ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL

CONFERENCE

OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

HELD IN THE TABERNACLE SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

APRIL 6, 8, 9, 1972

WITH REPORT OF DISCOURSES

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah

OFFICIAL REPORT

of the

ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE

of

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square

in

Salt Lake City, Utah

APRIL 6, 8, 9, 1972

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ®1 972 Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

All Rights Reserved Printed in USA by the Deseret News Press PBCT026 9/72 THE ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

The 142nd Annual Conference of sustained as Assistants to the Twelve. the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- The proceedings of the conference day Saints convened in the Tabernacle sessions were given extensive coverage on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, in the United States and Canada over

Utah, on Thursday, April 6, 1972, at many television and radio stations, 10 o'clock A.M. coast to coast, originating with KSL The general sessions of the confer- in Salt Lake City. ence were held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 By means of satellite transmission, p.m. on Thursday, April 6, Saturday, the sessions of the conference were April 8, and Sunday, April 9. The Gen- heard over radio in Australia and coun- eral Priesthood Meeting was held in tries of South America. the Tabernacle on Saturday, April 8, Countries in Europe, South and at 7 o'clock p.m. Central America, Africa, and parts of President Joseph Fielding Smith was Asia, totaling nearly two-thirds of the present and presided at all sessions of world were able to receive broadcasts the conference. Under his direction, of these proceedings over International his counselors, Presidents Harold B. Short-wave Radio Station WNYW, Lee and N. Eldon Tanner, conducted with studios in New York. the sessions of the conference assigned Through special arrangements the to each of them. Saturday morning and the Sunday All General Authorities of the morning sessions were carried from the Church were present with the exception Tabernacle over direct oceanic cables of Elder Delbert L. Stapley who was to a large number of members and excused because of illness. friends assembled in chapels through-

To fill the vacancy caused by the out Great Britain, Germany, France, death of Elder Richard L. Evans on Holland, Belgium, and Austria. These

November 1, 1971, Elder Marvin J. sessions, in addition to being broad- Ashton was sustained as a member of cast direct, were video-taped, and re- the Council of the Twelve Apostles. leased to many television stations to The Presiding Bishopric was reor- be broadcast later to the eastern and ganized at this conference. Presiding central parts of the United States, Bishop John H. Vandenberg, his first Hawaii, and bases of the Armed Forces counselor, Robert L. Simpson, and his ' throughout the Pacific, and carried by second counselor, Victor L. Brown, radio to Vietnam. were released with a vote of thanks for Re-broadcasts of all sessions of the the excellent service they had rendered. conference were sent over KSL Radio The following brethren were sustained in Salt Lake City, KMBZ Radio at by the conference as the new Presid- Kansas City, Missouri, and WNYW ing Bishopric: Victor L. Brown, Presid- International Short-wave Radio in New ing Bishop; H. Burke Peterson, first York, beginning at midnight on Thurs- counselor; and Vaughn J. Featherstone, day, Saturday, and Sunday, April 6, 8 second counselor. Elders John H. Van- and 9, to many parts of the United denberg and Robert L. Simpson were States and the world.

1 2 GENERAL CONFERENCE

The General Priesthood Meeting Henry D. Taylor, Alvin R. Dyer, held on Saturday evening was trans- Franklin D. Richards, Theodore M. mitted over closed-circuit from the Salt Burton, Bernard P. Brockbank, James Lake Tabernacle to over 170,000 men A. Cullimore, Marion D. Hanks, Joseph of the priesthood assembled in approxi- Anderson, David B. Haight, William H. mately 700 buildings throughout the Bennett, John H. Vandenberg, and United States and Canada, and via Robert L. Simpson. closed-circuit television to eight build- The First Council of Seventy: S. Dil- ings in Salt Lake City, and to the Brig- worth Young, Milton R. Hunter, Bruce ham Young University. R. McConkie, A Theodore Tuttle,

The report of the conference also Paul H. Dunn, Hartman Rector, Jr., includes the continuity of the Taber- and Loren C. Dunn. nacle Choir and Organ Broadcast over The Presiding Bishopric: Victor L. the Columbia Broadcasting System on Brown, H. Burke Peterson, and Vaughn

Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10 J. Featherstone. o'clock, immediately preceding the general conference session. Other Authorities Present

General Authorities of the Other authorities of the Church in Present Church attendance at the conference included following General Authorities The the officers of the Historical Depart- of Church were present: the ment, members of the Church Board Fielding The First Presidency: Joseph of Education; Church educational Smith, Harold B. Lee, and N. Eldon authorities and supervisors; Regional Tanner. Representatives; Presidents of Stakes the Twelve Apostles: The Quorum of and their counselors; Presidents of Ben- Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Temples; Patriarchs; Bishoprics of son, E. Petersen, 1 Marion G. Mark wards; and presidencies and members Romney, LeGrand Richards, Hugh B. of Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood Brown, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon quorums. B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, Boyd Many auxiliary officers, general, K. Packer, and Marvin Ashton. J. stake and ward, from all parts of the Patriarch to the Church: Eldred G. Church, were also in attendance. Smith.

Assistants to the Twelve: Alma Sonne, 'Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the EIRay L. Christiansen, Sterling W. Sill, Twelve was excused on account of illness. FIRST DAY MORNING MEETING

FIRST SESSION

The opening session of the confer- advised against having visitors, how- ence convened in the' Tabernacle on ever. Temple Square in Salt Lake City on There is one who is missing this

Thursday, April 6, 1972, at 10 o'clock morning. It is with subdued hearts a.m. President Joseph Fielding presided that we remember our beloved Richard at this session. President Harold B. L. Evans. His voice, his spirit, and Lee, first counselor in the First Presi- his admonitions and counsel were one dency, conducting the meeting. of the highlights of his association as a The special music for this session General Authority of the Church. was provided by the Brigham Young Richard L. Evans didn't just belong to University Combined Choruses, with the Church; he belonged to the world, Ralph Woodward conducting. Robert and they claimed him as such. We Cundick was at the organ. know that there are heavenly choirs, President Lee made the following and maybe they needed an announcer, remarks at the opening of the confer- and one to give the Spoken Word. If ence: so, maybe the need was so great that he is called to a higher service in that place where time is no more. We are President Harold B. Lee grateful that his lovely Alice is with us this morning. We extend to all cordial greetings The proceedings of this General and welcome to this the opening ses- Conference will be telecast by closed- sion of the 142nd Annual Conference circuit color television in the Assembly of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Hall, and also in one of the auditoriums day Saints. We are convened in ^he of the Salt Palace. historic Salt Lake Tabernacle on Tem- We are also pleased to announce ple Square. that these proceedings will be given During the past two days the gen- extensive coverage in the United States eral officers and teachers of the Primary and Canada over many television and Association of the Church have been radio stations, coast to coast, originat- convened in their annual conference. ing with KSL in Salt Lake City. We are grateful to these sisters for the service they are rendering toward the By means of satellite transmission, sessions of this conference will welfare and development of the chil- be heard over radio in Australia and dren of the Church. We pray that the coun- tries of South America. Lord will bless them for their devotion and loyalty. Countries in Europe, South and All of the General Authorities are Central America, Africa, and parts of in attendance at this conference with Asia, totaling nearly two-thirds of the the exception of Elder Delbert L. world, will be able to receive broad- Stapley, who upon the advice of the casts of these proceedings over Inter- doctors is in the hospital, reported to national Short-wave Radio Station be in satisfactory condition. They have WNYW, with studios in New York.

3 4 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

o'clock. Re-broadcasts of all sessions of the Hall Saturday morning at 7:30 attend this special session conference will be received over KSL Invited to Radio beginning at midnight tonight, are all stake presidencies, high coun- and can be heard in many parts of the cilors, bishoprics, agricultural operating United States and the world. committees, stake Relief Society presi- Members of the Church will attend dents, and others responsible for this conference from the stakes and operating Welfare Production projects. missions covering most of the free The music for this session will be Uni- world. In this connection we have in rendered by the Brigham Young our audience this morning a great versity Combined Choruses, with president, President Henry Burkhardt, Ralph Woodward conducting and at organ. who is the president of the Dresden Robert Cundick the Mission in the German Democratic We shall begin this service by the Republic, with headquarters in Dresden. Brigham Young University Combined By permission of the German govern- Choruses singing, "The Morning ment in East Germany, and by the Breaks; the Shadows Flee." grace of the Almighty, this great man The invocation will be offered by who heads our work has been permit- Elder John H. Groberg, Regional Repre- ted to come over to this country. We sentative of the Twelve. welcome President Burkhardt as one of the noblemen, in whose charge there is so much to be done, and he is doing

it so well. May the Lord preserve him, The Brigham Young University and give him the stature he needs to Combined Choruses sang the anthem, do this great service. "The Morning Breaks; the Shadows The General Priesthood conference Flee." to be held Saturday night will be trans- The opening prayer was offered by mitted over closed-circuit from the Salt Elder John H. Groberg, Regional Repre- Lake Tabernacle to over 170,000 men of sentative of the Twelve. the priesthood assembled in approxi- mately 700 buildings throughout the United States and Canada, and by way of closed-circuit television to eight President Lee buildings in Salt Lake City, and to the The invocation was just offered by Brigham Young University. Elder John H. Groberg, Regional Repre- We should like to express our appre- sentative of the Twelve. ciation to those responsible for the You are pleased, of course, with beautiful flowers that decorate the us to see President Joseph Fielding stand. Smith here, and all the proceedings of We have a patriarchs meeting, to be this conference are under his direction, held for patriarchs appointed since the and he has asked me to conduct this October Conference, this afternoon at service. 4:30 o'clock in the auditorium on the The women of the Brigham Young third floor of the Church Office Build- University Combined Choruses will ing, which will be under the direction now favor us with, "We Ever Pray for of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Thee." Stake presidents or their representatives and General Authorities are invited to The hymn, "We Ever Pray for Thee," attend. was rendered by the women of the

Under the direction of the First Brigham Young University Combined Presidency a Welfare-Agricultural Choruses. Meeting will be held in the Assembly STATISTICAL REPORT 1971 5

President Lee

I am sure you recognize that lovely people in the consummation of this most hymn as a salute to the prophets of the beautiful result. We appreciate very Lord in our day, which of course in- much the efforts that have been made, cludes our own beloved president, and the greatly improved lighting Joseph Fielding Smith. which you observe here.

I am sure many of you have noticed Elder Francis M. Gibbons, secretary the greatly improved lighting in the to the First Presidency, will now pre- Tabernacle this morning. In this con- sent the Statistical Report of the Church nection I might say to you that this for the year 1971. This will be followed was one of the projects that Richard L. by the reading of the Auditors Report Evans was greatly concerned with, and by Elder Wilford G. Edling of the he worked with us and the lighting Church Finance Committee.

Elder Francis M. Gibbons

Statistical Report 1971

For the information of the members of the Church.

The First Presidency has issued the following Statistical Report concerning the membership of the Church at the end of the year 1971:

Number of Stakes of Zion at the Close of 1971 562

Number of Wards 4,342

Number of Independent Branches in Stakes 793

Total Wards and Independent Branches in Stakes at Close of Year 5,135

Number of Mission Branches at Close of Year 1,942

Number of Full-time Missions at End of Year 98

Church Membership, December 31, 1971

In the Stakes - -2,622,439

In the Missions 468,514

Total Membership 3,090,953

Church Growth During 1971

Children Blessed in Stakes and Missions 68,659

Children of Record Baptized in Stakes and Missions 53,524

Converts Baptized in Stakes and Missions 83,514

Social Statistics for 1971

Birth Rate per Thousand 28.50 6 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

Number of Persons Married per Thousand 15.12

Death Rate per Thousand 4.92

Priesthood:

Members Holding the Aaronic Priesthood, December 31, 1971 Deacons 136,969

Teachers 98,814

Priests 152,886

Total Number Holding Aaronic Priesthood 388,669

Members Holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, December 31, 1971

Elders 252,051

Seventies 23,914

High Priests 88,416

Total Number Holding Melchizedek Priesthood 364,381

Grand Total, Members Holding Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood 753,050

An Increase of 23,824 During the Year 1971

Auxiliary Organizations:

Relief Society (Membership) 377,840

Sunday School (Enrollment) 2,387,509

Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (Enrollment) 355,107

Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association (Enrollment) 386,735

Primary Association (Children Enrollment) 487,951

Welfare Plan: (Statistics for 1971)

Number of Persons Assisted 100,722

Number Placed in Remunerative Employment 12,048

Man-Days of Work Donated to the Welfare Plan 195,932

Unit-Days of Equipment Use Donated 5,589

Genealogical Society:

Names Cleared in 1971 for Temple Ordinances 1,750,416

Genealogical Records Microfilmed in 17 Countries During the Year Brought the Total to 712,945 One Hundred Foot Rolls of Microfilm for Use of the Church Which Are the Equivalent of Over 3,401,301 Printed Volumes of 300 Pages Each.

Temples:

Number of Ordinances Performed During 1971 in the 13 Operating Temples: STATISTICAL REPORT 1971 7

For the Living 62,672

For the Dead 6,898,428

Total Number of Ordinances 6,961,100

Church School System: (1970-71 School Year)

Total 1970-71 School Year Cumulative Enrollments in Church Schools, Including Institutes and Seminaries 235,861

Those Who Have Passed Away

Elder Richard L. Evans, member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles

Jessie Evans Smith, wife of President Joseph Fielding Smith

Leona Ballantyne Woolley Sonne, wife of Elder Alma Sonne, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

George R. Hill, former general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union

Albert B. Crandall, president of the Oklahoma Mission

Harold M. Wright, former Regional Representative of the Twelve

Bertha Anderson Kleinman, noted poetess and author

George Dewey Clyde, prominent educator and civil engineer, and former governor

of the State of Utah

Elder Wilford G. Edling prised of the First Presidency, members of the Council of the Twelve and the To the First Presidency of The Church Presiding Bishopric. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Financial Department of the Dear Brethren: Church has kept pace with current We have reviewed the report of the technological developments in record financial operations of the Corporation keeping and employs the most modern of the President of The Church of Jesus data processing equipment in main- Christ of Latter-day Saints, together taining its accounts. Auditing tech- with those of the auxiliaries and other niques and procedures are keeping organizations for which accounts are abreast of the increased use of data maintained in the Financial Department processing equipment. of the Church for the fiscal year ended A regular audit of the entities re- August 31, 1971. Attention was given ferred to above is conducted by the particularly to the accounting and audit- Church Auditing Department, which is ing procedures followed as to funds completely independent of all other received and to the manner in which departments. Incorporated businesses expenditures are controlled. We have owned or controlled by the Church, for determined that the expenditures of such which accounts are not maintained in funds are authorized by the First Presi- the Financial Department, are audited dency and by budgetary procedures. by professional auditing firms or by The budget is authorized by the Coun- governmental regulatory agencies. cil on Disposition of the Tithes com- Based upon our review of the finan- 8 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

rial reports of the Corporation of the business of the conference and the sus- President of the Church of Jesus Christ taining of the Authorities of the Church. of Latter-day Saints and explanations made by the personnel of the Finan- President N. Eldon Tanner cial and Auditing Departments of the We shall now present the General Church, we are of the opinion that Authorities, General Officers, and the assets of the Corporation of the General Auxiliary Officers of the President have been properly accounted Church for the sustaining vote of the for and expenditures of funds during General Conference. the fiscal year ended August 31, 1971, Before doing that, however, we de- were made in accordance with the es- sire to release with a vote of thanks tablished procedures outlined herein. for the excellent services they have Respectfully submitted, rendered, the Presiding Bishopric of the Church: John H. Vandenberg, CHURCH FINANCE COMMITTEE Presiding Bishop; Robert L. Simpson,

Wilford G. Edling first counselor; and Victor L. Brown, Harold H. Bennett second counselor. These brethren have Glenn E. Nielson served ably and faithfully for many Weston E. Hamilton years, and we want them to know of O. Leslie Stone our sincere appreciation for their valued service. Will those who would like to join with us in extending a President Harold B. Lee vote of love and appreciation to them,

signify it in the usual manner. (A vote Too much cannot be said in great of appreciation was extended to these appreciation to Brother Edling and the brethren of the Presiding Bishopric Finance Committee for the excellent by the uplifted hands of the congrega- service they give to the Church in see- tion.)

ing to it that all of our financial trans- President Tanner then presented the actions are handled properly. following General Authorities and President N. Eldon Tanner of the Officers of the Church for the sustain- First Presidency will now present the ing vote of the General Conference:

GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

The First Presidency

Joseph Fielding Smith, Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Harold B. Lee, First Counselor in the First Presidency Nathan Eldon Tanner, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles

Harold B. Lee

Acting President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles

Spencer W. Kimball GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Spencer W. Kimball Hugh B. Brown Ezra Taft Benson Howard W. Hunter Mark E. Petersen Gordon B. Hinckley Delbert L. Stapley Thomas S. Monson Marion G. Romney Boyd K. Packer

LeGrand Richards Marvin J. Ashton

Patriarch to the Church

Eldred G. Smith

The Counselors in the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, and Patriarch to the Church as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.

Assistants to the Twelve

Alma Sonne James A. Cullimore EIRay L. Christiansen Marion D. Hanks Sterling W. Sill Joseph Anderson Henry D. Taylor David B. Haight Alvin R. Dyer William H. Bennett Franklin D. Richards John H. Vandenberg Theodore M. Burton Robert L. Simpson Bernard P. Brockbank

Trustee-in-Trust

Joseph Fielding Smith as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The First Council of the Seventy

S. Dilworth Young Paul H. Dunn

Milton R. Hunter Hartman Rector, Jr. Bruce R. McConkie Loren C. Dunn A. Theodore Tuttle

The Presiding Bishopric

Victor L. Brown, Presiding Bishop H. Burke Peterson, First Counselor

Vaughn J. Featherstone, Second Counselor

Regional Representatives

All Regional Representatives of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as are at present constituted.

Historical Department

Alvin R. Dyer, Managing Director

Leonard J. Arrington, Church Historian Earl E. Olson, Church Archivist Donald T. Schmidt, Church Librarian 10 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6

Priesthood Welfare Committee

Victor L. Brown, Chairman Junior Wright Child, Managing Director

Priesthood Home Teaching and Family Home Evening Committee

Boyd K. Packer, Adviser James A. Cullimore, Managing Director Priesthood Missionary Committee

Spencer W. Kimball, Chairman of Executive Committee Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson, Vice Chairmen Bruce R. McConkie, Managing Director

Priesthood Genealogical Committee

Howard W. Hunter, Adviser Theodore M. Burton, Managing Director

Unified Social Services

Marvin J. Ashton, Adviser Robert L. Simpson, Managing Director

Physical Facilities Department

This includes the Building Committee and its activities, the Maintenance Department, and the Real Estate Department. They are headed by capable men, but we are coordinating the work of these three under the direction of Marion G. Romney, Adviser John H. Vandenberg, Managing Director

Department of Internal Communications

Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and Boyd K. Packer, Advisers

J. Thomas Fyans, Managing Director

Church Board of Education

Joseph Fielding Smith Gordon B. Hinckley Harold B. Lee Thomas S. Monson Nathan Eldon Tanner Boyd K. Packer

Spencer W. Kimball Marvin J. Ashton Ezra Taft Benson Alvin R. Dyer Mark E. Petersen Marion D. Hanks Delbert L. Stapley A. Theodore Tuttle Marion G. Romney Paul H. Dunn LeGrand Richards Victor L. Brown Hugh B. Brown Belle S. Spafford Howard W. Hunter

Commissioner, Church Educational System

Neal A. Maxwell GENERAL AUXILIARY OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

Commissioner, Health Services Corporation

Dr. James O. Mason

Church Finance Committee

Wilford G. Edling Harold H. Bennett Glenn E. Nielson Weston E. Hamilton O. Leslie Stone

Church Auditor

James A. Norberg

GENERAL AUXILIARY OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

Relief Society

Belle Smith Spafford, President Marianne Clark Sharp, First Counselor Louise Wallace Madsen, Second Counselor with all members of the Board as at present constituted.

Sunday School

Russell M. Nelson, General Superintendent Joseph B. Wirthlin, First Assistant Superintendent Richard L. Warner, Second Assistant Superintendent with all members of the Board as at present constituted.

Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association

W. Jay Eldredge, General Superintendent George Richard Hill, First Assistant Superintendent

George I. Cannon, Second Assistant Superintendent with all members of the Board as at present constituted.

Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association

Florence Smith Jacobsen, President Margaret Romney Jackson, First Counselor Dorothy Porter Holt, Second Counselor with all members of the Board as at present constituted.

Primary Association

LaVern Watts Parmley, President Naomi Ward Randall, First Counselor Florence Reece Lane, Second Counselor with all members of the Board as at present constituted. 12 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6

Tabernacle Choir

Isaac M. Stewart, President Richard P. Condie, Conductor Jay E. Welch, Assistant Conductor

Tabernacle Organists

Alexander Schreiner, Chief Organist Robert N. Cundick Roy M. Darley Frank W. Asper, Organist Emeritus

President Tanner

I can see no opposing vote, so the So that you will know something vote is unanimous, President Smith. about the identity of these new breth- ren, Brother Peterson has been a re- gional representative of the Twelve, and President Harold B. Lee formerly president of the Phoenix Thank you, President Tanner. Will North Stake. Bishop Featherstone has Bishop Peterson and Bishop Feather- been presiding and is now presiding stone now come to their places, and over the Boise North Stake. This, I will you Assistants to the Twelve, am sure, will bring joy to the hearts please take your places, and the of the folks whom they have served other brethren will shift accordingly. and who love them so well. We will demonstrate to the Church It will now be our privilege to hear just how this takes place, as you make from our beloved President Joseph the change. Fielding Smith.

