Friend to the Friendless...

George Albert Smith had a personal creed. He was well-known for this set of 10 standards he lived by not only because he taught it but also because he lived it. He championed the cause of the blind, the imprisoned, the destitute and anyone who was in need. He gave the literal coat off his back. He donated shirts to Deseret Industries that were pressed, starched and in plastic cleaning bags. When one confused employee asked him if he had made a mistake he said "No, I intended to give them." When further pressed as to why he was giving freshly cleaned shirts he replied, "Well, that's how I like my shirts. Don't you?" He did unto others no matter their circumstances as he would be done unto. As I read the JAS creed I thought of my oldest son Lincoln. He has a desire to "live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy." And he also lives by that desire. I admire him for that.


I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.

I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.

I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.

I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.

I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.

I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.

I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.

I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.

I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.

I would not be an enemy to any living soul.

Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth.