is no better guide to this achievement than a careful and studious approach to the matters contained in the chapter on the Financial Law.

A Saint Spends His Leisure Time Creatively.

          The standard of sainthood requires that, as well as choosing a vocation of a useful and constructive nature, members should study the use of leisure time also, so that the stewardship of time shall be recognized. That recreation should be truly re-creative this matter should receive more than casual study by all who would approach the standards of the gospel.

A Saint Endeavors to Maintain a Standard of Health.

          The Word of Wisdom is an indication of the requirements of God in the matter of physical and mental well-being, and each member is invited to study this word of advice and counsel and to endeavor to apply the principles therein according to his geographical and personal situation. There is no arbitrary instruction in this, but the spirit of the advice therein must be understood if one's body is to be a useful servant of the spirit. See Doctrine and Covenants 86.

A Saint Avoids the Use of Habit-Forming Drugs.

          The standards of sainthood preclude the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs on the basis that those who so indulge are living at a lower mental and physical standard than is intended in the divine purpose. Other personal and social habits, too, should be judged upon the same basis and constructive decisions made in all such matters in harmony with the greater purposes of life.

A Saint Respects the Sanctity of Marriage.

          The standard of the church in marriage relations is that of the highest Christian principle, and it is a fundamental concept of Latter Day Saint teaching and practice that the monogamous marriage be observed with scrupulousness. Because of the error in this matter of some who left our church, it is of particular importance that members should uphold by word and deed the sanctity of the Christian home.

          A Saint is expected to share regularly in the worship and activities of the church, See chapter 3.

          A Saint is expected to be unfailing in his observance of the Lord's Supper. See chapter 2.

          A Saint is expected to take part in the work of the church according to his gifts and opportunity.

          A Saint is expected to take his share in contributing to the funds of the church according as God has prospered him. See chapter 8.

          A Saint should maintain a standard of good reading. The "Saints' Herald" and other church periodicals should find a place in the regular reading of every church member.

          A Saint should plan for individual and family devotions and study the Word of God. See "The Saintly Home," chapter 4.

WHAT OFFICIAL STEPS ARE TAKEN TO ENSURE THESE STANDARDS?

          If it is necessary to give evidence of worthiness of life to become a member of the church, it is necessary to maintain and raise that standard to retain one's privileges as a member. See Doctrine and Covenants 17:7. Failure to appreciate the standards of sainthood may result in the church taking action to protect its members against damage done by members who become of ill-repute. The actual steps taken in such circumstances are, firstly, for the administrative officer of the group or area to appoint the teacher or other officer to labor kindly with the offender to bring about repentance and restitution; secondarily, where this fails, to appoint a court of elders for the hearing of the matter and to give judgment. If adjudged guilty of an offense against the Christian standard, certain restitution is required and in certain circumstances expulsion from the church may be ordered.

WHAT SINS WOULD CONSTITUTE CAUSE FOR CHURCH ACTION?

          Where members of the church so far forget their calling as to be guilty of immorality and unchastity, i. e., adultery and kindred sins, definite action is taken by the church. Repentance and adjustment are obligatory upon all found guilty in this way. For a first offense this may be considered sufficient by the church, but for repetition of such lapses court expulsion is the rule.

          The contracting of debt without reasonable ability to meet such debts in due course is not a moral act, and the church does not uphold the membership of one so acting. Refusal to meet one's legitimate obligations where there is the ability to do so may become the subject of church action and the member's privileges be in jeopardy.

          Drunkenness is not in keeping with the standards of a saintly life, and on this matter the church is very strict. No member can be considered in good standing who indulges in the use of intoxicating liquor as a beverage. Where such example is evidenced, the church takes action that the name of the church and the characters of its members be not evilly spoken of.

          To avoid the appearance of evil is an obligation of a member towards the name of Christ and the church. Where circumstances are such that the church and Christian community are brought into disrepute, even though there be no conclusive evidence of sinful relationships, the church requires the member so involved to evidence such innocence by removal of the cause for gossip. Where such is not done those so failing may be dealt with by the church for un-Christian conduct.

          It cannot be over-emphasized that any such disciplinary action which may be taken by the church is in no way punitive, but in all cases it is to reclaim the fallen, but where willfulness is evidenced in continuing in wrongdoing, the church has no option but to act to preserve its good influence in the community. It is better that one should suffer in this respect than that the whole body should be ridiculed before the world. Lying, backbiting, adultery, and kindred sins, as well as contracting bad debts, drunkenness, and giving occasion for harmful gossip may lead to expulsion. Briefly stated, the facts are that the membership should at all times and in all places remember that the standards of the church are the standards of Jesus Christ. Should doubt arise in the mind as to the legitimacy of certain acts or procedures, reference to the life and pattern of the Master will give all the necessary answers that may be required. This is the supreme test of discipleship. The church is jealous of its name as the Church of Jesus Christ and is bound morally and spiritually to ensure that it is held high by all who enter into its privileges.

          At no time should a member of the church give way to temptation that will place in jeopardy the high and holy privileges of sainthood.

HOW SHALL I ADJUST PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES?

          It is inevitable in our present state of weakness and humanity that difficulties of a personal nature will arise among members of the church. In this the church is no exception, for where there are two persons or more working and living along side each other, there is the possibility of friction or misunderstanding.

          The art of living together in peace is one that has been least developed of all the relationships of life, whether among individuals or in the global sphere of international relationships.

          If the major national calamities of recent years are to be avoided in the future, the art of fellowship must be perfected. If men and women cannot live together in peace in the small circles of the home and community, there is no possibility of international fellowship.

          Therefore the gospel, through the church, has set the ideals and principles of social adjustment. It is essential that the members of the church shall maintain fellowship if the witness of the message, "Peace on Earth," is to be made real.

          Peace among members of the church was emphasized as essential by Jesus, as these words of Scripture show:

          "If thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee two or three more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."-Matthew 18:15, 16.

          "Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother has ought against thee, leave thou thy gift before the altar and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift."-Matthew 5:23, 24.

          Thus, it is clearly the duty of either party to the unfortunate trespass to approach the other for reconciliation. Experience has shown that where this law is carried out, in the great majority of cases reconciliation is effected in the first stages of the breach.

          It is an offense against the fellowship of the group and the principles of Christ to report injuries and hurts first to another not concerned. Tale-bearing is a most harmful practice and not in harmony with the standards of sainthood, and is an offense against which the church as a body may take action and thus one's membership be affected.

WHAT THEN ARE THE OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
IN CASES OF DIFFICULTY?

          The person offended or having knowledge of another being offended with him, must, before telling any other, approach the person concerned, seeking to make reconciliation. If the difficulty is not big enough to do this, it is not big enough to bother anyone about. It had best be forgotten.

          Should the approach not be successful, he should then seek another witness, the teacher, or another officer of the church, in a further attempt, and that there he regular proof of the problem and its nature. Should this second effort be unsuccessful, the matter should then be presented to the pastor of the branch where both parties are members, or if the difficulty is between members of different branches, then to the administrative officer having jurisdiction over both parties.

          The duty of this administrative officer is to see that all possible efforts are made to effect a reconciliation, but failing reconciliation by these methods, it is his duty to appoint a suitable court of elders to try the case and give judgment.

          To avoid this undesirable and extreme action, all members should endeavor at all times to apply the standards of Christ and the church in their lives. In this connection the following quotations are worthy of constant remembrance:

          "When ye stand praying, forgive if ye have aught against any; that your Father also who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive you your trespasses."-Mark 11:27, 28.

          "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."-Lord's Prayer.

          "Wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another, for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men; and ye ought to say in your hearts, Let God judge between me and thee and reward thee according to thy deeds."-Doctrine and Covenants 64: 2.

          Members should avoid taking offense over trifles or the incidental actions of others. These acts are often unintentional. Motives of others should not be impugned.

          If the spirit of repentance and forgiveness is constantly cultivated in each member, then the fellowship of the Saints is preserved, and the purposes of the church are not hindered.

          No one should be misled that an expression of repentance or forgiveness absolves one from doing what is right or proper under all circumstances, to repair any damage that has been done. Where practicable full restitution to the injured party should be made. This also involves the restitution of the one offending to the status occupied before the offense.