President Joseph Fielding Smith

My dear brethren and sisters: We bid the words of wise counsel which will you welcome once again to a general fall from the lips of those who shall conference of The Church of Jesus speak to us. Christ of Latter-day Saints. All of our Church conferences are These conference sessions are occasions to teach one another the solemn and sacred occasions on doctrines of the gospel; to testify of which we come together to wait upon the truth and divinity of those things the Lord, to seek his Spirit, and to be which have come to us by the opening renewed in our desires to serve him of the heavens; and to counsel to- and keep his commandments. gether, and with the Lord, as to the things we should all do to fill the full Open to truth measure of our creation.

It is our prayer that all those who We are the servants of the Lord. are present, and all those who hear We have received light and truth the broadcasts, and all those who and revelation from him. He has read the conference messages will commanded us to proclaim his have their hearts open to the great truths and live his laws. And so now, truths which will be presented and in harmony with his mind and will, PRESIDENT JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH 13

and as guided by his Holy Spirit, we matter: Fear God, and keep his com- give counsel and direction to the mandments: for this is the whole Saints and to the world. duty of man." (Eccles. 12:13.)

The last days Importance of family

To the world I say: These are To all the families in Israel we say: the last days. They are days of trouble The family is the most important or- and sorrow and desolation. They are ganization in time or in eternity. Our days when Satan dwells in the hearts purpose in life is to create for ourselves of ungodly men, when iniquity eternal family units. There is nothing abounds, and when the signs of the that will ever come into your family times are being shown forth. life that is as important as the sealing And there is no cure for the ills blessings of the temple and then keep- of the world except the gospel of the ing the covenants made in connection Lord Jesus Christ. Our hope for peace, with this order of celestial marriage. for temporal and spiritual prosperity, To parents in the Church we say: and for an eventual inheritance in the Love each other with all your hearts. kingdom of God is found only in and Keep the moral law and live the gos- through the restored gospel. There is pel. Bring up your children in light no work that any of us can engage in and truth; teach them the saving that is as important as preaching the truths of the gospel; and make your gospel and building up the Church home a heaven on earth, a place where and kingdom of God on earth. the Spirit of the Lord may dwell and where righteousness may be en- Invitation to all throned in the heart of each member.

And so we invite all our Father's Successful parents children, everywhere, to believe in

Christ, to receive him as he is revealed It is the will of the Lord to by living prophets, and to join The strengthen and preserve the family Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day unit. We plead with fathers to take Saints. We call upon the world to re- their rightful place as the head of pent, to worship that God who made the house. We ask mothers to sus- them, and to believe the words of tain and support their husbands and those whom he hath sent in this day to be lights to their children. to proclaim his gospel. President Joseph F. Smith said: To the honest in heart in all na- "Motherhood lies at the foundation tions we say: The Lord loves you. He of happiness in the home, and of pros- wants you to receive the full bless- perity in the nation. God has laid ings of the gospel. He is now inviting upon men and women very sacred you to believe the Book of Mormon, obligations with respect to mother- to accept Joseph Smith as a prophet, hood, and they are obligations that and to come into his earthly kingdom cannot be disregarded without in- and thereby become heirs of eternal voking divine displeasure." (Gospel [Deseret life in his heavenly kingdom. Doctrine Book, 1939], p. 288.) To those who have received the Also, "To be a successful father or a gospel we say: Keep the command- successful mother is greater than to be ments. Walk in the light. Endure to a successful general or a successful the end. Be true to every covenant statesman." (Ibid., p. 285.) and obligation, and the Lord will Counsel to youth bless you beyond your fondest dreams.

As it was said by one of old: "Let us To the youth of Zion we say: The hear the conclusion of the whole Lord bless you and keep you, which 14 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6 most assuredly will be so as you learn eternal verity of those doctrines he his laws and live 'in harmony with has revealed through Joseph Smith them. Be true to every trust. Honor and his associates. thy father and thy mother. Dwell to- I know by the revelations of the gether in love and conformity. Be mod- Holy Ghost to my soul that God our est in your dress. Overcome the world, Heavenly Father lives; that he sent and do not be led astray by the fashions his Only Begotten Son into the world and practices of those whose interests to work out the infinite and eternal are centered upon the things of this atonement; and that he has restored world. in these last days the fullness of his Marry in the temple, and live everlasting gospel. joyous and righteous lives. Remember I know and testify that the Lord's the words of Alma: "Wickedness never purposes on earth shall prevail. The was happiness." (Al. 41:10.) Remember Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day also that our hope for the future and Saints is here to stay. The Lord's work the destiny of the Church and the shall triumph. No power on earth cause of righteousness rest in your can prevent the spread of truth and the hands. preaching of the gospel in every na- tion.

Service in Church I feel to thank the Lord for his goodness and grace, for all the bless- To those who are called to posi- ings he has showered upon us so tions of trust and responsibility in abundantly; and I pray that we may the Church we say: Preach the gospel all be worthy to receive the eternal in plainness and simplicity as it is fullness which he offers his saints found in the standard works of the through the gospel of his Son, and I Church. Testify of the truth of the do this in the name of Jesus Christ. work and the doctrines revealed Amen. anew in our day. Remember the words of the Lord President Harold B. Lee Jesus Christ, who said, "I am among you as he that serveth" (Luke 22: Thank you, President Smith, for that will certainly 27), and choose to serve with an powerful message, which eye single to the glory of God. Visit be a keynote for this great conference. the fatherless and the widows in their We will now invite the congregation to join affliction, and keep yourself unspotted stand and with the Combined from the sins of the world. Choruses in singing, "We Thank Thee, God, for a Prophet." Now there is much more that the O Lord would have us hear and know and

do, and I shall rely upon President Lee and President Tanner, upon the The congregation sang the hymn, members of the Council of the Twelve We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet." and the other General Authorities to counsel further with you by the power of the Spirit about these things. President Lee

It will now be our pleasure to hear Personal testimony from Elder Mark E. Petersen of the

May I conclude by bearing personal Council of the Twelve Apostles. He testimony of the truth and divinity of will be followed by Elder Loren C. the Lord's work on earth and of the Dunn of the First Council of Seventy. —

15

Elder Mark E. Petersen

Of the Council of the Twelve

It was most fitting, my brethren and They too were like Moses and Isaiah, sisters, that we sing the glorious hymn but they were even more—they were that we have just sung ["We Thank Christian prophets, chosen by the Thee, O God, for a Prophet"], because Lord for the Christian ministry to we have just listened to the voice of the properly teach the saints and to pro- prophet of God. tect them from false doctrines that He has spoken as the divinely ap- could lead them astray. pointed mouthpiece of the Lord here Few modern people, whether on earth. Jewish or Christian, realize that there Latter-day Saints revere him. They are living prophets on earth today, accept his word as coming by inspira- men who hold the same gifts and tion and revelation for their guidance powers that characterized the prophets in these troubled times. of old. But they are here, alive and alert. They are modern men, well edu- Divine guidance cated and fully oriented to present- day conditions. They give the word People who are not members of of God as it is received now, just as this church may not sense the great Moses and Isaiah, Peter and Paul significance attached to his ministry. ministered in their day. Even some Latter-day Saints have not yet discovered it. But the president of Revelation for our day the Church is in fact a prophet raised up in these last days to give inspired Try to realize it if you will. God guidance, not only to Latter-day does speak to us now. He manifests Saints, but to all mankind everywhere. himself through prophets whom he The Almighty has said of him and has raised up for this day— for 1972 the other prophets of this church: for present-day people —to help them ". . . they shall speak as they are to successfully combat the seductions moved upon by the Holy Ghost. of a decadent and blinded world. "And whatsoever they shall speak Every one of you may have the full when moved upon by the Holy Ghost benefit of his heavenly guidance if you shall be scripture, shall be the will of will but accept it. You can know God's the Lord, shall be the mind. of the will pertaining to your own self, Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, given now—not two thousand years shall be the voice of the Lord, and the ago, but here and now. power of God unto salvation." (D&C Did not Moses minister to the 68:3-4.) particular needs of his people? Did President Smith is a prophet in not Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel do the same sense as were Moses and likewise? Did not Peter and Paul give Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Paul and answers to the immediate problems

Peter, and others who ministered of their day, tailored to fit the condi- anciently. tions that faced their own neighbors and friends? Prophets past and present Similar blessings are available Every faithful person will agree now to all who will hear. They may that there were prophets in Israel be obtained through today's prophet during Old Testament times. Prophets with today's revelation to solve to- also were a part of the church as es- day's problems. tablished by the Savior in his day. In this time of great wickedness, 16 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

the Almighty is making a dramatic Final effort to save effort to save mankind before destruc- But because he loves modern peo- tion comes upon the world, and he ple as he did those of ancient times, is doing so by giving a great new the is making a final effort revelation of himself. He has appeared Lord now to save us. This he does by precisely to modern mortal men who have seen means that he used ancient- his face and heard his voice. the same ly; that is, by giving new revelation No more is he an absentee God. and raising up new prophets through No longer is he isolated from us. In he speaks to mankind. the time in which we ourselves live whom say that you have been he has shown himself to be a divine You may taught that the Almighty no longer reality, physical as well as spiritual. reveals himself, that no more revela- By showing himself literally to tion is needed, and that the Bible modern men, he has removed all is sufficient. doubt as to his existence. He lives, It is admitted that for as does his divine Begotten Son, Jesus centuries Christ. revelation did stop. There were no Both have made themselves known more apostles and prophets on the earth. This is only too true and is by a great new revelation in our day! most regrettable. Is that hard to believe? Do you But the flow of revelation stopped doubt it? Does it seem incredible to for the reason it you that God would appear to modern only same that men? ceased occasionally in Old Testament times. Isaiah explained it in this way: He certainly revealed himself ". . . the Lord's hand is not short- anciently. If he is unchangeable, as ened, that it cannot save; neither the scriptures say, should he not do as his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: much for modern people as he did "But your iniquities have sepa- for the ancients? rated between you and your God, and In Bible times your sins have hid his face from you. ." . . (Isa. 59:1-2.) Throughout Bible times he made However, in spite of wickedness, himself known. Especially when his the scripture says that in the latter people began to drift astray did he days there would come this new reve- manifest himself in power to bring lation of which we speak. Angels them back to the fold. also were to visit the earth once This he did through new prophets more, giving divine direction to wan- whom he raised up from time to dering mankind. gave reve- time, and to whom he new Is that hard to believe? Not if you lations, which revitalized and gave accept the Bible. added meaning to the divine word previously given. New light from God After long centuries of laboring We Latter-day Saints announce his then sent through prophets, he that this new light has come. God has his own Beloved Son, not to condemn given a great new revelation. He has the world but to save it. raised up new apostles and prophets To accomplish his purposes, the to labor among the nations, even as Lord founded his church and taught did Peter and Paul. We are those his gospel, and for a time many fol- apostles and prophets. We are his

lowed it. But since then mankind again divinely called representatives for has drifted from his precepts and today. neglected his commandments; hence But many will say that this can- the condition of the world today. not be. ELDER MARK E. PETERSEN 17

It has come to pass nevertheless. government. Some have held high

It is an accomplished fact. And it is positions in other lands as well. in direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy! Latter-day Saint men have presided Some may say that God would over some of the largest worldwide never appear to a small sect hidden organizations of civic clubs, one of away in the Rocky Mountains. Others them being Lions International. A might say that the Latter-day Saints Mormon apostle was world president have peculiar religious ideas that of Rotary International and was highly need not be taken seriously. respected by its members everywhere. But we are not a small group iso- Latter-day Saint culture is well lated in the Rocky Mountains. We known. Our music, as provided by are now worldwide, larger than many various groups, is heard in many well-known denominations of Chris- nations. Our Salt Lake Tabernacle tendom, and steadily growing. Choir sings to millions every week, Neither are we religious extremists at home and abroad. with peculiar ideas. We are realists. Some of our men have presided Do you suppose for one moment that over important financial and business religious malcontents could do what organizations, such as the American the Latter-day Saints have done in the Bankers Association and the National world? Association of Manufacturers. A number from various states have

Accomplishments of served in the U. S. Congress and still Latter-day Saints continue to do so. Some of our men hold high-rank- are substantial citizens, Our people ing commissions in the military ser- law-abiding, intelligent, and progres- vices. Recently I sat at dinner with sive, as all who really know us will three of them, two brigadier generals agree. and one major general, all faithful We rate high in education, believ- Latter-day Saints. ing as we do that the glory of both The Air National Guard recently God and man is intelligence. We have conferred upon the president of our produced great scientists and inven- church the title of honorary brigadier tors, for example. Do you know that general. the television set through which you are now receiving this program came Mormon women as a result of the inventive genius of a Mormon scientist, Dr. Philo Farns- And speaking of the liberation of worth? women, be it known that Mormon wom- You enjoy music on your stereo. en were among the first of all women Do you know that stereophonic sound everywhere and anywhere to receive came to you through the research of the franchise to vote. This was con- another Mormon scientist, Dr. Harvey ferred on them in the days of Brigham Fletcher? Young, one hundred and two years Some of the leaders in the United ago. States space program have been mem- One organization of our women

bers of this church. One of the astro- numbers nearly a half million. It is nauts now training is a Latter-day devoted to improving the status of Saint. One of the men who reached women and children and operates the moon on one of America's most in sixty-three nations of the world. recent expeditions was a graduate of a Its president, Mrs. Belle S. Spafford, Salt Lake City school. recently served as president of the Latter-day Saint men have achieved National Council of Women of the cabinet ranks in the United States United States. She also represented 18 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6

America as a delegate to the World and delinquency among both parents Council of Women, in which council and children. she also occupies a prominent posi- It can put an end to immorality, tion. debauchery, and drunkenness.

We have still another organization It can stop divorce and the col- for younger women and teenage girls, lapse of the home. which has a membership of some It can cure all of the ills which now 400,000 devoted to the betterment of afflict us, if we will but live according girls of that age. Its president, Mrs. to its teachings. Florence S. Jacobsen, has served also Every part of the gospel is prac- as a United States delegate to meet- tical. It produces positive results. ings of the World Council of Women. A return to God Our(> men and women have taken active part in the White House con- It is past time to become realistic ference for the betterment of children about our condition and to recognize and are still engaged in that work. that only through a return to God and Latter-day Saints are the among his recently restored gospel can we leaders of the Boy Scout movement ever achieve world happiness and internationally. It was a Mormon peace. Eagle Scout who represented the six We testify that God lives, that million Scouts of the United States we are his servants duly appointed a few weeks ago in presenting to by divine power, and that we are President Nixon the membership commissioned of heaven to preach card showing him to be honorary his revealed word to all mankind by president of the Scouts of Boy the power of modern prophecy. America for 1972. We appeal to you: Do not let Could religious extremism pro- prejudice blind you to the truth; open duce a series of results like these? your hearts to this new revelation In no sense are our men and women from God; study it and learn to live carried away with emotionalism. by its principles. We testify to you They are practical, down-to-earth, that it is indeed the way of life and well-balanced people of sound judg- salvation brought back to earth by ment. God himself and by repeated angelic ministrations. And we bear you this Modern revelation testimony in the sacred name of the It is out of the depth of this great Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. integrity that we solemnly declare that God has given a new revelation President Harold B. Lee of himself in modern times and that we are the custodians of that mes- Thank you, Elder Petersen, for that sage. powerful address. The original gospel of Christ has Elder Loren C. Dunn of the First been restored to the earth in its pris- Council of Seventy will now speak to tine purity. It is here now. Divine us. He will be followed by Bishop authority to administer it has like- Vaughn Featherstone, whom you have wise been restored from heaven in just sustained as the new second coun- our day. selor in the Presiding Bishopric of the This restored gospel can stop crime Church. 19

Elder Loren C. Dunn

Of the First Council of the Seventy

My brothers and sisters, I am very person goes through the sacred act grateful to be a part of this conference, of raising his arm to the square, he and I pray that the Spirit of the Lord should remember, with soberness, might bear me up and inspire me to that which he has done and commence say those things that will be of some to act in harmony with his sustaining contribution to this conference. vote both in public and in private. If for any reason we have a diffi- cult time sustaining those in office, Sustaining of officers then we are to go to our local priest-

It has been our privilege this hood leaders and discuss the issue morning to once again sustain the with them and seek their help. general officers of the Church.

This is part of the revealed pro- Called by God cedure in the gospel of Jesus Christ, Brigham Young, when speaking of takes which place from the general Joseph Smith, made the following to the ward or branch level and which statement: allows every the oppor- member "Who called Joseph Smith to be a tunity of sustaining a person who has prophet? Did the people or God? been called to office. God, and not the people called him. Sustaining, however, should not be Had the people gathered together and confused with voting into office. appointed one of their number to be ac- Joseph Smith made it clear how a a prophet, he would have been person is called to a position in The countable to the people; but inasmuch Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day as he was called by God, and not the Saints. In the fifth Article of Faith people, he is accountable to God only he says: "We believe that a man must and the angel who committed the gos- be called of God, by prophecy, and pel to him, and not to any man on by the laying on of hands, by those earth. The Twelve are accountable who are in authority to preach the to the prophet, and not the Church, Gospel and administer in the ordi- for the course they pursue." (Docu- nances thereof." mentary History of the Church, vol. 5, 521.) When we sustain officers, we are p. given the opportunity of sustaining And then, of course, it was added those whom the Lord has already that all members are accountable to called by revelation. The dictionary the principles and teachings of the tells us that the word sustain means gospel. "to bear up, to support, to furnish If we are to take that same prin- sustenance for, to aid effectually, to ciple and apply it at the ward level, hold valid, to confirm or corroborate." we can see that the bishop, who is Lord, then, gives the The us oppor- considered the father of his ward and tunity to sustain the action of a divine who leads his ward with judiciousness calling and in effect express ourselves and love and patience and kindness, if for any reason feel other- we may is nonetheless not answerable to the wise. members of his ward, but instead is To sustain is to make the action answerable to the Lord and to those binding on ourselves and to commit priesthood leaders who preside over ourselves to support those people him. The bishop is answerable for whom we have sustained. When a the members of his ward but not 20 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday. April 6

necessarily answerable to the mem- she has been called to act in the name bers of his ward. of God in that particular position. Every person in this church has the Organized from top down right to know that he has been called of God. If he does not have that as- The Church of Jesus Christ, then, surance, then I would suggest he give is organized from the top down. his calling serious, prayerful considera- In contrast, the usual man-made tion so that he can receive what he has organizations are organized from the a right to receive. bottom up. Also, if a priesthood leader In this church the Lord raised up realizes that there are those under a prophet first, and then through the him who may not have this clear holy priesthood and through the power understanding, there is something he of revelation he revealed the organi- can do. He cannot call them again, but zation and structure of his church he can bring them in and reassure them from the highest to the least. of the divine nature of their callings. While the Lord gives us the op- I am most grateful for the great portunity of sustaining that which he leaders of the Church who have helped has revealed, this does not constitute me to feel and understand the divine voting someone into office; instead, nature of the callings to which I have it is properly referred to as the law been called over the years. of common consent. A man-made organization will es- Personal callings tablish its own laws by the vote of its membership, and by virtue of that I can't ever remember coming away act it becomes an organization that from a personal audience with a is governed by man. priesthood leader who was deliver- As we said previously, the church ing a call to me but what I felt in and kingdom of God is organized my heart the realization and assurance from the top down by the power of that I had been called of God and that revelation so that Jesus Christ him- that priesthood leader was a servant self can stand at the head and lead of the Lord and acting in his own his own church through his apostles office and calling. and prophets. It was four years ago at April

conference that I was first sustained as a General Authority. The sustain- Assurance of divine calling ing was preceded by a divine calling There are many in the Church who from a prophet. may not be as attentive to their I can remember when I left duties as they might be, not because President McKay's office that morn- they haven't been called of God by ing, as inadequate as I felt, I knew revelation but because they did not that I had been called of God by reve- fully realize that fact when they were lation; and I had confirmed again called. Again, let me refer to the fifth to me something that I already knew, Article of Faith: "We believe that a and that was, that President McKay man must be called of God, by was a prophet of God and that this prophecy, and by the laying on of the Lord's church is led by apostles hands, by those who are in authority and prophets who are divinely guided. to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." Right atmosphere for call A calling in the Church is both a personal and a sacred matter, and What a marvelous thing it would everyone is entitled to know he or be if, throughout the Church, after ELDER LOREN C. DUNN 21

the inspiration was received and wor- opportunity to sustain apostles and thiness determined, priesthood leaders prophets allows us to" do those things would take the time to create the right which will reach into eternity and atmosphere for a holy and divine will guarantee us our eternal salva- calling, to be extended in keeping with tion, and will guarantee to any man the fifth Article of Faith. who will listen and who will humble

Such a calling, I suspect, would himself before the Lord the opportu- concentrate on the fact that the nity to receive those ordinances and priesthood leader was delivering the blessings which will allow him en-

Lord's call, so that if, in the future, trance into the kingdom of God. we are asked, "Who called you?" our My brothers and sisters, I bear to immediate response would be to say you my witness as to the reality of the with conviction, "The Lord Jesus gospel of Jesus Christ. I know God Christ," and secondly to say, "The lives and that Jesus the Christ is call was delivered through Bishop our Savior and is the leader of his Jones, or Stake President Green." own church. I testify that the apostles Perhaps in too many cases that and prophets whom we have sus- gets reversed, and when we answer tained receive revelation from God the question "Who called you?" the for the ongoing work of the kingdom name of Bishop Jones comes first. in this day. I bear my witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, A legal administrator and that he saw what he said he saw,

In closing, I would like to quote and that he is a true prophet, and these few words from the Prophet that we are led by a prophet of God Joseph Smith: "All the ordinances, today, even Joseph Fielding Smith, systems, and administrations on the for in the last few years I have had earth are of no use to the children the opportunity to see him stand of men, unless they are ordained and and speak in the name of Christ the authorized of God; for nothing will Lord. save a man but a legal administrator; May the Lord so bless us now that for none others will be acknowledged we may sustain those whom he has either or angels." (DHC, by God called and do that which is expected vol. Let repeat that 5, p. 259.) me of us, in the name of Jesus Christ. last phrase: "for nothing will save Amen. a man but a legal administrator; for none others will be acknowledged either by God or angels." It is my testimony that at this President Harold B. Lee conference this day we have raised our hands to sustain not only a Elder Loren C. Dunn of the First prophet, seer, and revelator but a Council of Seventy has now spoken to legal administrator in the rites and us. ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and because we have a prophet I think we should say to Brother standing at the head, that which is Vandenberg and Brother Simpson and done under his direction throughout to these new counselors that they have the Church is binding not only on been called by the gift of prophesy, earth but in heaven. and will be ordained and set apart in the Lord's way. Guarantee of eternal salvation Bishop Featherstone, we welcome The fact that we have apostles you into the official circle of the Church, and prophets and that we have the and pray the Lord's blessings upon you. —

22 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6

Bishop Vaughn J. Featherstone

Of the Presiding Bishopric

My beloved brothers and sisters of the Aaronic Priesthood

great Church of Jesus Christ, I would After this call came the other day, like you to know how humble I am at I went out into the backyard, and in this great opportunity. I kind of like my mind's eye I could see hosts of Ed Gardner's story. His wife is hard of Aaronic Priesthood bearers young hearing and she wore a hearing aid; — men are fine and and true, as they sat one evening in the living who good who are dedicated to the Lord with all room, and she was knitting and looking their heart and soul, want to down, he looked out over his news- who put that same look into their face which paper and, speaking about his wife, we see in the faces of the brethren he said, "You know, I am just kind of here before us today. And they were proud of you." And she looked up and doing it and they were obedient and said, "You know, I am getting tired following their leaders. of you, too." And in mind's When President Lee and President my eye, with great sadness, I saw another great Tanner under the direction of Presi- group of Aaronic Priesthood bearers dent Joseph Fielding Smith talked to who were not able to put this into their faces me on the phone, I wasn't exactly sure because they were disobedient; they I heard what I thought I heard. were being persuaded by friends and Integrity of brethren peers. Then I saw a third group that For over twenty years now, I have troubled me even more, because these been coming to the priesthood ses- were they who would have been faith-

sions of conference at about four ful had they had the leadership. If o'clock. I watch the afternoon sessions someone had reached out a hand and at home on TV until about twenty lifted them and picked them up and to four and then drive down here cared for them, they could have put and wait outside with my sons or integrity and love and purity of with friends. We come inside to heart— all of these fine qualities priesthood meeting when they open into their lives. the doors and sit for two or three hours before the meeting starts. Gratitude for family During that time I have had one

single purpose in mind. Along with I am more grateful to my wife

hearing the words of the apostles than I could ever express to you. She and prophets and great General has to be the sweetest, kindest human

Authorities I have looked into their being that I have ever known, and

faces and studied them. And I am she has this look in her face that I

sure each time that I have found purity have seen in the apostles and prophets

of heart. I have found integrity. I and the General Authorities. And I have found great love and understand- have five sons. Two of them are on

ing. I have found self-discipline. I missions, one in the Gulf States and have found all the fine qualities that one in North Carolina-Virginia. Both a holder of the priesthood would like of these boys are Eagle Scouts, and to have. And then I have gone back they both, at least from the words we renewed and decided that I want to get from them, are striving with all put the things I have seen in their their might to serve the Lord in their faces into mine. mission calls. —

BISHOP VAUGHN ). FEA THERSTONE 23

I have two other boys at home that I may be filled with joy, that I Joe and Scott—who are also Eagle may not be cast off at the last day?

Scouts, and we are very proud of Behold, said he, I will give up all that them, and they are following and I possess, yea, I will forsake my king- being obedient as they should be. dom, that I may receive this great joy.

Then I have a young son, eleven, "But Aaron said unto him; If thou de-

Lawrence, who I believe has the sirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down stature of Mormon. He is a large before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of and mighty young man, and I am very all thy sins, and will bow down before proud of him. Then we have one God, . . . believing that ye shall receive, daughter, after the five boys, Jill, then shalt thou receive the hope which and I am sure she was sent as a thou desirest. special angel into our home. "And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king Confidence of Bishop Brown did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate I am grateful for the confidence of himself upon the earth, and cried Bishop [Victor L.] Brown. As I have mightily, saying: considered this past week—and it's "O God, Aaron hath told me that the longest week I have ever lived in there is a God; and if there is a God, my life — as I have considered the and if thou art God, wilt thou make great souls that I know across the thyself known unto me, and I will give Church and the powerful influence ." away all my sins to know thee. . . (Al. and the great direction they have and 22:15-18.) the great willingness to follow the

Lord, I am humble that he would Knowledge of God call one such as I, or that the Lord would call me through him. There is a great host of Aaronic

May I bear testimony to you. I Priesthood bearers who would give should first mention that sweet away all their sins, they would give mother of mine, and my in-laws. away all that the world would offer, These are wonderful people. My and they would give away their riches, sweet mother has pretty well raised if they but knew that he was there. our family alone. She has given the Our solemn responsibility today is to guidance and mental and physical am- help these Aaronic Priesthood bearers bition; she has bred this into us and understand and know the great call- wanted us to make something of our- ings, know that God does live, which selves, and I am so proud of her. I testify he does, and that we have living prophets upon the earth. Conversion of Lamanite king During those twenty years I have our beloved prophet and the In closing let me just quote to you watched in, I know the words of the prophet in the book Council of the Twelve come are inspired these are holy of Alma, when Aaron had spoken all these men, are prophets. I so testify in the day long to the king of all the men; they Christ. Lamanites, and finally the king be- the name of Jesus Amen. lieved; and these are the words: President Harold B. Lee "And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things Bishop Featherstone has now spoken unto him, the king said: What shall to us. We will now hear from Bishop

I do that I may have this eternal life H. Burke Peterson. He has just been of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what sustained as the new first counselor in shall I do that I may be born of God, the Presiding Bishopric of the Church. having this wicked spirit rooted out We welcome you, Bishop, with all of my breast, and receive his Spirit, our hearts. 24 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

Bishop H. Burke Peterson

Of the Presiding Bishopric

Last Thursday evening I had just come able experience for him as he works home from the office. There was a long with me. distance phone call awaiting me. The blessings voice on the other end of the line intro- Gratitude for duced herself as "This is the secretary After the phone call, I called in my to President Lee. He and President wife, and I told her what had hap- Tanner would like to speak with you, pened. We sat and visited for a while but they aren't available right now. I about how this would affect our lives, will this am wondering where you be our five daughters, our business, our evening that they might call back." you home that we just bought. And then All of a sudden everything I was it seemed that almost automatically going to do that evening became in- we knelt together and thanked our significant, and I said, "I will be here." Father in heaven for his confidence, then for And the next thirty longest for his love, and for the things that he minutes of life, I my did many unim- has done for us. We thanked him for portant things, trying to keep busy. our children and for their love for

their Father in heaven. And I thanked Call to serve him for her, this eternal sweetheart

of mine. I thanked him for allowing The call came, and President Lee her to remain on the earth for another and President Tanner told me of this season. I thanked him for her faith- assignment from the Lord. I must fulness in all the calls that have come apologize to them for not doing my into our home. part in carrying on the conversation Since the call last Thursday eve- that continued. All 1 was able to say ning, I have had many things go for a while was "Thank you." It seems through my mind just why, just how that my voice box and tear ducts did — this ever happened. I have thought not know whose turn it was. and remembered back on my boyhood Finally President Lee said to me, days, and I thanked him for parents "Brother Peterson, we want you to who, by very simple means and very know that we have had a confirmation common undertakings, instilled in from the Lord that this is what he their sons a love for them and a love would have you do." It seemed when for their Father in heaven. he said this that I too received that

feeling. It seemed then that even Faith and example of parents though I didn't know how, and I still

don't know how, I knew that every- I remember many times, it seemed thing would work out as the Lord like almost every week, that four little

would have it work out. towheaded boys would stand with their

I am thankful to him for having faces against the windowpane or

called a prophet in this day. I am against the screen door and wave thankful to him for having called goodbye to their mother and dad as noble men to stand at the prophet's they would get in the car and go to

side. I appreciate their confidence. the temple in Mesa.

I appreciate the confidence of Bishop We didn't know much about the

Brown. I am thankful that the Lord temple, and we didn't know much directed him in the selection of his about what went on in the temple, but

counselors. I will do everything I can we had been taught without any reser- to make this an enjoyable and profit- vation that Mother and Dad loved us PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL 25

and that they would do anything for This humble man and his wife, us. So, as we stood there and watched who didn't have much of the world's them go, we knew that something goods, by some very simple experi- important must go on in that temple, ences implanted in their sons a love to have these two people who loved for the Lord. And it is because of these us more than anything leave us as often experiences, and others like them, that as they did to go there. We gained an I can stand here this morning and tell understanding in those tender years of you that I know that God lives; that I the importance of the temple. know that Jesus is the Christ, and that

While we were growing up, our I know that this is his church and that father was a ward clerk for fifteen he organized it for the salvation of his years, and I remember that every children.

Sunday evening he would come home I know these things are true, and after meeting and go into the dining 1 testify of them in the name of Jesus room. He would pull down the blind Christ. Amen. and on the oak table he would put the money that he had gathered that day for the bishop—the tithes and offer- President Harold B. Lee ings.

He would count it and account for I am sure you brethren agree with it and put the ones and the fives and me that the testimonies of these brethren the tens in a pile; and then he would indicate the inspiration of the Lord get the ironing board and an iron and which brought them into these positions. a wet rag, and then our dad would The concluding speaker at this ses- take each of these paper bills and iron sion will be our beloved Spencer W. it smooth. Kimball. I suppose it would not be Now you would wonder what four amiss if we were to say to President little boys would recognize about this. Kimball that in the midst of some physi-

The one thing they got from it was that cal problems he may have that he may whatever you do for the Lord, you do know with one united heart that the the very best that you know how. faith and prayers of the entire Church There is nothing that is too good for are sustaining him. President Kimball, the Lord. we bless you with all our souls.

President Spencer W. Kimball

Acting President of the Council of the Twelve

My beloved brothers and sisters, it is of General Authorities. It will be a always a frightening but joyous exper- joy to work with them and with Bishop ience to stand before you and proclaim Vandenberg and his counselors in the everlasting gospel and bear witness their new capacities. to the divinity of the Church, of the Lord's mission, of the prophet, and of Resurrection of Jesus his leaders. We miss terribly Brother Richard This is Easter week— a time when Evans, who has passed away since our we solemnly remind each other of the last conference. We have a great stalwart unprecedented occurrence which took as the twelfth member in the Council place in a small inner garden, in a now, Brother Ashton. We welcome rough-hewn tomb, in a caliche hill, with all our hearts Brother Peterson outside the walls of Jerusalem. It and Brother Featherstone into the group happened there in an early morning 26 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6

and startled every soul who heard the fire, were burned off near the

of it. ground. Someone had carelessly

Since it had never happened before thrown a lighted cigarette from a car

on this earth, it must have been difficult window. It had ignited the grass, the for the people to believe, but how could telephone communications were ended they any longer doubt, when the resur- or limited, and communication was rected Lord himself came to them down. and showed himself, and they felt Nearly all the poles for a distance the wounds in his hands and feet? were scorched or burned. Some had Hundreds of his intimate believing been burned off the first few feet friends bore witness. from the ground and were hanging This was Jesus of Nazareth, born by the top part in the air from the in a manger, reared in a small wires they were intended to support. village, baptized in the Jordan River, Dangling in the air, these sagging wires crucified on Golgotha, buried in a had let the poles touch the ground as stone-cold roomlet in the cliff, and his they were swinging in the wind, each resurrection attested to in a small, time creating static on the line. pleasant garden near the tomb. The poles had been set to hold up the lines, but here they were sagging. Living the commandments Many a time during the three

years that I was in charge of the work His suffering before and on the in South America, I tried to get long- cross and his great sacrifice can mean distance calls through to these distant little or nothing to us unless we live places. When the connection was his commandments. For he says: ". made, almost invariably there would . . why call ye me, Lord, Lord, be static, and the words were cut in and do not the things which I say?" two and grating sounds were heard. (Luke 6:46.) In my mind's eye I could see the "If ye love me, keep my command- telephone line on the Salta Road ments." (John 14.15.) swaying in the breeze, hitting the Certainly if we fail to live his ground and occasionally breaking con- teachings, we lose communication with him. nection. Communication impaired Broken communication lines

1 thought that telephone lines and In South America we saw once an telephone poles are a little like of broken communication example people. They are built for one purpose lines. and sometimes serve another. They were riding far out in the north- We are designed to be firm and stout west of Argentina. It was cattle country. and to give support; but in many cases The road was straight and narrow for they are leaning and swaying and side numerous miles, and on either sagging until communications are four-wire barbed fence. Parallel was a greatly impaired, if not actually cut of to the fence line was a series poles off. on which were strung the wires for In my experience I find that in a to the world. telephone communication large number of marital cases, the Upon each telephone pole was a cross- problem is lack of communication; the bar, and strung from crossbar to cross- wires are down, the poles are burned, bar were the communication lines. husbands and wives are jangling, and As we traveled along where the there is static where there should be grass had been heavy but now was peace. There is growing disgust and hate burned, we found where some of the where there should be love and telephone poles, being in the wake of harmony. PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL 27

Inability to communicate were pleasant and revived some choice

memories. I asked him about himself. This typical young couple, only a He was in college, still single, and few hectic years into their eternal fairly miserable. marriage —only two children away from I asked him about his service in the eternal vows they had made in the the Church, and the light in his eyes holy temple of God—were each going went out and a dull, disappointed face a separate way. Their ideas of life fashioned itself as he said, "I am not were different as to spiritual matters very active in the Church now. I don't (as well as many others) — one wish- feel the same as I used to feel in the ing to move along almost to what mission field. What I used to think was the other thought was fanaticism a testimony has become something of a and the other moving along in a path disillusionment. If there is a God, I that the other spouse thought to be am not sure any more. I must have almost apostasy; and both were wrong. been mistaken in my zeal and joy." They talked about it and lost their tempers and drew farther and farther Church inactivity away from their common goal. Both were good people basically, but they I looked him through and through needed unbumed telephone poles and and asked him some questions: "What untangled wires of communication do you do in your leisure? What do that were now sagging. Their inability you read? How much do you pray? to communicate in reasonableness led What activity do you have? What to anger, hard words, misunderstand- are your associations?" ings. The answers were what I expected. In time, each found another person He had turned loose his hold on the and set up different communication iron rod. He associated largely with lines for sympathy and understanding unbelievers. He read, in addition to his and comfort; and this disloyalty led college texts, works by atheists, to physical adventures that resulted in apostates, and Bible critics. He had adulteries and two broken homes and ceased to pray to his Heavenly Father. disillusioned spouses and crushed His communication poles were burned, hopes and injured children. and his lines were sagging terribly. And all this because two basically I asked him now, "How many times good people let their communication since your mission have you read the lines get down and permitted the New Testament?" security poles to drag the ground. This "Not any time," was the answer.

is not one couple, it is tens of thousands "How many times have you read of couples who started out in a blaze the Book of Mormon through?" of glory, sweet felicity, and an inter- The answer was, "None." responsibility and with the highest of "How many chapters of scripture hopes. have you read? How many verses?" Not one single time had he opened Returned missionary the sacred books. He had been reading negative and critical and faith-destroying At a distant stake conference one things and wondered why he could not Sunday I was approached after the smile. meeting by a young man whose face was familiar. He identified himself as He never prayed any more, yet

a returned missionary whom I had wondered why he felt so abandoned met out in the world a few years ago. and so alone in a tough world. For a He said he had not attended the con- long time he had not partaken of the ference but had come at its conclusion, sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and wanting to say hello. Our greetings he wondered why his spirit was dead. 28 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6

Not a penny of tithing had he paid, when you pray? And when you pray, and he wondered why the windows of are you humbly thanking or are you heaven seemed closed and locked and asking?" barred to him. He was not receiving all the things he could have had. And as Elijah and priests of Baal he was thinking of his woes and his Israel was in deep trouble — a sus- worn-down faith, his loneliness, and tained draught. failures, I burned- his was thinking of a Israel's King Ahab demanded of in northern Argentina out pasture and the prophet Elijah: posts and sagging burned-off telephone "Art thou he that troubleth Israel? wires and dragging posts. "And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy Dwindling faith father's house, in that ye have forsaken Deeply disturbing are the numerous the commandments of the Lord, and signs of dwindling faith in our world. thou hast followed Baalim." (1 Kings Matches are dropped. The grass is 18:17-18.) burned. The spectacular drama portrayed on The sagging in spiritual conviction is Mt. Carmel between Elijah the prophet frightening. Morale is often low even and the ineffectual false priests of Baal among employees in their jobs — selfish is the story of sagging lines of com- "gimme" tactics. "How much can I munication. Great wickedness— and get?" "How about a raise?" More the Lord had sealed the heavens from ". holidays. Fewer hours. Poor morale rain. Elijah had said: . . if the Lord among the employers. be God, follow him: but if Baal, then ." We are too affluent. We have too follow him. . . (1 Kings 18:21.) much money and other things. We The contest brought about by Elijah have so many things. Even many was to prove to Israel that the gods of poorer people have many things, and stone and wood and metal were power- "things" become our life, and our less. When the 450 priests of Baal vocabulary has been invaded with, "Let could not influence their gods to me do my thing." burn the offering, and the Lord, through ". Yet the Lord has said, . . seek ye Elijah, brought down fire from heaven first the kingdom of God, and his and consumed the bullock, then with righteousness; and all these things a revival of faith on the part of Israel, shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.) the clouds came and a torrential rain Too often, though, we want the fell. Weak Israel had now set up new "things" first. poles; they had restrung their wires, and communication was reestablished. Laxity of prayers Couples in sorrow We have a great generation of youth,

but as I talk to many, I am amazed Two young couples from the North- and surprised at the laxity of prayers west came, bowed in sorrow. The among them, especially those who are husband of one and the wife of the in sin. Many have nearly ceased to other had lost themselves in frustration pray. Their communication wires arising out of disloyally finding com- are down. Also numerous young people fort where no association should have in their early married days cease to been tolerated. Their problems reached pray with regularity; their lines are the maximum, and sorrow resulted.

sagging. It is generally the same. The two My first question to people in trouble young people, unfaithful to their is, "What about your prayers? How spouses, had conversed and confided often? How deeply involved are you too much; then secret meetings fol- PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL 29

lowed, then disloyal disclosures con- President Harold B. Lee cerning the spouse of each. And Thank you, President Kimball. finally, that which surely not could We express our thanks and apprecia- have been dreamed of the transgres- — tion to the General Authorities who sion. have spoken to us in this the first ses- Both couples had reduced their sion of the conference. activity, become casual in their church- The singing for this session has going. had joined a social group They been furnished by the Brigham Young who were also turning to spiritual University Combined Choruses, with casualness like themselves. Their new Ralph Woodward conducting. Robert way of living was beyond their means, Cundick is the organist. I wish the tele- debts and crowded out tithing. vision audience in the whole world busy Too they were for home eve- could look upon this group of young nings and too rushed for family prayer, adults, beautifully groomed, beautiful- and when the great temptations came, ly dressed. This is the kind of judgment they were not prepared. grass Their we would like to have rendered upon had been consumed, and with it the the youth of this Church. The Lord poles had been burned off and the bless you beautiful, handsome, wonder- dangling charred stubs were hanging to ful young people. You are a credit to the sagging wires. the Church. Sin comes when communication The chorus will now close this ses- lines are down it always sooner — does, sion by singing from the Messiah by or later. Handel, "Behold the Lamb of God," after which the benediction will be A sagging world offered by Elder Arthur S. Anderson, We are living in a sagging world. former president of the North Carolina- There has been sin since Cain yielded to Virginia Mission, after which this con- Satan, but perhaps never before has the ference will stand adjourned until world accepted sin so completely as a two o'clock this afternoon. way of life. We shall continue to cry repentance from this and thousands The Brigham Young University Com- of other pulpits. We shall continue to bined Choruses sang the number, "Be- warn the people all too ready to accept hold the Lamb of God."

the world as it pushes in upon them. The closing prayer was offered by May we always repair our sagging Elder Arthur S. Anderson, former lines and fulfill our total obligations and president of the North Carolina-Vir- thus keep close to our Lord and Savior, ginia Mission.

I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. The conference was adjourned until Amen. 2 o'clock P.M.

FIRST DAY AFTERNOON MEETING SECOND SESSION

The second session of the confer- ner, second counselor in the First ence convened at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Presidency, conducted this session. April 6, 1972. The choral music for this session was President Joseph Fielding Smith provided by a Primary Leaders Chorus, presided, and President N. Eldon Tan- combined choruses of the Utah North 30 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

Regions, conducted by Patricia Maughan. conducted by Patricia Maughan, will Elder Roy M. Darley was at the organ begin this service by singing "Come, console. Come Ye Saints." President Tanner made the follow- The invocation will be offered by ing introductory statement: Elder Raymond J. Pace, Regional Representative of the Twelve. President N. Eldon Tanner

Members of the Church are con- vened in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the The Primary Leaders Chorus sang second session of the 142nd Annual "Come, Come Ye Saints." Conference of the Church of Jesus The invocation was offered by Elder Christ of Latter-day Saints. Raymond J. Pace, Regional Representa- Sessions of this conference will be tive of the Twelve. received by millions in the United States and Canada over hundreds of radio and television stations cooperat- President N. Eldon Tanner ing to provide the extensive coverage The Primary Leaders Chorus, under of this conference. the direction of Patricia Maughan, with We extend a cordial welcome to our Roy Darley at the organ, will now sing television and radio audience and to all "Sweet Is the Work." present in this historic Tabernacle this afternoon— special guests, educa- tional and government leaders, our The Primary Leaders Chorus sang regional representatives and stake Sweet Is the Work." presidencies from near and far, temple presidencies, bishoprics, and members of the General Auxiliary Boards. President Tanner The chorus of the leaders in our Primary organizations, who are respon- Elder Robert L. Simpson, newly sible for directing to a very great ex- appointed Assistant to the Council of tent the work of our young people, the Twelve, will be our first speaker, our children, made up of combined and he will be followed by Milton R. choruses of the Utah North Regions, Hunter of the First Council of Seventy.

Elder Robert L. Simpson

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

My beloved brothers and sisters, I am Overseas leaders so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the spirit of this day and especially How thrilling it has been to sit here that I have been preceded by these today and look down at our ever- lovely Primary sisters. The Primary has expanding section of overseas leaders;

meant so much to me in my responsi- and I am sure that the Lord's word is bilities of the past few years, and their being fulfilled, as found in the 33rd singing has given me the peace and section of the Doctrine and Covenants,

feeling that I need at this moment. when he said: ELDER ROBERT L. SIMPSON 31

"And even so will I gather mine few moments at this session of our con- elect from the four quarters of the earth, ference to discuss what I believe is even as many as will believe in me, and perhaps the most misunderstood meet- hearken unto my voice." (D&C 33:6.) ing of all the meetings that convene

And how thrilling it is to see these in the Church. I refer to the bishop's leaders who have listened and who have court. I would like to begin by relating hearkened and who have become faith- a story. ful and true and are found worthy to be counted as leaders in their areas. Verdict of church court As we listened to the prophet this The brief episode I am about to re- morning and as listened to the other we late is true, and the facts are accurate brethren who have responded, I was because those who were present will also struck by the great scripture that never forget them.

often: I we hear so "What the Lord have The hour was very late; the room spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not was quiet except for the audible sobs myself; . . . whether by mine own voice of a young man who had just received or by the voice of my servants, it is the the verdict of a Church court. Justice same." (D&C 1:38.) Indeed, it is the had taken its true course. There was same, and as a prophet of God talks to apparently no alternative. The unani- us, we are hearing the will of the Lord mous decision, following serious delib- without question. eration, fasting, and prayer, was excommunication. Personal tribute After several minutes, a weary face up, May I just take a brief second to pay looked and the young man's voice personal tribute to two of the greatest broke the silence as he said, "I have just lost the most precious thing in men I have known in my life, Bishop my Vandenberg and Bishop Brown. These life, and nothing will stand in my way until I regained it." two great companions have meant so have much and have given so much to me in The process leading up to the court was not an easy one. Certainly, courage my life, as they have given to you as they have traveled throughout the is a most important factor for every Church. person who has seriously slipped but wants to get back on the Lord's side. I have never known a man of greater courage and integrity than Bishop John After the meeting was finished, the communications that followed the H. Vandenberg. I have never been with a person so qualified in administrative young man's dramatic statement of and organizational ability as Bishop hope for the future were so reassuring. Victor L. Brown. These men are great From some there were firm promises of during the ensuing months of assets to the work of the Lord, and I help am so grateful for the blessing that continuing repentance; from others came in my association with them a pat on the back and a handshake, with an eye-to-eye assurance that con- in Israel Common judges veyed a feeling of confidence and the In traveling around the Church for hand of fellowship. There was complete the past ten and one-half years, what a knowledge among all present at that that all could be regained in joy it has been to meet so many of our meeting bishops, stake presidents, men who the life of this young man if it were have been designated as common done in the Lord's way. judges in Israel, men who are guardians The way back over the flock, men who have been given a charge and a responsibility This young man had just taken his that is second to none. May I take a first giant step back. As an excom- 32 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6 municated member of the Church and irregularities in our lives, to the point with his heart determined to make that our control of personal desires is things right, he was far better off than sufficient to bring about a daily living just a few days before with his mem- and thinking pattern that will be com- bership record intact but carrying deceit patible with his holy presence. in his heart that seemed to shout the Be not disillusioned by doctrine word hypocrite with every move he made of the adversary that there will likely toward doing something in the Church. be a magic point in eternity when all of This episode took place a few years a sudden selfish and improper actions ago. The young man's pledge has been are automatically eliminated from our fulfilled, and in my opinion, no mem- being. Holy writ has confirmed time ber of the Church stands on ground and time again that such is not the case, more firm than the man who has had and prophets through the ages have the courage to unburden himself to his assured us that now is the time to re- priesthood authority and to set things pent, right here in this mortal sphere. It in order with his Master. What a relief will never be easier than now; and re- to have once again the peace of mind turning to Brother Talmage's thought, that "passeth all understanding." he who procrastinates the day or hopes Priesthood courts of the Church for an alternate method that might are not courts of retribution. They are require less courage waits in vain, and courts of love. Oh, that members of in the meantime, the possibilities grow the Church could understand this one dimmer. He is playing the game as fact. Satan would have him play it, and ex- The time to repent altation in the presence of God grows more remote with each passing day. The adversary places a fear in the heart of the transgressor that makes it Availability of bishops so difficult for him to do what needs to be done; and in the words of James Now bishops, be available to your E. Talmage, "As the time of repentance people. Let them know about the kind- is procrastinated, the ability to repent ness and compassion that dominates grows weaker; neglect of opportunity your soul. Don't become so caught in holy things develops inability." (Ar- up in the business affairs of your ward ticles of Faith, p. 114.) This simply means administration that you fail to convey to that doing what needs to be done will your people all of those wonderful never be easier than right now. As in attributes referred to in the 121st sec- all other paths and guideposts that tion of the Doctrine and Covenants. I have been provided for us to achieve am talking about the attributes of our eternal destiny of exaltation, there kindly persuasion, long-suffering, gen- are no shortcuts. tleness, meekness, and love unfeigned. Heavenly Father is not antiprogress: Bishops, learn the great principle he is the author of eternal progres- of delegation so that your heart and sion. In his own words, "For behold, your mind can be free to counsel with this is my work and my glory—to bring the Saints. You are their common judge. to pass the immortality and eternal life There is no one else in the entire ward of man." (Moses 1:39.) so designated by the Lord. It is you Our achievement of eternal life adds they must turn to. You must be avail- glory to his name and is the only ulti- able to listen, and, equally important, mate objective acceptable to a true you must live in such a way that the Latter-day Saint. voice of heaven will find utterance Reduced to its simplest terms, our through you for the blessing and edi- mission here in mortality is to over- fication of your people. come weaknesses of the flesh and all I am certain that a basic cornerstone ELDER ROBERT L. SIMPSON 33

of true justice is compassion. Perhaps if this process is necessary in carrying even more important than the trans- out true justice, I bear you my personal gression itself is the sensitivity of a and solemn witness that even this ex- person's soul and his desire to repent treme penalty of excommunication can and to follow the Master. be the first giant step back, provided there follows a sincere submission to The need for help the Spirit and faith in the authenticity of God's plan. It would be so much easier to talk about serious transgression to someone These processes can only be carried you had never seen before and would out in this church through properly likely never see again; or better still, designated priesthood authority, for to talk in total seclusion to an unseen his house is a house of order. All of this ear and receive your forgiveness then is made very clear in the Doctrine and and there from unseen lips. But in such Covenants. May I quote: a process, who would then be at your "And again, verily I say unto you, side in the struggling months ahead, as that which is governed by law is also you attempt with great effort to make preserved by law and perfected and repentance your complete, as you strive sanctified by the same. to prevent a tragic recurrence? "That which breaketh a law, and Few, if any, men have the strength abideth not by law, but seeketh to be- to walk that hill alone, and please be come a law unto itself, and willeth to assured, it is uphill all the way. There abide in sin, and altogether abideth in needs to be help—someone who really sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither loves you, someone who has been di- by mercy, justice, nor judgment. There- vinely commissioned to assist you fore, they must remain filthy still. confidentially, quietly, assuredly—and may I reemphasize the word confiden- "All kingdoms have a law given; tially, for here again, Satan has spread "And there are many kingdoms; for the false rumor that confidences are there is no space in the which there is rarely kept. no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in May I assure you that bishops and which there is no space, either a greater stake presidents are not in the habit of or a lesser kingdom. betraying these sacred confidences. Be- "And unto every kingdom is given a fore being ordained and set apart, their law; and unto every law there are cer- very lives have been reviewed in that tain bounds also and conditions. upper room in the temple by those "All beings abide not in those divinely called as prophets, seers, and who revelators. Without question, they conditions are not justified." (D&C 88:34-39.) are among the noble and great ones of this world and should be regarded In other words, brothers and sisters, as such by the Saints. all beings who abide not in those condi-

What a glorious plan this is! How re- tions, all who fail to correct infractions assuring to know that we all have hope of the eternal law by proper priesthood for a total blessing, in spite of all the procedures that have been established mistakes we have made; that there for such corrections, are not acceptable might be complete fulfillment; that we to the Lord and will likely never be eli- might enter his holy presence with our gible for his presence. family units. God bless us to accept eternal law and understand that there can be no Process of true justice other way is my humble prayer, and I

Even excommunication from this ask it for each and every one in the church is not the end of the world; and name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 34 GENERAL CONFERENCE Thursday, April 6

President N. Eldon Tanner We shall now hear from Elder Mil- ton R. Hunter of the First Council of Elder Robert L. Simpson, Assistant Seventy, and he will be followed by to the Council of the Twelve, has just Elder Alvin R. Dyer, Assistant to the spoken to us. Council of the Twelve.

Elder Milton R. Hunter

Of the First Council of the Seventy

My dear brethren and sisters, I humbly Reasons for support Spirit of attend in ask that the God me Why this modern miracle of mis- I today. what may say sionary work? First, this extensive missionary work Miracle of missionary work is carried forward because those peo- In my opinion, one of the great ple who serve as missionaries and those

miracles in our generation is the mir- who give them their financial support acle of missionary work of The Church have strong testimonies in their hearts of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. that they belong to Christ's true At the present time, the Church has church, which he restored on earth in ninety-eight missions, which cover 1830. They are positive that The Church most of the world. There are over of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is 15,400 missionaries devoting their full the only church in the world which time to proselyting activities. In addi- possesses God's holy priesthood, his tion to these, there are several thousand true doctrines and ordinances, and mature men and women from all pro- the power to bring people into celes- fessions serving on a part-time basis tial glory to dwell with their Creator. in the stake missions. These mission- And so they go on missions in order aries are either paying their own ex- that other people may receive the gos- penses or they are receiving financial pel and share the same joy and bless- support from their friends, relatives, or ings that they have. Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. Second, the modern miracle of ex- tensive missionary work occurs because The vast majority of the full-time in several revelations Christ missionaries are young men nineteen Jesus com- manded that it be done. For example, to twenty-one years of age, a time of he commanded Church as life in which young people, as a gen- members follows: eral rule, would not devote themselves into all the world, preach to full-time church service. "Go ye the gospel to every creature, acting in It should be pointed out that these the authority which I have given you, young men interrupt their education, baptizing in the name of the Father, put off marriage, and adjust their mis- and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. sions to their military obligations, so "And he that believeth and is bap- they can do missionary work for their tized shall be saved, and he that be- church and their Savior. lieveth not shall be damned." (D&C Thus the miracle of missionary 68:8-9.)

service is repeated over and over with Faith of young man every missionary who gives of his time

and in the sacrifices made by those As I have toured missions, many who supply the financial help. missionaries, as well as converts, have ELDER MILTON R. HUNTER 35

reported to me unusual missionary when he graduated from high school experiences or miracles. A stake presi- he was offered $30,000 a year to play dent in California told me the follow- professional baseball. He refused the ing missionary experience. offer so he could go on a mission. A young man in his stake from a When a young man is faced with well-to-do family had been taught the the choice of a mission or of playing gospel by missionaries. His interest professional ball at a high salary, it in the Church was very displeasing takes great faith and devotion to choose to his parents. They endeavored to per- the mission; but many young Latter-day suade him not to join, but he still de- Saint men have made this choice. clared that he had a strong testimony that this was the true church of Jesus Missionary in South America Christ and that he must join. Then, in desperation, the parents took the Recently in South America, a lady drastic step of telling him that if he missionary, who impressed me greatly, became a member of the Mormon told me the story of her conversion to Church, he would be disinherited. In the LDS Church and her missionary spite of this warning, the young man call. Before coming on her mission she joined the Church and his parents liter- was a nurse. Her roommate was a ally turned him out of his home. Mormon girl. The nurse liked the girl's He was invited to live with a Mor- habits, was very pleased with her mon family. While he was there, the character and personality, and so she bishop and stake president asked him decided to study the LDS religion. to go on a mission. He accepted the The Mormon girl got two missionaries call. Before he left, however, his par- to teach the nurse the gospel. ents heard through a mutual friend When the nurse's parents heard that their son was going on a mission. that she was favorably inclined toward They sent word to him that if he did, the Mormon religion, they thoroughly they would never write him a word, opposed her actions. They forbade her nor send him money, and that he was to join the Church, telling her that if not to contact them. she did she would be disinherited. About a year later, when the young man was in the mission field, the stake The Holy Ghost had borne witness president was called on the telephone to her so strongly that the Church of about one o'clock in the morning. The Jesus Christ was the true church that gentle voice of a woman on the other she asked the missionaries to baptize end of the line asked if he would her even against the wishes of her please give her that missionary's ad- parents, whom she loved dearly. It dress because she wanted to send him grieved her when her father and some money. Thus, it appears that the mother told her not to return home. love of a mother had risen above her After joining the Church, she had religious prejudice. a very strong desire to go on a mission and so she decided to work and save Choice of a mission the money. It took her three or four

While touring a mission, I ran years' time to save approximately across a missionary who had been an $3,000. She was called to labor in ail-American basketball star in college. South America, where she is doing Upon graduation from the university, an outstanding job in taking the gospel he had turned down a high-paying con- of Jesus Christ to the people of that tract to play professional ball so he land. When she returns home, she could go on a mission. hopes to regain the love and favor of Another missionary told me that her parents. 36 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

Results of missionary effort truth into his true church. He stated that he and his companion had knocked Several years ago, after returning on a door. A woman opened the door from touring a mission, I to said one of immediately, enthusiastically invited my friends, "Did you make any con- them in, and said to them, "You verts when you were on your mission young men have come to my home in a certain town?" And I told him the today in answer to my prayers. name of the town. "For a long time I have been dis- He replied, "No, I didn't make a satisfied with the church to which I single convert there. My companion belong, feeling that it does not con- and I had very poor missionary suc- tain many of the doctrines that Christ cess in that town." taught while here upon the earth. I I informed him that recently I had felt that it was not the true church held a meeting in that town. Following that was founded originally by our the meeting, a woman approached the Savior. I prayed earnestly and asked mission president and me and said, our Father in heaven to send some- "When I was a girl two Mormon mis- body to me who would bring me the sionaries came to our home a number true gospel plan of salvation and of times and talked with my mother. make it possible for me to find the Each time the missionaries came to true church. our home, 1 ran into the kitchen and peeked through the door and listened "After doing so, I had a dream while they conversed with mother, who that two young men knocked on my I in wasn't very interested. As soon as they door and when let them they said to me, 'We have come to bring you had left, I would run into the living room, pick up the literature that they the true gospel of Jesus Christ.' I rec- had left on the table, and go to my ognize that you two young men are the same two young men I saw in my room and study it. I was very thrilled dream, and as in dream, you an- with what I was learning. my nounced yourselves by saying, 'We "Finally I obtained a copy of the have come to bring you the gospel of Book of Mormon and read it. I be- came thoroughly converted to the Jesus Christ.' 1 know that you are the Church of Jesus Christ, having a firm servants of our Master and that you will teach his gospel." conviction that it was the true church. me sur- When I grew to maturity, two more The two missionaries were Mormon missionaries came to town prised at the reception but happy to this and 1 asked them to baptize me. After have the privilege of teaching

1 had become a Church member, I good woman the gospel. She eagerly taught the gospel to my friends and received it and soon thereafter was a relatives. There are over fifty mem- baptized member of The Church of bers in this branch who belong to the Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. Thus, Church as a result of my conversion another modern miracle in missionary and baptism." work had occurred.

I then said to my friend, "You see, you and your missionary companion Devotion of mission presidents indirectly have over fifty converts in that town in which you thought you The faith and devotion of mission got none." presidents and their wives and families present marvelous stories of sacrifice An answer to prayer and service to spread the gospel of A missionary related an experience Jesus Christ and build up his kingdom. that illustrates one method that God When the First Presidency, serving has used to bring the searchers after as God's holy prophets, call a man ELDER ALVIN R. DYER 37

and his wife to preside over a mission, didn't you tell the First Presidency regardless of their business situation of the financial loss you would suffer or economic conditions, the answer is if you went on a mission at that time yes. All personal interests are pushed and ask them to postpone your call aside and they faithfully accept the for three years?" call from the Lord through the First He replied, "The Lord didn't call Presidency to preside over a mission me on a mission for three years from for three years' time. now. He called me to serve now. My

Each mission president's individual wife and I decided to obey the call of call, his experiences and faithfulness the Lord and trust that our financial in accepting that call, adjusting his affairs would be taken care of later." economic affairs, and completely read- Such a sacrifice to render Christian justing the social life for himself and service is certainly astounding. It is a family, is a modern missionary miracle. modern missionary miracle.

Response to mission call Testimony

For example, in a casual conversa- In closing, I bear my testimony that tion I had recently with the president the true Church of Jesus Christ has of one of the full-time missions of the been restored to earth by the Savior Church, he told me that when he re- and other heavenly beings to the ceived his mission call from the First Prophet Joseph Smith. Membership in Presidency, he asked his employers this church and living in accordance for a leave of absence. Within three with the revealed teachings therein years his financial interest in the com- is the only way back to God. This pany in which he was employed would church marks out the pathway that be large enough to support him and mankind must follow to attain eternal his family for the remainder of their life in the presence of the Father and lives. the Son. His employers, being non-church In the name of Jesus Christ. members and unfavorable toward his Amen. going on a mission, refused to give him a leave of absence. Also, they in- formed him that he would lose all President N. Eldon Tanner of his financial benefits in the company

if he accepted the mission call. In Elder Milton R. Hunter of the First spite of this terrific financial sacrifice Council of Seventy has just spoken to and the loss of his job, he accepted us. the mission call and is now faithfully Elder Alvin R. Dyer, Assistant to the serving his church and his God. Council of the Twelve, will now speak

I asked the mission president, "Why to us.

