“Every missionary should strive to devote part of each day to study and prayerful thought on the principles of the Gospel and the theology of the Church. He should read and reflect and pray. True, we are opposed to the preparing of set sermons to be delivered with the thought of oratorical effect and rhetorical display; yet when an Elder rises to address a congregation, at home or abroad, he should be thoroughly prepared for his sermon. His mind should be well stored with thoughts worth uttering, worth hearing, worth remembering; then the spirit of inspiration will bring forth the truths of which his auditors are in need, and give to his words the ring of authority.”

— Joseph F. Smith, “Counsel to Missionaries,” 1903