Each missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
is endowed with the Holy Priesthood of God, and is sent forth as a
minister of the restored Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He
is believed to be morally clean and upright, and should keep himself
pure, sweet, and unspotted from the sins of the world. He should
avoid and resist the very appearance of evil, and after performing an
honorable mission, should return to his home with clean hands and a
pure heart. Among the many items of counsel given by the authorities of
the Church before his departure for the mission field, he should have
the following indelibly stamped upon his mind and heart:
1. Keep a brief, daily journal of your life's labors, especially of all
your official acts.
2. Do all things with a prayerful heart; pray vocally morning and
evening, oftener when necessary, and pray secretly every day. Make each
prayer appropriate to the occasion, as those for the Sacrament and
Baptism are.
3. Invariably keep the Word of Wisdom, refraining from the use of tea,
coffee, tobacco and intoxicating drinks.
4. Guard against familiarity with womankind. There must be no sparking,
kissing, or embracing of woman--your kisses should be for home
consumption, and be brought home to your loved ones, where they belong.
Kissing and hugging aside from this lead to immorality, and a fallen
brother not only crucifies himself, but brings misery and woe to the
kindred of both parties. Immorality is the bane of missionary life.
There is little more enticing, and nothing more dangerous and deadly.
5. Build up and portray the excellencies of the Gospel, but do not tear
down any man's religious structure. Grant sincerity of mind, as you
claim it for yourself. Discover and recognize all things praiseworthy
about you.
6. Be charitable to unfortunate conditions, and be sympathetic with the
afflicted.