Elder Alvin R. Dyer

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

I am both humbled and grateful, my of the Church. It is truly gratifying to brothers and sisters, for the confidence be associated with men of the caliber of the First Presidency and Council of of Leonard Arrington, the Church His- the Twelve for the new assignment torian; Earl Olson, the Church Archivist; given me in the Historical Department and Donald T. Schmidt, Church Librar- 38 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

ian; and the other brethren who have has been so widespread that the holy been called to assist. priesthood of God, the channel through These are men of great spiritual de- which God works in dealing with man- votion who have great capability in their kind, has been withdrawn from among respective fields. We shall seek the men. guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, and Oscillating from these periods of the counsel and direction of the Breth- spiritual darkness have been periods ren, in the important task that lies of enlightenment when the will of God ahead of us. has been revealed unto man and has Association with the First Presidency to some extent been adhered to. These and other leaders, and with you, my periods of enlightenment are known as brothers and sisters, at conference dispensations of the gospel of Jesus

time, is always a joy and a great spiri- Christ, times when God dispenses the tual influence. wisdom of the eternities unto mankind for their benefit and blessing. The plan of life Pure knowledge, meaning revelation from God, is greater than the limited The plan for a useful and successful reasoning of men. The method that God life is contained in the gospel of Jesus has chosen to convey this knowledge Christ, given to us by the Redeemer of unto mankind is through his chosen mankind, whose atoning sacrifice aug- prophets, unto whom he sends his mes- ments the plan and makes it possible sengers with divine instructions and for us to return to the presence of God upon occasion by the majesty of his our Heavenly Father. own appearance. When mortality, or the second estate Thus, on the whole, as the pages of of man, is completed, each individual history are observed, noting the de- will be prepared to continue his eternal pressions and then again the periods journey into that place which the judg- of enlightenment that have held sway ment of this life will place upon him. In over mankind as they move through this righteous, but penetrating, judg- mortality, we come to know, broadly, ment, each of us shall go into the next that times of apostasy and times of estate of eternal existence for which we restoration are two opposite poles of are best suited. human existence. They are conditions The principles of progression, or of between which mankind has oscillated, retardation, judged by our behavior as internal and external conditions in the probation of mortality, are reali- bear sway. ties of concept, based upon revelation from God, both ancient and modern. Gospel not new

Darkness and enlightenment In the light of this concept, the gos- pel that Jesus Christ proclaimed during

In working out the plan of life and his earthlife was not new. It was ac- salvation down through the stream of tually a restoration of the same truths time, men have developed among them- that had been declared in former dis- selves periods of obedience to God's pensations. He himself declared these holy laws and, on the other hand, truths unto ancient prophets who had periods of rebellion against these same been chosen as his instruments. He was laws. known unto them as Jehovah, and by The declarations of the prophets that name he gave commandments to of God contained in sacred historical the children of Israel. He has directed writings tell of the changing condi- the plan of salvation from the very tions that have taken place among men. beginning of mankind upon the earth, Clear reference is made to times of thereby establishing the dispensations apostasy, when the rejection of truth of Adam, of Enoch, of Noah, of Moses ELDER ALVIN R. DYER 39

and others, all bearing witness to a in any age who have stood up in death restoration by the divine dispensing rather than denounce the truths that of truths, making known unto man- they have taken unto themselves by the kind the redeeming principles of the power of agency. But under godless gospel. systems, where the individual never The willingness of God to dispense comes to know the truth, he is held by these truths unto mankind has ever darkness. been present, but there have been times From the dark ages, that period of when mankind, because of wickedness time following the death of the apostles and rebellion, would not receive them. of the Lord in the meridian dispensa- In the depths of rebellion and apos- tion—which continued for about eleven tasy, the masses of people are never hundred years, during which time there responsive to gospel truths. was no intelligent glorification of the individual —hardly a painted picture Suppression of freedom emerged that portrayed this important concept. Everything was lost in relent- The reflected lack of the principles less subjection of the masses to the evil of freedom in governments and institu- power of unrighteous dominion. tions stands as a stumbling block to the furtherance of God's work among men. The Renaissance When the darkness and evil of apostasy Then came that period known as have dominated the minds of men, the Renaissance, which gave to men apostasy has been fostered by the sub- an inward longing for liberation of jection of individual rights of freedom, thought with the courage to face the evil and unrighteous dominion has been forces that held them in subjection. brought to bear by the institutions of Man again began to seek for freedom men that know not God. and truth. The Master of men had said In these periods of darkness the ". many years before, . . ye shall know forces of evil, under the direction of the the truth, and the truth shall make you of Christ, im- evil one, the archenemy free." (John 8:32.) But this and other plement doctrines of force, destroying scripture, for many years, they had not the rights of the individual, making it even been privileged to read. almost impossible for those held in But God began to work with men, subjection to have the opportunity of and their hearts turned toward him; repentance and regeneration. Without and whenever the spark of freedom spirit the the of freedom and power was found, it was influenced and fed by of agency, there can be no functioning the natural forces of agency. Soon the of the principles that would lead us to desire for freedom, matched with the the gospel. It is difficult, if at all possi- courage to fight and die for it, spread ble, to come to a state of regeneration among men. so vital to progression and the fulfill- The question might well be asked, ment of the gospel plan. Why does freedom need to be restored The gospel of Jesus Christ will not as a forerunner to a new dispensation flower or expand its influence under of the gospel of Jesus Christ? The an- conditions where the will of the in- swer is a simple one, for well the Lord dividual is suppressed. Those who knows that without the spirit of free- have gained a conviction of the truth dom in the souls of men, there could and have then been thrust into a con- be no willing response to the gospel dition of individual bondage may sur- plan. For it is in the culture of freedom vive the ordeal on the strength of the and the use of agency in that freedom truths that they have previously found that men come to know the difference and individually accepted, as did the between good and evil. This progress early Christian martyrs or the martyrs leads to yearnings in the hearts of good 40 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

men, and eventually to gospel dispensa- then and subsequent appearances of tions. This is the pattern to be noted the Son of God and certain ancient down through the era of the historical prophets who hold keys of understand- writings. ing pertaining to the gospel plan, he has caused to be established the king- A new dispensation dom of God upon the earth, that any of

mankind may come unto it. The continued longing for freedom led directly to the period known as the Reformation, which led to the founda- Last dispensation tion of America and the framing of the The characteristics of this dispen- Constitution, concerning which the sation, as compared with other dis- Lord has said: pensations, are unique in that it is the "According to the laws and consti- last of all dispensations, concerning tution of the people, which I have suf- which the Prophet Joseph Smith re- fered to be established, and should be ceived this divine information as con- maintained for the rights and protec- tained in a revelation: tion of all flesh, according to just and holy principles." (D&C 101:77.) "Unto whom I have committed the All of this in its proper order leads keys of my kingdom, and a dispensa- directly to the greatest period in the tion of the gospel for the last times; and experience of man upon the earth, a for the fulness of times, in the which I new dispensation of the gospel of Jesus will gather together in one all things, Christ. both which are in heaven, and which This period was foreseen and re- are on earth." (D&C 27:13.) ferred to by the apostle Peter as the The apostle Paul, writing unto the times of restitution or restoration of all Ephesian saints, speaks also of this im- things involving a new gospel dispen- portant final dispensation in connection sation. Here are his words as he speaks with the inheritances that will come at this also of the coming of the Lord to the faithful. I quote what he said particular time: and must have seen in vision: "And he shall send Jesus Christ, "That in the dispensation of the ful- which before was preached unto you: ness of times he might gather together "Whom the heaven must receive in one all things in Christ, both which until the times of restitution of all are in heaven, and which are on earth; things, which God hath spoken by the even in him." (Eph. 1:10.) mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:20-21.) A dispensation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is now established with Personal visitation prophets, seers, and revelators. The church and kingdom of has been The significant feature of the pres- God established, ent dispensation was the inauguration and the inhabitants of the earth "may receive it, and be pre- of the same by the personal visitation of pared for the days to come, in the which God the Father and his Beloved Son, the Son of Man shall come down in Jesus Christ, referred to in the sacred heaven, clothed in the brightness of his historical writings of this church as glory, to meet the kingdom of the Sacred Grove appearance, which God which is set up on the earth." (D&C occurred in the spring of 1820 near 65:5.) Palmyra, New York, 152 years ago.

Upon this occasion Joseph Smith Of these things I bear my personal became the first of the prophets of this witness as conveyed to me by the power new dispensation of the gospel; and of the Spirit, in the name of Jesus by virtue of divine instruction given Christ. Amen. ELDER ELRAY L. CHRISTIANSEN 41

President N. Eldon Tanner The congregation and chorus sang We have just listened to Elder Alvin Oh Say, What is Truth?" R. Dyer, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. President The congregation will please stand Tanner chorus in singing and join with the Elder EIRay L. Christiansen, Assis- "Oh Say, What Is Truth?" tant to the Council of Twelve, will After the singing, Elder EIRay L. now address us, and he will be fol- Christiansen, Assistant to the Twelve, lowed by Elder James A. Cullimore, will address us. Assistant to the Twelve.

Elder EIRay L. Christiansen

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

First of all, my brothers and sisters, let children in a manner acceptable to the

me assure you that as far as EIRay L. Lord. It calls for the best in all of us. Christiansen is concerned, God lives, While many, both in and out of the and he is a compassionate, understand- Church, are eminently successful in

ing Father; and his Son, Jesus Christ, rearing their families, it is clearly evi- came to earth, as the Bible tells us, dent that there are fathers and mothers and offered himself and actually gave who are divesting themselves of their his life that we might be redeemed sacred obligation to counsel their chil- from the grave and might have eternal dren and to give them the parental life, salvation, which to us means exal- warmth and interest that they deserve. tation in the celestial world. Some parents are quite willing to let

I testify that Joseph Smith was se- others tend, and teach, and train their lected by God and Jesus Christ to most precious possessions — their chil- restore the gospel in this day and that dren. Joseph Fielding Smith, whom we ap- Did you hear the timely admonition preciate, is one of a succession of of our president and prophet this morn- modern-day prophets, seers, and rev- ing, pleading for fathers to take their elators. rightful places at the head of their households in righteousness? Successful parenthood Homes in serious trouble

Now, this is a world in difficulty An authenticated study shows that and trouble, but we shouldn't merely two million children in America live in bemoan the fact. We should, as far homes where serious trouble exists as our powers can help us, be anxiously between parents. Six and a half million

engaged in rectifying it. Just before we children live with only one parent, and

sang, I wrote this down: If you and I another million have been "farmed out" are to help restore this sick world to its to relatives or friends or institutions. spiritual health, we must begin at the Some worthy institutions have been proper place— that is, with ourselves developed to help improve the home and with our families. This we can do! and family life. But helpful as these

One of the most rewarding of all agencies may be, I am convinced, and I human undertakings is that of making believe you will agree, that there is not a success of marriage and of rearing and never will be a better institution ——

42 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

for improving the home than the home 1. Faith in God, along with a desire to itself. be obedient to his commandments, Parents cannot, without regrettable 2. Respect for and obedience to the consequences, shirk the responsibility laws of the land, of teaching and showing their children 3. A determination to be truthful and through their example the attributes of honest, regardless of the circum- character that lead them unhesitatingly stances, to appreciate and accept the good, the 4. Unselfishness by teaching (mostly decent, the beautiful, and help them by example), along with courtesy, to develop the desire and the courage to respect, refinement, and good man-

turn from that which is coarse or crude ners, for surely they are part of our or wrong. religion. After all, Family home evening "The sermon for a teenage child That proves to be most ample To help us develop desirable quali- Is still the one that parents teach ties in our children, we are provided By setting an example." with divinely given programs such as —Hal Chadwick the family home evenings, and for the

life of me I cannot understand why Family traditions every single family in the Church doesn't grasp the opportunities pro- Success in family life calls for par- vided through family home evening ents who take time to enjoy their chil- it costs nothing; it isn't necessary to dren; who read with them; who play leave home; and yet it is one of the with them; who let them participate in most effective ways of cementing the planning special occasions, seeking to unity of our families that has ever come make wholesome family traditions a to us, and when consistently used, it proud part of family life. has proven to be a marvelous means The case of a young man, the father of life making family secure and mean- of four children, whom we called upon ingful. to speak in a stake conference in east- ern Utah, emphasizes the desirability A sacred trust of family traditions, special occasions,

Parenthood is a sacred trust. It is and warm family relationships. an approach to the divine—a God-given On each anniversary of their mar-

privilege that, with its never-ending riage, this couple planned something responsibilities, brings rich and lasting special to do. Now they had looked rewards. forward as a family to observing their

President Joseph F. Smith made tenth anniversary. The father arranged this significant statement: "The man, his vacation to cover that period of and the woman who are the agents, time. But suddenly it became neces- in the providence of God, to bring living sary for his wife to enter the hospital souls into the world, are made before for surgery. He and the children felt God and the heavens, as responsible for sorry for her because she was in the these acts as is God himself responsible hospital. At the same time she was sad, ." for the works of his own hands. . . thinking that her husband and the chil-

(Gospel Doctrine, p. 342.) dren would be disappointed. But when A home approved of God is not she read the little note that came with merely a place where children are born, a bouquet of flowers, she felt better, for but where their coming is received with it read: "Sweetheart, ten years with joy and gladness by parents who strive you have seemed like ten days, but ten with all their abilities to help their days without you have seemed like ten children develop such attributes as years." Signed, "Bill." —

ELDER ELKAY L. CHRISTIANSEN 43

Petty disputations 5. A determination to gain an educa- tion, to learn a trade or a profession, Another essential in successful par- or to master a skill (and teach them enthood is for fathers and mothers to the joy of working) avoid disputations. Such situations 6. To prepare to be worthy and de- seem harmless to the parents, but may sirous of marriage in the temple, in the eyes of their children, the two thus doing things the Lord's way most important people in the world are 7. To prepare to become, in their own in conflict, their limited per- and from right, successful homemakers spective, the whole world is in trouble. Situations thus created are an indication Security in the home of immaturity and weakness on the part talk a deal these days of those involved. Someone has said We good about security. brothers and sis- that one of the most important things a My ters, there is no security that we can father can do for his children is to love give our children that is more essen- and respect their mother. tial than the security they gain in homes I plead with parents to rise above families as families pettiness and to spare their children where operate should, according to the gospel of Jesus the inglorious and painful insecurity Christ; where families kneel and offer of having to endure petty disputations and offensive situations. prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude at the beginning and at the close of each Avenues of communication day; where keeping the commandments of God is a part of daily life. In this

It is important also to keep the ave- way, they become fortified and enabled frustration nues of communication open. It is won- to meet the future without derful when a father or a mother will and without fear. sit down with a son or a daughter and Historians almost without exception discuss a personal problem (and they point out that one of the greatest con-

have their problems, which, if we are tributing factors in the downfall of wise, we will not minimize). There nations is the disintegration of the are pressures, and enticements, and home and family life. even unjust accusations against which A complete rebirth of satisfactory our sons and daughters need to be for- family life is needed. It is needed even tified. It is even more wonderful when, in the so-called better homes. It must because of the love and closeness that begin with proper love and respect be- exists, children feel no hesitancy in tween the husband and the wife and taking their problems to their parents. then, by their example, transferred to In such heart-to-heart talks, parents their children. will help to set objectives for their children, such as: Faith in God 1. A desire and determination to live clean, virtuous lives No nation can long endure un- less 2. A desire to associate with those the great majority of its families who have their same high standards and its homes are made secure through and ideals faith in God—an active, living faith.

3. A determination (for boys) to live so In The Scouter's Minute [YMMIA, they may receive the priesthood in 1969] I found these lines; worthiness 4. To prepare for and be worthy of "So long as there are homes to which being called on missions, perhaps men turn at close of day; establishing a savings account early So long as there are homes where chil- in life for this purpose dren are, where women stay —

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If love and loyalty and faith be found To this I testify in the name of Jesus across those sills Christ, the Lord. Amen. A stricken nation can recover from its

gravest ills. President N. Eldon Tanner "So long as there are homes where Elder EIRay Christiansen, Assistant fires burn and there is bread [I think to the Twelve, has just spoken to us. that means homemade bread]; So long as there are homes where lamps Elder James A. Cullimore, Assis-

are lit and prayers are said; tant to the Twelve, will now address Although a people falter through the us, and he will be followed by Elder dark—and nations grope, Ezra Taft Benson of the Council of With God Himself back of these little the Twelve, who will be our conclud- homes, we have sure hope." ing speaker.

Elder James A. Cullimore

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

I have been greatly impressed, my the companionship of the Holy Spirit brethren and sisters, at the strength of in giving witness of the truth of this

the testimonies that have been borne great work. It would follow that the this afternoon and this morning in prosperity of the Church is also

these conference sessions. I thought the measured to a great extent by the testimony of President Smith was so strength of testimonies of its members firm, so strong, so certain. How can as demonstrated by their worthiness

anyone doubt! And then to have, it and righteous living. followed by Brother [Mark E.] Peter- Peter's testimony sen in his masterful way, and so sin- cere. The testimonies of the other One of the great testimonies of the

brethren, Bishop Featherstone and scriptures is that given by Peter as he Bishop Peterson, so humble and so was brought before the judges after certain, a testimony in their lives, having healed the lame man at the and the testimony of others that have temple gate. been given. Brother Kimball, always "Then Peter, filled with the Holy so sweet and so sincere. These are Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the things that are important to us the people, and elders of Israel, in our lives. "If we this day be examined of the A valued possession good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

A testimony of the gospel is one of "Be it known unto you all, and to the most valued possessions of a mem- all the people of Israel, that by the ber of the Church. The strength and name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom unity of the Church depend upon each ye crucified, whom God raised from member so living that he comes to the dead, even by him doth this man

know for himself that the gospel is stand here before you whole. true. "This is the stone which was set

The spiritual condition of the at nought of you builders, which is membership of the Church is deter- become the head of the corner. mined by the degree to which the mem- "Neither is there salvation in any bers live the gospel and are worthy of other: for there is none other name ELDER JAMES A. CULLIMORE 45 under heaven given among men,, the ordinances, and has become en- whereby we must be saved." (Acts titled to and has received the Spirit 4:8-12.) of God, the Holy Ghost, to guide

him." (Pathways to Happiness [Book- Testimony of Christ craft, 1957], pp. 314-15.) A second great testimony was given by Peter of Christ. Influence of Holy Spirit "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his dis- In an editorial in the Impact maga- ciples, saying, Whom do men say that zine, Brother William E. Berrett ex- I the Son of man am? pressed well the great influence of the "And they said, Some say that Holy Spirit in guiding and uniting the thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; Church today: and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. "The great miracle of our day is that Spirit which unites the members "He saith unto them, But whom of The Church of Jesus Christ of say ye that I am? Latter-day Saints with those multitudi- "And Simon Peter answered and nous authorities appointed to lead said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of them. For those appointed thus to the living God. lead speak a diversity of tongues, belong "And Jesus answered and said unto to a variety of races and cultures, and him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: live in many different lands. Yet there for flesh and blood hath not revealed it is a unity which manifests itself in unto thee, but my father which is in the obedience to calls, in heaven. Church the acceptance of basic doctrines, and in "And I say also unto thee, That the belief that we are led by a living thou art Peter, and upon this rock I prophet of God. will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. "This unity is baffling to the world

"And I will give unto thee the keys generally and is not understood by of the kingdom of heaven: and whatso- many whose names grace the Church ever thou shalt bind on earth shall be rolls. The unifying influence is none bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou other than the Holy Ghost, bestowed shalt loose on earth shall be loosed upon men by the authority of God, in heaven." (Matt. 16:13-19.) through his holy priesthood. Through the work of the Holy Ghost, men may Secret of growth come to know the truth, as it springs In a day when churches are generally forth from the printed pages of scrip- losing members and declining in popu- ture or from the lips of our living larity, many wonder what the secret prophets. In the words of Brigham is in the growth and stability of The Young, 'the eloquence of angels never Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day can convince any person that God Saints. lives, and makes truth the habitation

President McKay answered it: "The of his throne, independent of that secret lies in the testimony, possessed eloquence being c lothed with the power by each individual who is faithful in of the Holy Ghost; in the absence of the Church, that the Gospel consists of this, it would be a combination of use- less sounds. What is it that con- correct principles. . . . "This testimony has been revealed vinces -nan? It is the influence of the to every sincere man and woman who Almighty, enlightening his mind, has conformed to the principles of the giving instruction to the understand- " Gospel of Jesus Christ, who has obeyed ing.' (Impact, Spring 1970, p. 2.) 46 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