          The highest revelation given to the world should guide us in the universal problem in human relationships, and this revelation is contained in the words of the Master upon the cross:

          "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

MARRIAGE AND THE HOME

          Of all the spheres of life today where the teachings of the gospel are vital, the relationship of the sexes and the establishment of the home are most important. Young people today and also the homes of the church face a crisis the successful passing of which will decide the future of the race for many years to come.

          The Latter Day Saint attitude toward the home is that it is the primary unit of society, and that in the home is centered the fundamental training and development of each succeeding generation. This view is in harmony with modern scientific emphasis placed by wise students of child guidance and mental and spiritual hygiene.

PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE

          The church places great emphasis upon the need for an adequate preparation by young people before marriage takes place. It is necessary that young people should make a study of the Christian attitude toward the marriage vow. The fundamental teachings of the Christian faith offer a sound foundation for the philosophy of sex and marriage.

          Because the future of the family depends upon the approach which the young people today make to marriage and the making of a home, and also upon the homes of today as to what kind of young people we develop for the future, it is the duty of Saints of both groups to study and demonstrate the philosophy of Jesus.

PRINCIPLES OF HAPPY MARRIAGE
THE PRINCIPLES OF LIFE

          The recognition of the principles of personal integrity and sound character is essential in preparation for and functioning of marriage. Therefore, young people contemplating marriage should look for these characteristics in each other. To hope to establish the marriage relationship on any other basis is vain. Though much of the working adjustment must of necessity be left to the actual early years of married life, decision as to the capacity of each partner to make such adjustment must be made prior to the wedding day.

          It is the duty of every couple contemplating marriage to give these matters earnest and prayerful consideration because failure to do so brings a vast train of marital disasters in its wake. Without compatability the living of the saintly life and the establishment of the saintly home is impossible.

MARRIAGE TO THOSE OF LIKE FAITH DESIRABLE

          The control of matters of the heart is not easy. It is essential therefore that in the selection of a partner one should have given much thoughtful consideration before the emotions are allowed attachment. Among matters of vital concern, like those previously stated, is the choice of a partner within the church circle. Doctrine and Covenants is very impressive in the statement of this principle, classing those who marry otherwise as weak in the faith. Paul in the second Corinthian letter admonishes the saints to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Compatability of religious outlook as well as of personal temperament is essential for peace and harmony of the present home and the care of the future family. Many other churches and marriage counselors also recognize the need of a common faith and shared ideals as the base of a completely happy marriage.

          With this in view, it is very necessary that the training of boys and girls be given within the influence of the religious education program of the church. There is no solution to the problem of successful home establishment away from this influence.

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS ARE NECESSARY
FOR SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP IN MARRIAGE?

          Reborn individuals striving to live lives characterized by intelligence, virtue, honor, integrity, righteousness, in short those striving for Christlikeness in personality have the material at hand for successful homemaking.

PREPARATION BY FORMAL STUDY AND RESEARCH

          In these days of complex living, more than ever, some academic study in the principles of home building and marital relationships appears essential. The ministers of the church are becoming increasingly capable of helping young people to make this preparation. Suitable Christian literature can be obtained to assist in this study while both those about to marry, and those newly married, should seek for the opportunity of class and group assistance, preferably within the church influence. Where the leaders have not launched into this sphere a request might well be made that they do so.

          Apart from study in personal relationships, study in home management and in modern principles of child care and training should precede marriage. While actual experience can be had only in the actual setting of the home, theoretical preparation is a big factor in success when the need is actually there.

          Young people should not be reticent about sharing their problems and puzzles in this sphere with suitable ministers. There is always a member of the priesthood who, either by natural bent or academic preparation, is in a position to give wise counsel and advice.

PLACE OF MARRIAGE

          There is no more fitting place for the celebration of the sacrament of marriage than at the house of worship. That a young couple in the cleanness of their youth should seek to unite their lives to the high and holy purpose of establishing a home is a very beautiful thing. At the church due emphasis and fitting atmosphere can be given to make this an occasion of lifelong memory and joy. Here is an opportunity for public and open testimony of the principles of Christian living and of sharing with those who love us best in a joyous ceremony. The home of one of the parties is often chosen and likewise can be a very beautiful occasion although certain features are necessarily limited. Marriage by a justice of the peace, judge, or in a registry office is accepted by the church as legal and proper, but such is to be deprecated because of the failure to emphasize the spiritual nature of the union. No minister of this church will sanction this sacred ordinance in freak surroundings which have been made mere publicity opportunities in some places of recent years.

          A particular study of the following standards both before and during married life will be invaluable to Saints, and it is suggested that these qualities be continually striven for as the ideal standard.

          A saintly home is:
                    Spiritually adequate
                    Morally wholesome
                    Mentally stimulating
                    Missionary minded
                    Artistically satisfying
                    Socially responsible
                    Physically healthful
                    Economically sound
                    Love centered

          All these standards should be encouraged and developed in the home life of Latter Day Saints. In the early days of the Restored Church, several members of the ministry were admonished by revelation that they regard it as a primary duty to see that the standards of their homes were adequate and godly.

A LATTER DAY SAINT HOME
WILL HAVE A SENSE OF GOD

          In the home and through his parents, each child is entitled to understand reverence for God and his principles as the guiding factor in all conduct. Association with God is achieved through prayer and daily practice and is the fundamental need of every person. Thus the home must be built near to God to have God near the home. If this concept is not fundamental in the lives of the two who unite to make a home, then the family given to that home will be lacking in true spiritual perception.

          The Word of God should be within easy reach of each member of the home, and should be available in the Three Books of the church: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants.

A HIGHLY MORAL ATMOSPHERE IN THE HOME
IS NEEDED

          The attitude of the growing generation of our day toward moral questions will be decided according to what is observed in the lives of parents. The acts and conversation of parents will be the standards that will be copied. If a broad and understanding approach is made in the modern home there will be favorable reaction in the children. Therefore, by example and instruction, wholesome moral principles should emanate from the home.

AN OPEN ATTITUDE TO KNOWLEDGE
IS IMPERATIVE

          If the home is to play its part in the future of the race, it must, while retaining its role as a haven from the assaults of modernism, maintain an honest and open attitude to all truth. It must not seek to interpret life according to concepts inadequate for growing and developing minds in an expanding world of thought and knowledge. The home must be a place where the doubts and misgivings of youth can receive sympathy and tolerance, while providing that safe anchorage upon the proved foundations of the past. In this there is a compromise between the restrictive authority of a past age and the extreme tendency in some directions to disregard all older concepts. The authority of such a home will be one of respect, automatically given where an assurance of consideration and tolerance to expanding vision is felt.

A MISSIONARY URGE WITHIN THE FAMILY
IS ENJOINED

          Every home should be so constituted and conducted that when children reach the age of eight years they are ready to assume membership in the larger body of the church. If the teachings of the church have been demonstrated in the home, the greatest missionary achievement of the church, the conservation of the natural increase, will have been realized. The saintly home will also make those not of its own members conscious of the power of the gospel, so that whoever shares in the life of the home may come within the power of its missionary spirit.

THE SAINTLY HOME
NEEDS AN ATMOSPHERE OF BEAUTY

          Church homes should reflect in their physical appointments the high ideals of our faith. Truly the cleanliness and arrangement of a home indicate the type of souls that reside within. The home should allow scope for the expression of each member as he develops his tastes and preferences, so that home becomes more than a residence, in fact the physical expression of ideals and appreciations.

A SENSE OF MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY
IS CHARACTERISTIC OF SUCH A HOME

          The home is the cradle of an ideal. Where there is expressed by each member of the home a regard for the welfare of the other members, and where no act is engaged in without consideration of its effect upon others, there is being grounded a fundamental attitude that will carry over into the affairs of the world and business. The principles of Zion are founded in lives within the precincts of the home.

THE HOME SHOULD BE THE ABODE
OF HEALTHY BODIES

          Simple rules of health and the care of our physical needs should be learned first in the home. A saintly home should provide the opportunity for each member to grow into a healthy adult. Some study of these simple facts so readily obtainable today is incumbent upon every parent. A revelation of advice has been given to the church in these days on this matter, and each should study the eighty-sixth section of the Doctrine and Covenants for a better understanding of this principle of bodily needs.

