Mark E. Petersen
"We constantly talk about the worldliness of the present day and speak of the fact that our young people face more serious temptations than did those of a generation ago, and this is probably true. Also, more parents seem to be caught up in the worldliness of today than was the case a generation ago.
"What can we do to protect ourselves under these hazardous circumstances? How can we better help our young people to remain unspotted from the world?
"The Lord gives us the answer, and says that it can be done by sincerely observing the Sabbath day. Most people have never thought of it in this way, but note the words of the Lord in this regard: 'That thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world' — note these words — 'that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.' (D&C 59:9.)
"Think about that for a moment. Do we really believe in God — sincerely? Are we convinced that he knows what he is talking about? If we are, then will we take him and his word seriously? Or will we further trifle with divine revelation?
"The Lord does know what he is talking about. Sabbath observance will help us to more fully remain unspotted from the world.
"If we are serious about avoiding the contamination of worldliness, shall we not take his word at face value and believe it and practice it?
"We should be willing to admit that we are surrounded by nearly every form of seductive worldliness. We should never close our eyes to this fact."
Mark E. Petersen, "The Sabbath Day," General Conference, April 1975; see Ensign, May 1975, pp. 47-48