Companionship of Holy Ghost through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit." (D&C 84:46.) Every member of .the Church is entitled to the companionship of the Special witnesses Holy Ghost. At the time of baptism, hands were placed upon our heads and The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of the Savior. I don't know it was said, "Receive the Holy Ghost." of have actually seen a Based upon our worthiness, this gives how many them personage. don't talk about it. us the right to the constant companion- They But they don't have to, to receive their ship of the Holy Ghost in which we special witness that can come by the can receive its revelations. The blessings to those who have Holy Ghost. President Harold B. Lee said to a lived worthy of the companionship of group of young people, "Not many the Holy Ghost were revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney have seen the Savior face to face here Rigdon: in mortality, but there is no one of you who has been blessed to receive the "For thus saith the Lord — I, the gift of the after baptism Lord, am merciful and gracious unto Holy Ghost but that may have a perfect assurance those who fear me, and delight to of his existence as though had seen." honor those who serve me in righteous- you (Youth and the Church [Deseret Book, ness and in truth unto the end. 51.) "Great shall be their reward and 1970], p. eternal shall be their glory. President Smith's statement "And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries The impact of the witness of the of my kingdom from days of old, and Spirit in our lives has been made clear by President Fielding Smith for ages to come, will I make known Joseph unto them the good pleasure of my when he said: ". will concerning all things pertaining . . the Lord has taught that there to my kingdom. is a stronger witness than seeing a personage, even of the Son of God, in a "Yea, even the wonders of eternity

vision. . . . The Savior said: shall they know, and things to come " 'Wherefore I say unto you, All will I show them, even the things of manner of sin and blasphemy shall many generations. be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy "And their wisdom shall be great, against the Holy Ghost shall not be for- and their understanding reach to heaven; given unto men. and before them the wisdom of the " 'And whosoever speaketh a word wise shall perish, and the understand- against the Son of Man, it shall be ing of the prudent shall come to forgiven' him: but whosoever speaketh naught. against the Holy Ghost, it shall not "For by my Spirit will I enlighten be forgiven him, . . . neither in the them, and by power will I make my world to come.' [Matt. 12:31-32.] known unto them the secrets of my "Therefore the seeing, even the will yea, even those things which — Savior, does not leave as deep an im- eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor pression in the mind as does the testi- yet entered into the heart of man." mony of the Holy Ghost to the spirit. (D&C 76:5-10.) Both Peter and Paul understood this. And again the Lord told the Here are the words of Paul: " Prophet: 'For it is impossible for those who "And the Spirit giveth light to were once enlightened, and have tasted every man that cometh into the world; of the heavenly gift, and were made and the Spirit enlighteneth every man partakers of the Holy Ghost, ELDER JAMES A. CULL1M0RE 47

" 'And have tasted the good word 2. We must be engaged in the of God, and the powers of the world work. As the Pharisees listened to the to come. bold teachings of the Savior, they

" 'If they shall fall away, to renew said: "How knoweth this man letters, them again unto repentance; seeing having never learned?" He answered they crucify to themselves the Son of them: "If any man will do his will, he God afresh, and put him to an open shall know of the doctrine, whether it shame.' [Heb. 6:4-6.]" be of God, or whether I speak of my- ". President Smith concludes: . . the self." (John 7:15, 17.) impressions on the soul that come from The Lord plainly told the Prophet the Holy Ghost are far more significant Joseph Smith how one might obtain a than a vision. It is where Spirit speaks witness of him: to spirit, and the imprint upon the "Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall soul is far more difficult to erase. come to pass that every soul who for- Every member of the Church should saketh his sins and cometh unto me, have the impressions on his soul made and calleth on my name, and obeyeth by the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the my voice, and keepeth my command- Son of God indelibly pictured so that ments, shall see my face and know they cannot be forgotten." (Seek Ye that I am; Earnestly [Deseret Book, 1970], pp. 213- "And that I am the true light 14.) that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (D&C 93:1-2.) The spirit of revelation Experience of Oliver Cowdery In our search for truth and in our pursuit of eternal life, the Lord has not Too often we ask the Lord for the left us without guidance. He said: direction of his Spirit before we've

"Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I done all we can. The Lord gave Oliver say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord Cowdery the key here when he at- liveth, who is your God and your tempted to translate and failed. He

Redeemer, even so surely shall you said: "But, behold, I say unto you, that receive a knowledge of whatsoever you must study it out in your mind; things you shall ask in faith, with an then you must ask me if it be right, honest heart, believing that you shall and if it is right I will cause that your

receive. . . . bosom shall burn within you; there-

"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your fore, you shall feel that it is right." mind and in your heart, by the Holy (D&C 9:8.) Ghost, which shall come upon you and After we have done all we can, which shall dwell in your heart. having studied it out and determined "Now, behold, this is the spirit of how best to solve our problems, then revelation." (D&C 8:1-3.) we take our decisions to the Lord; and

if they are right, our bosoms will burn of Spirit Companionship within us and we will have spiritual confirmation We need the companionship of the as to what to do. Spirit in our lives to continually con- Alma's testimony firm to us the divinity of the gospel plan. Two things are vital to the as- The prophet Alma spoke regarding surance of the companionship of the his testimony of certain gospel teach- Spirit: ings. He said:

1. Our lives must be in conformity "And this is not all. Do ye not sup-

". I to the gospel standards. . . the Spirit pose that know of these things my- of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy self? Behold, I testify unto you that temples." (Hel. 4:24.) I do know that these things whereof 48 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

I have spoken are true. And how do ye the divinity of this great work, that God suppose that I know of their surety? lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph

"Behold, I say unto you they are Smith was divinely called, that Presi- made known unto me by the Holy dent Joseph Fielding Smith is a prophet

Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and of God, and that this gospel is the prayed many days that I might know great plan of life and salvation as in- these things of myself. And now I do stituted of the Lord. This is my personal know of myself that they are true; for testimony to you, my brethren and the Lord God hath made them mani- sisters, and I leave it in the name of fest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and Jesus Christ. Amen. this is the spirit of revelation which is President N. Eldon Tanner in me." (Al. 5:45-46.) Yes, "the Spirit enlighteneth every Elder James A. Cullimore, Assistant man that hearkeneth to the voice of to the Twelve, has just addressed us. the Spirit." Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Council

I bear testimony that by the witness of the Twelve will be our concluding of the Spirit one can come to know of speaker.

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Of the Council of the Twelve

My beloved brothers and sisters, seen King Cyrus and unseen—and we are all brothers King Cyrus lived more than five and sisters, children of the same Father hundred years before Christ and figured in the spirit—humbly and gratefully I in prophecies of the Old Testament stand before you on this anniversary mentioned in 2 Chronicles and the date of the organization of the restored book of Ezra, and by the prophets church of Jesus Christ, 142 years ago. I Ezekial, Isaiah, and Daniel. The Bible love a general conference of the Church, states how "the Lord stirred up the except this I particular part, and yet spirit of Cyrus, King of Persia." (2 Chron. rejoice in the opportunity to bear testi- 36:22.) Cyrus restored certain politi- mony to this the greatest work in all cal and social rights to the captive the world. Hebrews, gave them permission to return to Jerusalem, and directed that Persian anniversary Jehovah's temple should be rebuilt.

Last fall I was invited by Baron von Parley P. Pratt, in describing the Blomberg, president of the United Prophet Joseph Smith, said that he Religions Organization, to represent had "the boldness, courage, temperance, the Church as a guest of the king of perseverance and generosity of a

Persia at the twenty^five hundredth Cyrus." (Autobiography of Parley Parker anniversary of the founding of the Pratt [Deseret Book Company, 1938], Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great. p. 46.) Advised by the First Presidency to President Wilford Woodruff said: accept the invitation, I left immediately "Now I have thought many times following the October conference to that some of those ancient kings that join with representatives of twenty- were raised up, had in some respects seven world religions, some fifty more regard for the carrying out of monarchs, and other notables at this some of these principles and laws, historic celebration in Iran. than even the Latter-day Saints have in ELDER EZRA TAFT BENSON 49

our day. I will take as an ensample tribunal, so help me God." (Joseph Cyrus. ... To trace the life of Cyrus Fielding Smith, Essentials in Church from his birth to his death, whether he History, p. 241.) knew it or not, it looked as though he We honor these partners because lived by inspiration in all his move- their devotion to correct principles ments. He began with that temperance overshadowed their devotion to popu- and virtue which would sustain any larity, party, or personalities. Christian country or any Christian Founding fathers king. . . . Many of these principles followed him, and I have thought many We honor our founding fathers of of them were worthy, in many re- this republic for the same reason. God spects, the attention of men who have raised up these patriotic partners to the Gospel of Jesus Christ." (Journal perform their mission, and he called of Discourses, vol. 22, p. 207.) them "wise men." (See D&C 101:80.) Use of good men The First Presidency acknowledged that wisdom when they gave us the guide- God, the Father of us all, uses the line a few years ago of supporting men of the earth, especially good men, political candidates "who are truly to accomplish his purposes. It has dedicated to the Constitution in the been true in the past, it is true today, tradition of our Founding Fathers." it will in future. be true the (Deseret News, November 2, 1964.) That "Perhaps the Lord needs such men tradition has been summarized in the on the outside of His Church to help book The American Tradition by Clar- it along," said the late Elder Orson F. ence Carson. Whitney of the Quorum of the Twelve. The Lord said that "the children of "They are among its auxiliaries, and this world are in their generation wiser can do more good for the cause where than the children of light." (Luke the Lord has placed them, than any- 16:8.) Our wise founders seemed to

where else. . . . Hence, some are drawn understand, better than most of us, our into the fold and receive a testimony own scripture, which states that "it the truth; others remain of while un- is the nature and disposition of almost

. . . beauties glories converted the and all men, as soon as they get a little of the gospel being veiled temporarily authority . . . they will immediately be- from their view, for a wise purpose. gin to exercise unrighteous dominion." The Lord will open their eyes in His (D&C 121:39.) own due time. God is using more than Allegiance to Constitution one people for the accomplishment of His great and marvelous work. The To help prevent this, the founders

Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It knew that our elected leaders should is too vast, too arduous for any one be bound by certain fixed principles.

people. . . . We have no quarrel with Said Thomas Jefferson: "In questions the Gentiles. They are our partners in of power then, let no more be heard of a certain sense." (Conference Report, confidence in man but bind him down

April 1928, p. 59.) from mischief by the chains of the This would certainly have been Constitution." true of Colonel Thomas L. Kane, a true These wise founders, our patriotic friend of the Saints in their dire need. partners, seemed to appreciate more

It was true of General Doniphan, who, than most of us the blessings of the when ordered by his superior to shoot boundaries that the Lord set within the Joseph Smith, said: "It is cold blooded Constitution, for he said, "And as per-

murder. I will not obey your order. . . . taining to law of man, whatsoever is

and if you execute these men, I will more or less than this, cometh of hold you responsible before an earthly evil." (D&C 98:7.) 50 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

In God the founders trusted, and pray for our civic leaders and encourage in his Constitution— not in the arm them in righteousness. of flesh. "O Lord," said Nephi, "I Support of candidates have trusted in thee, and I will trust ". . . to vote for wicked men, it in thee forever. I will not put my would be sin," said Hyrum Smith. trust in the arm of flesh; . . . cursed is (Documentary History of the Church, vol. he that putteth his trust in man or 6, p. 323.) maketh flesh his arm." (2 Ne. 4:34.) And the Prophet Joseph Smith said, President Reuben Clark, Jr., put J. ". . . let the people of the whole it well when he said: Union, like the inflexible Romans, "God provided that in this land of whenever they find a promise made by liberty, our political allegiance shall a candidate that is not practiced as an run not to individuals, that is, to gov- officer, hurl the miserable sycophant ernment officials, no matter how great ." from his exaltation. . . (DHC, vol. 6, or how small they may be. Under His p. 207.) plan our allegiance and the only al- Joseph and Hyrum's trust did not legiance we owe as citizens or denizens run to the arm of flesh, but to God and of the United States, runs to our in- correct eternal principles. "I am the spired Constitution which God himself greatest advocate of the Constitution of set up. So runs the oath of office of the United States there is on the earth," those who participate in government. said the Prophet Joseph Smith. (DHC, A certain loyalty we do owe to the of- vol. 6, p. 56.) fice which a man holds, but even here The warning of President Joseph we owe just by reason of our citizen- Fielding Smith is most timely: "Now ship, no loyalty to the man himself. I tell you it is time the people of the In other countries it is to the individual United States were waking up with that allegiance runs. This principle of the understanding that if they don't allegiance to the Constitution is basic save the Constitution from the dangers to our freedom. It is one of the great that threaten it, we will have a change principles that distinguishes this 'land of government." (Conference Report, of liberty' from other countries." (Im- April 1950, p. 159.) provement Era, July 1940, p. 444.) Another guideline given by the First Patriotism Presidency was "to support good and conscientious candidates, of either "Patriotism," said Theodore Roose- party, who are aware of the great velt, "means to stand by the country. dangers" facing the free world. (De^eret

It does not mean to stand by the Presi- News, November 2, 1964.) dent or any other public official save Fortunately we have materials to exactly to the degree in which he him- help us face these threatening dangers

self stands by the country. . . . in the writings of President David O. "Every man," said President Roose- McKay and other church leaders. Some velt, "who parrots the cry of 'stand other fine sources by LDS authors at- by the President' without adding the tempting to awaken and inform us of proviso 'so far as he serves the Republic' our duty are: Prophets, Principles, and takes an attitude as essentially un- National Survival (Jerreld L. Newquist), manly as that of any Stuart royalist Many Are Called But few Are Chosen (H. who championed the doctrine that Verlan Andersen), and The Elders of Israel the King could do no wrong. No self- and the Constitution (Jerome Horo- respecting and intelligent free man witz). could take such an attitude." (Theodore But the greatest handbook for free- Roosevelt, Works, vol. 21, pp. 316, 321.) dom in this fight against evil is the And yet as Latter-day Saints we should Book of Mormon. ELDER EZRA TAFT BENSON 51

Standard in scriptures evils of the adversary today. By court edict godless conspirators can run This leads me to the second great for government office, teach in our civic standard for the Saints. For in schools, hold office in labor unions, addition to our inspired Constitution, work in our defense plants, serve in we have the scriptures. our merchant marines, etc. As a nation, Joseph Smith said that the Book of we are helping to underwrite many Mormon was the "keystone of our evil revolutionaries in our country. religion" and the "most correct" book Now we are assured that the Church on earth. (DHC, vol. 6, p. 56.) This will remain on the earth until the most correct book on earth states Lord comes again but at what price? that the downfall of two great Ameri- — The Saints in the early days were as- can civilizations came as a result of sured that Zion be established secret conspiracies whose desire was would in Jackson County, but look at what to overthrow the freedom of the their unfaithfulness cost them in blood- people. "And they have caused the shed and delay. destruction of this people of whom I President Clark am now speaking," says Moroni, "and warned us that "we stand in danger of losing also the destruction of the people of our liberties, and that once lost, only blood will Nephi." (Eth. 8:21.) Now undoubtedly Moroni could bring them back; and once lost, we of church will, in order to have pointed out many factors that this keep the Church going forward, have more led to the destruction of the people, sacrifices to and more persecu- but notice how he singled out the make tions to endure than have yet secret combinations, just as the we ." Church today could point out many known. . . (CR, April 1944, p. 116.) stated that if the conspiracy threats to peace, prosperity, and the And he "comes here it will probably come in its spread of God's work, but it has full vigor and there will a lot of singled out the greatest threat as the be vacant places among those who guide godless conspiracy. There is no con- and direct, not only this government, spiracy theory in the Book of Mormon but also this Church of ours." (CR, April — it is a conspiracy fact. 1952.) Then Moroni speaks to us in this day and says, "Wherefore, the Lord of living commandeth you, when ye shall see Word prophets these things come you that ye among Now the third great civic standard shall awake to a sense of your awful for the Saints is the inspired word of situation, because of this secret com- the prophets particularly the living ." — bination which shall be among you. . . president, God's mouthpiece on the (Eth. 8:24.) earth today. Keep your eye on the The of further warns Book Mormon captain and judge the words of all that "whatsoever nation shall uphold lesser authority by his inspired such secret combinations, to get power counsel. and gain, until they shall spread over The story is told how Brigham Young, the nation, behold they shall be driving through a community, saw a ." destroyed. . . (Eth. 8:22.) man building a house and simply told him to double the thickness of his Dangers ahead walls. Accepting President Young as a This scripture should alert us to prophet, the man changed his plans

what is ahead unless we repent, be- and doubled the walls. Shortly after- cause there is no question but that ward a flood came through that as people of the free world, we are town, resulting in much destruction, increasingly upholding many of the but this man's walls stood. While '

52 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Thursday, April 6

putting the roof on his house, he was "O my people," said Isaiah in the heard singing, "We thank thee, O God, Book of Mormon, "they who lead thee for a prophet!" cause thee to err and destroy the way Joseph Smith taught "that a prophet of thy paths." (2 Ne. 13:12.) Even was a prophet only when he was within the Church we have been acting as such." (DHC, vol. 5, p. 265.) warned that "the ravening wolves are amongst us, from our own member- Promptings of Holy Spirit ship, and they, more than any others, are clothed in sheep's clothing, be- Suppose a leader of the Church were cause they wear the habiliments of to tell you that you were supporting the priesthood." (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., the wrong side of a particular issue. CR, April 1949, p. 163.) Some might immediately resist this The Lord holds us accountable if leader and his counsel or ignore it, we are not wise and are deceived. "For but I would suggest that you first they that are wise," he said, "and have apply the fourth great civic standard received the truth, and have taken the for the faithful Saints. That standard Holy Spirit for their guide, and have is to live for, to get, and then to follow not been deceived—verily I say unto the promptings of the Holy Spirit. you, they shall not be hewn down and Said Brigham Young: "I am more cast into the fire, but shall abide the afraid that this people have so much day." (D&C 45:57.) confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of Civic standards

God whether they are led by Him. . . . Let every man and woman know, by And so four great civic standards for the faithful Saints first, the whisperings of the Spirit of God are, the Constitution ordained through to themselves, whether their leaders by God are walking in the path the Lord wise men; second, the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon; dictates, or not." (JD, vol. 9, p. 150.) third, the inspired counsel of the A number of years ago, because of prophets, especially the living presi- a statement that appeared to represent dent, and fourth, the guidance of the the policy of the Church, a faithful Holy Spirit. member feared he was supporting the God bless us all that we may use wrong candidate for public office. these standards and by so doing bless Humbly he took the matter up with ourselves, our families, our com- the Lord. Through the Spirit of the munity, our nation, and the world, 1 Lord he gained the conviction of the humbly pray, as I bear my witness to course he should follow, and he dropped the truth of this great latter-day work, his support of this particular candi- in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. D date. This good brother, by fervent prayer, got the answer that in time President N. Eldon Tanner proved to be the right course. Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Coun- We urge all men to read the Book cil of the Twelve has just addressed us. of Mormon and then ask God if it is The morning session Saturday, in true. And the promise is sure that addition to being broadcast direct, will they may know of its truthfulness be video-taped and released to many through the Holy Ghost, "and by television stations Sunday morning to the power of the Holy Ghost [men] the eastern and central parts of the may know the truth of all things." United States, Canada, Hawaii, and (Moro. 10:5.) bases of the Armed Forces throughout We need the constant guidance of the Pacific and carried by radio to that Spirit. We live in an age of deceit. Vietnam. ELDER EZRA TAFT BENSON 53

We express our thanks and appre- thanks to the members of this chorus ciation to the owners and managers of for furnishing us with their inspirational over 350 television and radio stations music. for their generous cooperation in broad- The Primary Leaders Chorus will casting the programs of this conference. now favor us with "The 23rd Psalm." Rebroadcasts of all sessions of the The benediction will be offered by conference will be received over KSL Elder Dee Lloyd Andreasen, former radio beginning at midnight tonight, president of the Bannock Stake. and can be heard in many parts of the United States and the world. The general session of this confer- The singing for this session has been ence will then be adjourned until 10:00 furnished by the Primary Leaders a.m. Saturday. Chorus of the Utah North Regions with Patricia Maughan conducting and Roy Darley at the organ. The Primary Leaders Chorus sang We greatly appreciate the devotion "The 23rd Psalm." of these faithful sisters who contribute The benediction was offered by so much to the welfare of our children Elder Dee Lloyd Andreasen, former throughout the Church. president of Bannock Stake. On behalf of all who have listened The conference was adjourned until to the singing during this session we Saturday, April 8, at 10 o'clock a.m. express appreciation and our sincere

SECOND DAY MORNING MEETING

THIRD SESSION

The third session of the conference president of the Church, is presiding convened in the Salt Lake Tabernacle over this session of the conference. He on Saturday, April 8, 1972, at 10 o'clock has asked me to conduct this service. A. M. The Tabernacle Choir has just With President Joseph Fielding Smith opened this third session of the 142nd present and presiding, President Harold Annual Conference of the Church of B. Lee, first counselor in the First Presi- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. dency, conducted this session. We extend a cordial welcome to The special music for this meeting all present this morning in this historic was furnished by the Tabernacle Choir, Tabernacle— special guests, educational directed by Richard P. Condie, with and civic leaders, and thousands of Alexander Shreiner playing the organ members of the Church from far and accompaniments. near, together with the vast audience Before the beginning of the meet- tuned to these proceedings by radio ing the Tabernacle Choir sang the and television throughout many areas hymn, "How Firm a Foundation." of the world. President Lee then made the follow- Music for this session of the confer- ing statement: ence will be rendered by the Taber- nacle Choir under the direction of President Harold B. Lee Richard P. Condie, with Alexander President Joseph Fielding Smith, the Schreiner at the organ. The Choir 54 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8 will now render Handel's "Sing Unto The Choir sang "Lead Kindly Light" God." Following the singing the invoca- without announcement. tion will be offered by Elder M. Elmer Christensen, former president of the Switzerland Mission. President Lee

The Tabernacle Choir sang "Sing President N. Eldon Tanner, second Unto God." counselor in the First Presidency of the The opening prayer was offered by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Elder M. Elmer Christensen, former Saints, will be our first speaker. president of the Switzerland Mission.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

The other day, as I overheard one their peculiarities and yet who even-

neighbor criticizing another, I was tually became leaders in their different reminded of these lines: fields of endeavor.