THE SAINTLY HOME REQUIRES
A FINANCIALLY SOUND FOUNDATION

          A true understanding of the stewardship of temporal things is essential if the spiritual values emphasized as fundamental to the saintly home are to be realized. The careful management of home finance is an important phase of stewardship, and when so recognized, the benefit in the lives of growing members is invaluable. The doctrines of work and responsibility should be ingrained in the home, and our dependence upon God should be taught through the principles of the tithe and offerings. Thus the saintly home is the center of the teaching of the gospel of sharing.

THE SAINTLY HOME
IS ONE OF GOOD WILL AND LOVE

          No home can be run upon rules of an arbitrary nature, but every saintly home will evidence, in a measure, that love enjoined upon all true brethren. Where the home is characterized by love, centered in God, and expressed among members of a family, the standards herein considered will be achieved without much technical application of rules. Jesus said, "This commandment I give unto you that ye love one another." This is fundamental.

FAMILY WORSHIP

          Family worship is a time-honored and proved institution, which has, to some extent, fallen into disuse. However, where this has occurred, it has been to the spiritual detriment of the family. Parents desirous of sharing with their children real experience can hardly neglect this means of grace.

SHOULD FAMILY WORSHIP ALWAYS BE FORMAL?

          There are many phases of home life that can be included under the heading of family worship. In fact, any activity that is centered in God and his purpose for us would be so regarded. Many home activities may be made worship centered and in this way avoid the monotony that often ensues where formal prayer and Bible-reading is the only form of family devotions. Wise leadership can bring many ordinary home activities to a devotional climax.

          For instance:

          A story told to the younger children at the fireside in winter, or outside on a summer evening, can be made to center in devotion.

          A period of fellowship around the piano will draw the family together in devotional appreciation of God and of each other.

          When mother or father visits with the child for an informal chat at bedtime which may conclude with the nightly prayer, it is worship in the home in a personal and intimate sense. The mother of Moses was successful in this way and retained the basic faith of her people in her son notwithstanding all the education of the Egyptians bestowed upon him. She probably had little opportunity for any but informal teaching concerning the true God in the home of Pharaoh.

          Some other opportunities that we may study with the view to making them worship centered are: Conversations around the table after supper (any conversation may be guided to devotional purposes), Bible and Book of Mormon readings, instrumental and vocal music, lovely pictures, art appreciation, table talk, projects of the family working together, playtime together, sharing experiences with others than the immediate family, practicing hospitality and friendship, visiting, family worship settings, gems from our reading shared at a suitable time, and a wisely and carefully planned approach to the Lord's Day.

          If formality is always insisted upon, experience has shown that family worship is difficult to maintain, whereas if the parents are broad in their approach to this need, keeping in view the fundamental requirement of every activity being made an act of essential worship, the variety so necessary in the life of growing children is achieved, while God becomes the center of each life and of the family.

          Notwithstanding the emphasis placed in this section on the need for drawing ail phases of family life to a devotional center, there is no substitute for the definite function of prayer in the life of every Saint. Other opportunities for devotion in the family circle here referred to are all definitely linked with the training of each growing person in the ability to exercise personal and collective prayer. There is definitely no substitute for the prayer life. Prayer should be expanded to include the whole attitude to living.

WHAT IS THE CHURCH ATTITUDE TO DIVORCE?

          The policy of prevention is always a better one than that of cure. The constructive approach to marriage and the inclusion of the principles emphasized in this manual in our mutual lives are calculated to make the partners united, permanent companions throughout life. However, errors of principle and judgment will occur. The church regards divorce or separation of married persons as deplorable and as a definite failure in a major sphere of Christian life. The grounds on which it will recognize divorce as legitimate are very restricted.

WHAT ARE THESE GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE?

The only causes justifying separation between married persons are: (a) Adultery, (b) Abandonment without cause. (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Luke 16:18.)

          The married man or woman who puts away a companion being innocent of wrongdoing, is in transgression, and the person so put away is sinned against.

          No one is expelled from the church even though separated from a companion if such separation does not involve transgression worthy of condemnation. The laws of the land are, in many States, less exacting than the Christian standard, and recognition of such divorces or remarriages by the church is dependent on the question of either partner being guilty of cause (a) and (b) given under this heading.

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