"Wouldn't this old world be better Unjust criticism If the folks we meet would say: 'I know something good about you,' Let me give you one or two examples And then treat us that way?" of unjust criticism and judging without the facts. Then I thought of the words of one of our hymns: There is a little story about Sister "Let each man learn to know himself; McKay, the wife of President David To gain that knowledge let him labor, O. McKay, when she began teaching Improve those failings in himself school. As the principal introduced her Which he condemns so in his neighbor. to the class, he pointed to a certain boy How lenient our own faults we view, and said he was a troublemaker. She And conscience's voice adeptly sensed the boy's embarrassment and smother; feared he would live up to his reputa- Yet, oh, how harshly we review tion, so she wrote a note and slipped it to him as she passed his desk. It said, The selfsame failings in another! . . . So first improve yourself today "Earl, I think the principal was mis- And then improve your friends taken about your being a bad boy. I tomorrow." trust you, and know that you are going — no. Hymns, 91 to help me make this room the best in the school." Earl not only became a Judging others paragon of scholastic virtue but also

It seems common practice for people one of the town's most important peo- to talk about their friends and neigh- ple.

bors and to criticize their seeming pe- I should like to give you another ex-

culiarities and weaknesses. In fact, it is ample. One of our most respected so general that one would think that community-minded citizens began to gossiping about and judging others act as though his feelings had been hurt was the thing to do. How often have and to stay away from socials where, in we heard of young men who were criti- the past, he had gone and taken a most cized, judged, and ridiculed because of active part. People started accusing him PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER 55

of being a sorehead, a poor sport, anti- "And why beholdest thou the mote social, etc., and even evaded him when- that is in thy brother's eye, but consid- ever possible. Later, a medical diagnosis erest not the beam that is in thine own showed he was suffering from a brain eye? tumor, which had been the cause of his "Or how wilt thou say to thy broth- lack of interest in activities that he had er, Let me pull out the mote out of thine previously attended and even spon- eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own sored. eye? "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the Prejudgment beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the Let me give you another example or mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matt. two of what I would call unrighteous 7:1-5.) judgment. First, a bishop who needs additional officers sees a member of his Samuel's experience ward who, though not active, seems to have ability, but he says to himself, It seems he is saying that unless we "Oh, he wouldn't be interested. He are without fault, we are not qualified wouldn't want to accept a position." So to judge. By referring to Samuel's ex- he does not approach him, and the man perience while choosing a king, we may remains inactive for years. get a better understanding of the fact

A new bishop is called to the ward, that man is not qualified to judge. The asks the man if he would be willing to Lord had rejected Saul as king of Israel accept a position, and finds that he is and instructed the prophet Samuel to really ready and anxious to work. choose a new king. He told him to go Don't prejudge, but give the person to the house of Jesse, who had eight an opportunity. Let him decide for him- sons, and that while there the anointed self to accept or decline. one would pass before him and Samuel On the other hand, we hear a man would know who was to be chosen. say to his family and to others, "I don't When the first son, Eliab, came before see why the bishop does this or that. him, Samuel thought he was the chosen You would think he would know bet- one, but the Lord refused him and then

ter." Here he is judging the bishop gave the prophet Samuel the key as to without the facts, which, if known to how to judge: him, would be full justification for the "Look not on his countenance, or on action taken. The man's judgment was the height of his stature; because I have

not only unrighteous, but it had prob- refused him: for the Lord seeth not as ably prejudiced his children and caused man seeth; for man looketh on the out- them to lose respect for the bishop and ward appearance, but the Lord looketh had weakened their faith. on the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7.) Each of the seven sons then passed ." "Judge not . . before Samuel and was rejected. Then David, the youngest, was sent for and These examples show how impor- was approved by the Lord. tant it is that we do not judge, but en- courage rather than denounce. Jesus Judging fairly Christ, some 2,000 years ago, realizing man's tendency to make unrighteous The reason, therefore, that we can- judgment, said: not judge is obvious. We cannot see "Judge not, that ye be not judged. what is in the heart. We do not know "For with what judgment ye judge, motives, although we impute motives ye shall be judged: and with what mea- to every action we see. They may be

sure ye mete, it shall be measured to pure while we think they are improper. you again. It is not possible to judge another 56 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8 fairly unless you know his desires, his sometimes friendships are destroyed faith, and his goals. Because of a dif- and enmity created on the basis of mis- ferent environment, unequal oppor- information. tunity, and many other things, people are not in the same position. One may Suspending judgment start at the top and the other at the bot- If there be one place in life where tom, and they may meet as they are the attitude of the agnostic is accept- going in opposite directions. Someone able, it is in this matter of judging. It is has said that it is not where you are but the courage to say, "I don't know. I the direction in which you are going am waiting for further evidence. I must that counts; not how close you are to hear both sides of the question." failure or success but which way you Only by suspending judgment do are headed. How can we, with all our we exhibit real charity. It is hard to weaknesses and frailties, dare to arro- understand why we are ready to con- gate to ourselves the position of a demn our neighbors and our friends on judge? At best, man can judge only what circumstantial evidence while we are all he sees; he cannot judge the heart or the so determined to see that every criminal intention, or begin to judge the poten- has a fair and open trial. Surely we can tial of his neighbor. try to eliminate pride, passion, personal feeling, prejudice, and pettiness from Looking for weaknesses our minds, and show charity to those When we try to judge people, which around us. we should not do, we have a great ten- Let us look for the good rather than dency to look for and take pride in find- try to discover any hidden evil. We can ing weaknesses and faults, such as easily find fault in others if that is what vanity, dishonesty, immorality, and in- we are looking for. Even in families, trigue. As a result, we see only the divorce has resulted and families have worst side of those being judged. been broken up because the husband Our news media today also seem or wife was looking for and emphasiz- to be interested mainly in controversial ing the faults rather than loving and subjects or someone who is being extolling the virtues of the other. attacked; and regardless of the ninety- Improving ourselves nine good things one may do, it is the Let us remember too that the further one weakness or error that alone is em- out of line or out of tune we ourselves phasized and heralded to the world. are, the more we are inclined to look for We are too prone to listen to, accept, error or weaknesses in others and to and repeat such adverse criticism, such try to rationalize and justify our own maliciously spoken or printed words, faults rather than to try to improve our- without stopping to realize the harm we selves. Almost invariably, we find that may be doing to some noble person; the greatest criticism of Church leaders and, as is done so often, we excuse and doctrine comes from those who are and justify ourselves by saying, "Well, not doing their full duty, following the where there is so much smoke, there leaders, or living according to the teach- must be some fire," whereas in reality ings of the gospel. we are adding to the smoke, when the An outstanding example of this can fire referred to may be only the fire of be found in the story of Cain and Abel. malice started by some envious person. Cain neglected his own stewardship and Sometimes even when our friends became so bitter over Abel's righteous- are accused of wrongdoing or gossip is ness and favor in the eyes of the Lord started about them, we disloyally accept that his insane jealousy caused him to and repeat what we hear without know- murder his brother. How much better ing all the facts. It is sad indeed that would his situation have been had he PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER 57

congratulated and honored his brother without sin among you, let him first and set about to improve himself and cast a stone at her," and then should correct his own failings. stoop and write in the sand, how many Let us examine our own lives and of us would feel to steal away ashamed, actions, bring ourselves in tune with convicted in our own conscience? How righteous principles, and never attack sound is his counsel! or spread misinformation about others. Forgiving one another Gossip If we could accept and practice the Gossip is the worst form of judging. second great commandment, "Thou The tongue is the most dangerous, de- shall love thy neighbour as thyself" structive, and deadly weapon available (Matt. 22:39), and really learn to love to man. A vicious tongue can ruin the our neighbors, there would be no vi- reputation and even the future of the cious gossip or bearing false witness. one attacked. Insidious attacks against In the Lord's prayer, we have these one's reputation, loathsome innuendoes, words: "And forgive us our debts, as we half-lies about an individual are as forgive our debtors," and then he says: deadly as those insect parasites that kill "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, the heart and life of a mighty oak. They your heavenly Father will also forgive are so stealthy and cowardly that one you: But if ye forgive not men their cannot guard against them. As someone trespasses, neither will your Father has said, "It is easier to dodge an ele- forgive your trespasses." (Matt. 6:12, phant than a microbe." 14-15.) Christ is our greatest example of The golden rule forgiveness. To the woman brought be- fore him accused of adultery, he said, What a different world it would be if "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and we would put into practice what we sin no more." (John 8:11.) ". have all heard so many times: . . Then on the cross he prayed: "Fa- whatsoever ye would that men should ther, forgive them; for they know not do to you, do ye even so to them: for what they do." (Luke 23:34.) this is the law and the prophets." (Matt. Regardless of our ego, our pride, or 7:12.) Instead, we are all so inclined our feeling of insecurity, our lives to judge others by a standard different would be happier, we would be con- from the one by which we would wish tributing more to social welfare and the or be willing to be judged. happiness of others, if we would love When the woman accused of adul- one another, forgive one another, re- tery was brought before Christ, he was pent of our wrongdoings, and judge indignant because of the accusers' in- not. justice. They were wanting the woman It is true that we must have ap- to be judged on the basis of standards pointed judges to deal with the laws of different from those by which they the land and judges in the Church to were willing to be judged and on a mat- deal with its members; and they are ter of which some were guilty. given the heavy duty and responsibility He said: "He that is without sin of judging, which they must not neglect, among you, let him first cast a stone at but they must give righteous judgment her." Then, after stooping and writing according to the law of the land and of in the sand, he looked up and said, the Church. ". . . where are those thine accusers?" (John 8:7, 10.) Political campaigns If Jesus were to stand by and be asked to judge those whom we accuse This being election year, there will and should say to us, "He that is be much campaigning; we will hear and 58 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8 argue the pros and cons of many ques- no hard feelings of any kind toward tions; we will have strong opposing any man, and I sincerely pray for for- views. Each must try to understand the giveness wherein I have offended any- questions and then stand firm by his one. I realize, as the Savior said, convictions. But let us determine now "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto that in the heat of the campaign we one of the least of these my brethren, ye will not indulge in the vituperative have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.) talk of personalities that we so often hear. We must not rail against our A witness and a challenge brother and accuse him of lying and To all the world, and especially to cheating or being dishonest or im- those who do not understand but who moral. ridicule the teachings of The Church of Let us stand on principle — high prin- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I wish ciple. Also, it is most important that to bear my witness and issue a chal- us, including our politicians, strive all of lenge that you judge not until you know actions will be above to live so that our and understand those teachings which reproach and criticism. are contained in the restored gospel. never gain anything or improve We We believe, with you, that God lives our own character by trying to tear and that Jesus Christ is his Only, but another. have seen close down We truly, Begotten Son in the flesh, who friendships destroyed through words came and gave his life and was resur- spoken and accusations made in the rected so that all mankind might enjoy against heat of a campaign. Tirades immortality. men in office or against one's opponent ". He said, . . this is my work and tend to cause our youth and others to my glory—to bring to pass the im- lose faith in the individual and others mortality and eternal life of man" in government and often even our form (Moses 1:39), and he gave us the gospel of government itself. plan by which we can prepare ourselves to go back into his presence and enjoy Influence of the home eternal life. As parents, we have the responsibil- Yes, the gospel in its fullness is re- stored and is the earth today. ity in our homes to guard against any here upon of these things. Also, we must realize I bear witness that the Bible is the word that every word and every act influences of God, given to us through his proph- the thinking and attitude of the child. ets, and also that the Book of Mormon is the is translated It is in the family that the child picks word of God and a up the elementary lessons in getting and true record of God's dealings with along with people and the virtues of the ancient American people, contain- ing the gospel in its fullness. It was love, compassion, and concern. These written by way of commandment and lessons will have been well taught if also by the spirit of prophecy and by parents can bring up their children revelation, to the convincing of the Jew without prejudicing them by precept and the gentile that Jesus is the Christ, or example against any other children the Eternal God, manifesting himself on the grounds of color, race, religion, unto all nations. social status, or intellectual capacity, and if they teach them to love the Lord. A prophet of God I am so thankful that my parents, through their tolerance, were able to I also wish to bear testimony that I accomplish this with their children. know that Joseph Fielding Smith, the

May 1 humbly say in all sincerity President of the Church, is a prophet of that I love the Lord with all my heart God through whom the Lord speaks, and that I love my fellowmen. I hold and 1 express my sincere and deep ap- ELDER MARVIN ]. ASHTON 59

preciation for the opportunity I have of President Harold B. Lee working so closely with him. For the benefit of the television and These things I know, and I humbly radio audience who have just joined bear my testimony that they are true; with us, we are gathered in the historic and I invite and encourage each and Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square every one of you to investigate and to in this, the third session of the 142nd read the Book of Mormon, to test and Annual Conference of the Church of enjoy the promise contained therein, Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. which is: President N. Eldon Tanner, second "And when ye shall receive these counselor in the First Presidency of the us. things, I would exhort you that ye Church, has just spoken to We would ask God, the Eternal Father, in might say as the Master said, "For

the name of Christ, if these things are out of the abundance of the heart the not true; and if ye shall ask with a sin- mouth speaketh." President Tanner cere heart, with real intent, having practices as he preaches. faith in Christ, he will manifest the The Tabernacle Choir will now sing

truth of it unto you, by the power of the "Arise, Shine, Thy Light Is Come." Holy Ghost. Following the singing, Elder Marvin Ashton, newly sustained as a member "And by the power of the Holy J. of the Council of the Twelve, will Ghost ye may know the truth of all speak to us. things." (Moro. 10:4-5.)

This promise, and my testimony, I The Choir sang "Arise, Shine, Thy leave with you in the name of Jesus Light Is Come." Christ. Amen.

President Lee

The Choir sang "Come O Thou King Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Coun- of Kings" without announcement. cil of the Twelve will now address us.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Of the Council of the Twelve

A few weeks ago while in England, I thought to arrivals, departures, and

had the opportunity to do some travel- stops, I answered, "I have an appoint- ing by train. Weather and time schedules ment in Leicester." indicated this to be the most satisfactory To this he responded with, "We method of transportation. shall be at your destination in ten min- What is your destination? utes." He punched my ticket and made his way to check others. One day as the train rolled from

Manchester to Leicester, after about an After he left, I pondered his com-

hour and a half of reading, I put down ments, "What is your destination?" and my books, looked out the window, "We shall be at your destination in ten and wondered if we were getting close minutes." He seemed convinced that to the station. A few minutes later the every time the train stopped and dozens door to the compartment opened and or hundreds of people got off, they had the conductor entered. He greeted me arrived at their destinations. Appar- with, "What is your destination?" ently he has been announcing this to his

Inasmuch as I had been giving some passengers for years. 60 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

However, I knew, despite his com- required. It is a continuing process, ments, that I needed to be in Leicester not a state of arrival. for two days for quarterly stake con- ference sessions but that it was not Call to mission field my destination. Stops in other English Have you arrived when you receive cities were not my destinations either. your call to serve in the mission field? They were all assignments along the Have you reached your destination way. I had not arrived when I reached when you have completed an honorable any of them. mission? May we emphatically state Confusion about destinations that a worthily completed mission is a signal accomplishment along life's

As a result of this experience on journey. It should be fortification for the train, and having given this thought greater personal service and strength.

some consideration over the years, I am It should more firmly entrench the concerned that many of us are confused feet of the missionary in the paths that in our life's travels with destinations, continue onward and upward to eternal

arrivals, stops, calls, stations, and as- happiness. It should prepare him for signments. It appears to me that some the enjoyment of pure religion. of us may be lost today because we "Pure religion and undefiled before think we have arrived. God and the Father is this, To visit the

I would, like to share with you some fatherless and widows in their afflic- observations and raise some questions tion, and to keep himself unspotted within the framework of this question, from the world." (Jas. 1:27.)

What is your destination? I am reminded of a missionary friend who had difficulty remaining Temple marriage busily engaged the last six months of Have you arrived when you go to the his mission. He had been assigned to temple? Is temple marriage your des- labor in a district as a senior companion after having been an assistant to the mis- tination? Over the years, I have heard hundreds of my young associates say, sion president. In his own words, "I "I want to make the temple. A temple reached my goal when I held that high marriage is my goal." position of assistant to the president." To qualify one's self to go to the He had lost his effectiveness tempo-

temple is a lofty ambition, a worthy rarily because he had allowed himself achievement. We need to remind our- to think he had arrived.

selves of its eternal purposes. How- What an important day it is in the ever, we have not arrived when we life of a missionary when he realizes

share the blessings of the temple. that an honorable release is a com- Oftentimes there are real dangers in mencement. To our fellow missionaries, our lives when we allow lofty ideals past and present, we humbly pray that and goals, such as temple marriage, to you will never allow yourselves the become an end instead of a means. All dangerous luxury of self-declaring, "I of our priorities must be properly have given my two years to the placed within the framework of eter- Church." If a returned missionary will

nity if we are to avoid the stagnations set his sights high for life, he will gen- of arriving. erally take the proper steps to get there.

I think it was Louis J. Halle who A mission can be the happiest two years said, "To snatch the passing moment in a missionary's life if he not only

and examine it for signs of eternity is serves his God and fellowmen selflessly the noblest of occupations." To gain but if he is also walking in truth and exaltation after celestial marriage, con- preparing himself for eternal progress,

tinued devotion and righteousness are which I declare is underway today. ELDER MARVIN ]. ASHTON 61

"I have no greater joy than to hear and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy that my children walk in truth." (3 John the souls of men." (D&C 10:26-27.) 4.) Since my recent call to serve as a May we emphasize that the joy is member of the Council of the Twelve in the walking and in the traveling in Apostles, a number of friends asso- truth, and not in anticipated arrival. ciated with my father, who passed away some years ago, have commented: Testimony of gospel "Your father must be smiling with a great deal of pleasure at your appoint- Have you reached your destination ment." To this, I have often thought, when you receive a testimony of the "If I know my father, and I think I do, truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus he would take more time to suggest, Christ by revelation from the Holy 'Son, you have not arrived. You have Ghost? We are sorry to observe that not reached your destination. Your some, having received a testimony, feel great test lies ahead of you. Strive to and respond as if they had arrived. live worthy of the great trust placed in What a sad day in the life of any indi- " you.' vidual when he fails to use this knowl- May I this day thank you, my fellow edge and conviction of a testimony for associates in this The Church of Jesus dedicated and continued service. A Christ of Latter-day Saints, for your testimony grows as it is shared. With confidence and sustaining support. I the possession of a testimony comes the assure you I have but one desire, and obligation to bear witness to the world that is to walk worthily in his paths. of this, the Lord's work. A testimony

is not a destination; it is a possession Elder in for performance. wheelchair Have you reached your destination Let me tell you about a friend of when you are baptized, become an el- mine who presently is traveling the der, a bishop, a stake president, a Relief true road with purpose and courage. I Society officer, a seventy, or an apostle? was visiting in the mission field when needed performance In these days of Elder Dennis Dean reached the Arizona and service it is hoped all of us will Mission. His arrival in one of our first this question emphatically respond to meetings created an electrifying influ- with a resounding no! ence on all present when he guided him- self in his wheelchair down the aisle of Destination still ahead the chapel. An expression of humble Satan and his forces were never confidence covered his face. more strongly arrayed than today. He His associates soon learned why he is cunning. He is successful. One of the had been found worthy and able to

most subtle and effective tools he is us- serve a full-time mission. I recall his ing among us today is the convincing of testimony that day when he let us all some that they have arrived, they have know that this was part of his life's reached their destination, they have hopes and ambitions. He said, "I will earned a rest, they aren't needed any- do my best to make myself worthy of more, they are out of danger, they are your trust and confidence. Don't feel

beyond temptation, and they can take sorry for me. Just help me to do what I

pride in their accomplishments. know I can do with the Lord's help." "And thus he flattereth them, and His message carried. Later on in the leadeth them along until he draggeth day, his newly assigned companion their souls down to hell; and thus he warmly approached me and asked, causeth them to catch themselves in "What do you do to be a good com- their own snare. panion to a wheelchair-restricted elder?" "And thus he goeth up and down, to My response after having spent part 62 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

of the day with Elder Dean was, "You Contrast this, if you will, with an- will do well to keep up with him. other conversation with a member of

The real test in the weeks ahead is for the same institution. 1 spoke to him you— not him." during a visit some months ago. As I

Elder Dean, with the love and com- think back, I selected him to talk to panionship of an excellent mission because no one else was speaking to president and fellow missionaries, him. served as a district leader during his "What are you going to do when you two years, bringing the gospel mes- get out of this place?" I said. "All I want sage to hundreds and leading forty- is out," he snarled back. "I'm in here on

eight to the waters of baptism. Today a phony rap, and I want out." No plans, Dennis enthusiastically carries on his no goals, no aims, no preparation. All

studies and learning at Brigham Young he wants is out, and I am afraid from University. He presently serves in the his attitude he doesn't care how he

BYU 38th Ward as a home teacher accomplishes it. and a Sunday School teacher. He has Steps in eternal progression recently been to my office, where we

a visit, and I was again im- had good I humbly bear witness to you today pressed with this unusual example of a that an honorably completed mission, a good man on the move. celestial marriage, a valued testimony, a position of major responsibility in the Two prison inmates Church are not destinations in the lives As we continue our thinking along of true Latter-day Saints. They can be the lines of plans, destinations, goals, important aids in eternal progression. arrivals, and commitments, we can They will not save you and me in the learn from two more of my friends. kingdom of God. Only living the life Some of my friends are unusual. They of a faithful Latter-day Saint will make come from unusual places. Last Tues- that possible. day evening, as 1 was clearing my desk "If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold prior to leaving for home, the telephone out faithful to the end, thou shalt be rang: "Brother Ashton, I have permis- saved in the kingdom of God, which is sion from the prison authorities to come the greatest of all the gifts of God; for and visit with you. Will you wait until I there is no gift greater than the gift of get there?" salvation." (D&C 6:13.) Frank came. We talked. In response Eternal life to the questions, "Now that you are to released going be from the prison As we pursue our journeys, let us in one week, what are your plans? What ever bear in mind that in train travel are going you to do? What are your and in life, there are stations, there are goals?" he answered, "I have an apart- departures, calls, schedules, and oppor- ment. I have a full-time job. I have a tunities for being side-tracked and wonderful sweetheart. 1 am going to diverted. Wise is the individual who continue my education. I have a church follows in his, the Savior's, paths. assignment. I have a lot of things I need Safety and joy belong to those who to do. I thirty-two years old am and will come and follow him. I bear wit-

I only a in I am teacher the priesthood. ness to you today that God is eternal. want to be an elder before too long." We are eternal, and God never intended He ended his friendly visit with a for us to travel alone. request: "Brother Ashton, if I keep What is your destination? I humbly myself squared away, will you go to the pray our Heavenly Father to help each temple with me in a few months and one of us realize it is eternal life, exal- perform my marriage?" tation in our Father's kingdom. I bear ELDER HARTMAN RECTOR, JR. 63

you my witness that the gift of salvation now join in singing "The Spirit of God is possible through this, the gospel of Like a Fire Is Burning." Jesus Christ, as we continue faithful,

and I say it in the name of Christ. Jesus The Choir and congregation sang Amen. The Spirit of God."

Following Elder Ashton's talk, the President Lee Choir sang "How Lovely Are the Mes- For the benefit of the television and sengers" without announcement. radio audience who have just joined us, we again announce that we are gathered in the historic Tabernacle on Temple President Harold B. Lee Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the

Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Coun- third session of the 142nd Annual cil of the Twelve Apostles of the Church Conference of the Church. has just spoken to us. He was followed Elder Hartman Rector, Jr. of the by the Tabernacle Choir singing from First Council of Seventy will now ad- Mendelssohn's St. Paul, "How Lovely dress us. Following Elder Rector we Are the Messengers." will hear from Elder Franklin D. The Choir and congregation will Richards, Assistant to the Twelve.

Elder Hartm n Rector, Jr.

Of the First Cm cil of the Seventy

Good morning, my brothers and sisters Apostles and prophets and friends. I deem it a privilege and a great honor to greet you in the name of In the meridian of time, his church the Lord Jesus Christ. We meet in his was established upon a foundation name. It is because of him that we are of apostles and prophets, holy men here, and everything we do in this life, whom he knew in the flesh while he if it is really worthwhile, comes through walked upon the earth. They received him. his teachings. He ordained them and gave them authority to act for him in Christians all things with respect to the salvation of mankind. He knew he was not going We are Christians. We want the to remain upon the earth for very long, whole world to know that we are. Some- ". for he so stated: . . the Son of man times we are accused of not being came not to be ministered unto, but to Christians, but such is not the case. minister, and to give his life a ransom In the words of the great prophet ". for many." (Matt. 20:28.) Nephi, . . we talk of Christ, we re- joice in Christ, we preach of Christ, Therefore, he needed men to re- we prophesy of Christ, and we write main here upon this earth who could according to our prophecies, that our receive communication from him from children may know to what source they heaven, where he would be. This kind may look for a remission of their sins." of communication is known as revela- (2 Ne. 25:26.) We look to Christ as the tion, and those who receive it are desig- Author and Finisher of our faith. He is nated prophets by God. In the our Redeemer. beginning of his ministry, he chose —

64 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

twelve special witnesses, who were the simple unto the ends of the world, with him in mortality. But after his and before kings and rulers." (D&C crucifixion, he chose others by revela- 1:19-23.) tion, who may not have known him in And so we have a new witness for mortality. Certainly Paul was one of God in modern America. these. We are not Protestants, because we are not protesting against any The dark ages person or group or organization. We have no For a time, these men presided over quarrel with other churches. We do the church and handled problems, set not write tracts nor propaganda against the affairs of the church in order. But other churches, and we never will, be- over a time the church corrupt. became cause we are not in the business of tear- The members refused to the in- follow ing down men's faith and belief, but spired counsel of the apostles. Paul rather of building it up. wrote many letters trying to bring them back to the fold. Persecution became To Protestant friends intense, and the apostles, who were To our Protestant friends, and we prophets, were killed or otherwise have many, who believe that salvation taken from the earth. And when they is by grace through faith alone, we say, were gone, the light of revelation went "We understand your emphasis on out. Even secular history records this faith. believe it too. Without faith period as the dark ages. We it is impossible to please God, but there

A new day is more to it than just faith. There are But as had been prophesied by the certain ordinances you must receive, apostles and the prophets of old, a new and certain authority that you must pos- day dawned and God once again spoke sess, and there are certain works that from heaven and called a new prophet you must perform, so come, let us rea- in this day and time. He was but a lad in son together. Let us share with you his fifteenth year. His name was Joseph the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ." Smith, Jr. God called upon him in a great vision in the year 1820. He spoke This was in accordance with the unto him from heaven and gave him teachings of the Master. To the Jews commandments, and also gave com- who were sure he had come to con- mandments to others, that they should demn and tear down their religion, proclaim these things unto the whole he said: "Think not that I am come world, and all this that it might be ful- to destroy the law, or the prophets: I filled which was spoken by the proph- am not come to destroy, but to fulfl (Matt. ets:" 5:17.) And again, he found no The weak things of the world shall fault whatsoever with their righteous ". acts, said: . . ought come forth and break down the mighty for he these ye to have done, and not to leave the other and strong ones, that man should not undone." (Matt. 23:23.) so say counsel his fellow man, neither trust And we to our in the arm of flesh Protestant friends. "But that every man might speak in To Catholic friends the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; To our Catholic friends who believe "That faith also might increase in the in salvation by grace through the sac- earth; raments of the church, we say, "We "That mine everlasting covenant understand your emphasis on the sac- might be established; raments or the ordinances of the "That the fulness of my gospel church. We believe it too. Did not the might be proclaimed by the weak and Master say, 'Except a man be born of ELDER HARTMAN RECTOR, ]R. 65

water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter tains, and upon every high place, into the kingdom of God' (John 3:5)? among every people that thou shalt Baptism by one who holds authority to be permitted to see." act is essential to salvation. Further, the Lord has commanded

"But there is more to salvation than that "thou shalt do it with all humility, just the ordinances of the gospel. There trusting in me, reviling not against are certain acts of faith that you must revilers. manifest. There are certain works you "And of tenets thou shalt not talk, must perform, and certain authority but thou shalt declare repentance and that you must possess that gives you faith on the Savior, and remission of the right to act in the name of the Lord, sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even which can come only through a living the Holy Ghost." (D&C 19:29-31.) prophet. So come— let us share with And so we go forth in love, for God, you the fullness of the gospel of Jesus for our fellowmen, pleading with them Christ. We won't take anything from to listen, and offer in sacrifice the mes- you that you have that's true; we will sage of the restoration. There are in the just add to what you have, and we will mission fields of the Church today do it in love, with no compulsion, no throughout the world over 15,000 full- force; only love and sacrifice can bring time missionaries from this church people to a knowledge of the truth." who are giving of their time and talents and substance freely, paying their own Principles revealed way, to carry this message to their fel- lowmen. And now it would seem that we have "And they shall go forth and none sorted through the many different re- shall stay them, for I the Lord have ligions of the world and taken from commanded them." (D&C 1:5.) them the very best parts of each of ". And again he said, . . the voice the churches. It would seem this way, of the Lord is unto all men, and there but such is not the case. We can show is none to escape; and there is no eye that each principle that we teach is that shall not see, neither ear that shall taught in the Holy Bible, which is a not hear, neither heart that shall not be record of God's dealings with his peo- penetrated." (D&C 1:2.) It is a message ple, particularly the Hebrews and the of hope, for we declare that God our Jews, generally speaking. But if all the Heavenly Father lives, that he hears Bibles on earth had been destroyed in and answers prayers, that Jesus is the the year 1830 (when this church was Christ, and that he lives. organized), it would still be organized exactly as it is organized today. Church reestablished The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- He has reestablished his Church day Saints is distinguished from the upon the earth in our own day and church that the Master organized in the time, and it is for all men, for all who meridian of time by the phrase "Latter- will. And he has called special witness- day Saints." These principles did not es, ordained them, and sent them come from the Bible, but they came forth to preach the gospel of truth, to through revelation from God through gather out the elect, those who would a modern prophet, Joseph Smith. hear this message. We have the fullness of the gospel Message (or honest in heart of Jesus Christ. He is so generous and We have a message for all good men kind to us in this day and time when we everywhere. To those who are honest in so desperately need it. He has given their hearts, the Lord has commanded us a living prophet of God, who still ". us to declare glad tidings. . . yea," makes the important decisions in the he has said, "publish it upon the moun- church and kingdom of God, under —

66 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

the direction of our Lord and Savior, President Harold B. Lee Jesus Christ, whose church it really is. And we bear this witness to you in Elder Hartman Rector, Jr. of the all soberness, leaving you our love and First Council of Seventy has just our blessings, and our most fond af- spoken to us. fection. We love you, we want you, and

we do it in the name of our Lord and Elder Franklin D. Richards, Assistant Savior, Jesus Christ, who is our Re- to the Twelve, will now address us. deemer. Amen.

Elder Franklin D. Richards

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

My dear brothers and sisters, this has every religion, whether Christian or indeed been a wonderful conference otherwise. This is particularly true in

another inspiring spiritual experience. I The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- have been deeply impressed and day Saints. strengthened by the prayers, the music, and the spoken word. Prayer opened new dispensation have prayed that the Spirit of the We Prayer opened the heavens to the Lord with us, and our prayers would be Prophet Joseph Smith and thus opened Prayer plays a have been answered. the dispensation of the fulness of times. vital part in our worship, our religious The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- thinking, and our daily lives. day Saints is truly a monument to prayer. Importance of prayer I am most grateful to the Prophet

In the time allotted to me today I Joseph Smith for his simple belief in would like to further consider with prayer. The answer to his prayer re- you the importance of prayer. stored light and truth to mankind re- Implanted in the heart of every per- garding the Godhead and many other son, regardless of his or her race or great truths.

color, is the desire to worship, in some I know that God lives, that Jesus is manner, a divine being. The Prophet the Christ, that Joseph Smith was and

Joseph Smith observed that "it is the is a prophet of God, and that through first principle of the gospel to know for him the power to act in the name of a certainty the character of God, and to God has been restored to the earth.

know that we may converse with Him I likewise bear witness that President ." as one man converses with another. . . Joseph Fielding Smith is a prophet of

(Documentary History of the Church, vol. God and directs The Church of Jesus 6, p. 305.) Christ of Latter-day Saints on the earth With the knowledge that we can today.

converse with God as one man con- I have, throughout my life, had my verses with another, we also under- prayers answered very directly many stand that we not only have a divine times. Prayer has been a great blessing spark within us, but that we are actually to me and to my family. spirit children of our Father in heaven. The Lord has repeatedly told us to Prayer, being the primary method of pray always and that he will pour out communication between God and man, his Spirit upon us and bless us greatly.

plays an important part in practically (See D&C 19:38.) I have frequently con- ELDER FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS 67

templated what "pray always" really feeling. Then whatever the feeling means and how this injunction can be you receive, have the courage to follow effectively applied in our lives. it. This is doing your part. The question is frequently asked, Doing our part What should one pray for? Well, prayer being the Brigham Young, in his realistic man- soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed, pray for your righteous ner, stated: "You know that it is one peculiarity of our faith and religion desires. But never forget that whatever our prayers are, can supplement never to ask the Lord to do a thing we our heavenly request with some positive without being willing to help him all action on our part. that we are able; and then the Lord will do the rest." (journal of Discourses, How to pray vol. 5, p. 293.) "Please, Lord, help me to help my- We members of The Church of Jesus self." I am convinced that this prayer Christ of Latter-day Saints, who make for increased personal powers—spiritual prayer a part of our lives, sometimes strength, greater inspiration, and greater fail to recognize that many honest souls confidence— is one that God always throughout the world are wondering answers. We can learn to solve our how to pray, when to pray, and where problems with God's help, making to pray. him our partner. Let's consider for a moment how to pray. The Savior told us how when he Supplementing prayer said: "After this manner therefore pray This being the case, what can we ye: Our Father which art in heaven, do to supplement prayer, or what is our Hallowed be thy name. part? Let me suggest a few examples: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be As we pray for wisdom and knowl- done in earth, as it is in heaven. edge, our part can be to study and apply "Give us this our daily bread. ourselves. day "And forgive us our debts, as we As we ask for health and strength forgive our debtors. of body and of mind, we can supple- "And lead us not into temptation, ment prayer by living the Word of Wis- dom. but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, As we ask for protection, our part for ever. Amen." (Matt. 6:9-13.) could well be to use good judgment, This sample prayer envisions appre- such as driving carefully, if we are ciation, simplicity, and the avoidance traveling by car. of vain repetitions. Our prayers should When we pray for inspiration, we simply be our soul's sincere desire. In should live close to the Lord by keeping our church worship there are only his commandments. The Savior said, "If three set prayers: the baptismal and two ye love me, keep my commandments." sacramental prayers. We are also di- (John 14:15.) rected to close all of our prayers to our When we pray for direction, remem- Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus ber the counsel of the Lord given to Oli- Christ. ver Cowdery in the ninth section of the Doctrine and Covenants: Study your When to pray problems out in your own mind. Make a decision and then ask the Lord if Now, when to pray: Generally, I your decision is right; if so, you will think we might say that we should pray receive a burning of your bosom or a in secret, with our families, and in wor- good feeling; if not, you will receive a ship meetings and public assemblies. stupor of thought or a questionable Secret prayer should have a place 68 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

in every person's life. Again the Savior Now regarding public prayers: Pub- gave us the pattern when he said: lic prayers are a part of our worship ". . . when thou prayest, enter into thy services and many other public gather- closet, and when thou hast shut thy ings. These prayers again put us in a door, pray to thy Father which is in frame of mind to be inspired, strength- secret; and thy Father which seeth in ened, and motivated. secret shall reward thee openly." (Matt. Our sacramental and baptismal 6:6.) prayers, of course, are certainly a very The Prophet Joseph Smith, speaking important part of our worship services. on this subject, stated: "We would say Charge to parents to the brethren, seek to know God in your closets, call upon him in the fields. The Lord has also charged parents the directions Follow of the Book of "to teach their children to pray, and Mormon, and pray over, and for your walk uprightly before the Lord." (D&C families, your cattle, your flocks, your 68:28.) herds, your corn, and all things that President Heber J. Grant, in refer- you possess; ask the blessing of God ring to this matter, said, "I have little upon all your labors, and everything or no fear for the boy or the girl, the that you engage in." (DHC, vol. 5, young man or the young woman, who p. 31.) honestly and conscientiously supplicate The Prophet Joseph Smith here am- God twice a day for the guidance of His plifies the admonition to pray always. Spirit. I am sure that when temptation comes Family prayer they will have the strength to overcome it by the inspiration that with reference to family prayer: Now shall be given to them." (Gospel Stan- This should be a part of our daily wor- dards, p. 26.) ship. It should express our appreciation As parents, it is clearly our duty and to our Father in heaven for our many privilege to teach our children to pray, blessings as well as our love for him. and regular family prayers set the pat- for daily Here we should ask our needs, tern. as the Savior did in the Lord's Prayer. Approach in prayer The holding of family prayer is a powerful influence for good in every The Lord has promised to show home where it is a regular practice. mercy and to give comfort and strength Morning and evening prayers, as well to all who love him and keep his com-

as the blessing on our food, bring us a mandments. However, it is most impor- sense of unity in our family as well as a tant to remember that our attitude closeness to our Father in heaven. Fam- and approach in prayer should be simi- ily prayer is indeed a stabilizing influ- lar to that of the Savior, in one of his ence in our lives. last prayers in which he said, "Father, President John Taylor asked the if thou be willing, remove this cup Saints, "Do you have [family] prayers [ordeal] from me: nevertheless not my

in your family? . . . And when you do, will, but thine, be done." Three times do you go through the operation like he prayed in this manner. And then the guiding of a piece of machinery, "there appeared an angel unto him or do you bow in meekness and with from heaven, strengthening him." (Luke a sincere desire to seek the blessing of 22:42-43.) God upon you and your household? As we approach our Father in heaven That is the way that we ought to do, with the spirit, "thy will be done," and and cultivate a spirit of devotion and as we personally do all we can to have trust in God, dedicating ourselves to our prayers answered, the Lord will him, and seeking his blessings." (JD, do the rest, as President Brigham Young vol. 21, p. 118.) so aptly stated. ELDER THOMAS S. MONSON 69

Laws governing prayer Following Elder Franklin D. Rich-

It is important to recognize that the ards, the Choir sang "How Wondrous laws governing prayer are as immuta- and Great" and "Keep My Words" ble as those governing science. Re- without announcement. sponse is predicated upon our having the proper attitude and so living that President Harold B. Lee we are entitled to the whisperings of the Elder Franklin D. Richards, Assist- Spirit. We must keep ourselves in tune ant to the Twelve, has just spoken to with the Holy Ghost. us, followed by the singing of the Yes, as we do our part or magnify Tabernacle Choir. our callings, the Lord will make us Following a brief interlude Elder equal to the task by blessing us with Thomas S. Monson of the Council of strength of body and of mind far be- the Twelve will be our concluding yond our normal capacities. speaker. May we this day commit ourselves to so live that we may go before the Alexander Schreiner played a short Lord with a clear conscience and ask interlude of organ music. for his divine guidance and assistance. As we do this, we will truly appreciate the words of the beautiful hymn: "O President Lee how praying rests the weary! Prayer We welcome those joining with us will change the night to day." (Hymns, on television and radio in this third no. 31.) session of the 142nd Annual Confer- May the choice blessings of our ence of the Church.

Father in heaven attend you, I humbly Elder Thomas S. Monson of the pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Council of the Twelve, will be our Amen. concluding speaker.

Elder Thomas S. Monson

Of the Council of the Twelve

"Finishers Wanted"

On sunlit days during the noon hour, had been placed at the bottom right- the streets of Salt Lake City abound hand corner of the window. Its message with men and women who for a mo- was brief: "Finishers Wanted." ment leave the confines of the tall The store had need of those persons office buildings and engage in that uni- who possessed the talent and the skill versal delight called window shopping. to make ready for final sale the expen- On occasion I, too, am a participant. sive furniture that the firm manufac-

One Wednesday I paused before tured and sold. "Finishers Wanted." the elegant show window of a presti- The words remained with me as I re- gious furniture store. That which caught turned to the pressing activities of the and held my attention was not the day. beautifully designed sofa nor the com- In life, as in business, there has fortable-appearing chair that stood at always been a need for those persons its side. Neither was it the beautiful who could be called finishers. Their chandelier positioned overhead. Rather, ranks are few, their opportunities many, my eyes rested upon a small sign that their contributions great. 70 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

The race of life "And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this From the very beginning to the pres- Bathsheba, . . . the wife of Uriah the ent time, a fundamental question Hittite?" So "David sent messengers, to remains be answered by each who ." and took her. . . (2 Sam. 11:3-4.) runs the race of life. Shall I falter or The gross sin of adultery was fol- shall I finish? On the answer await ". lowed by yet another: . . Set ye Uriah the blessings of joy and happiness here in the forefront of the hottest battle, in mortality and eternal life in the world and retire ye from him, that he may be to come. smitten, and die." (2 Sam. 11:15.) Lust are not left without guidance We and power had triumphed. to make this momentous decision. The David's rebuke came from the Lord Holy Bible contains those accounts, ". God of Israel: . . thou hast killed even those lessons, which, if carefully Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and learned, will serve us well and be as a

hast taken his wife to be thy wife. . . . beacon light to guide our thoughts Now therefore the sword shall never and influence our actions. As we read, ." depart from thine house. . . (2 Sam. we sympathize with those who falter. 12:9-10.) We honor those who finish. The apostle Paul likened life to a David commenced well the race, great race when he declared: "Know then faltered and failed to finish his ye not that they which run in a race run course.

all, but one receiveth the prize? So The rich young man run, that ye may obtain." (1 Cor. 9:24.)

And before the words of Paul fell Lest we lull ourselves into thinking upon the ears of his listeners, the coun- that only the gross sins of life cause us sel of the preacher, even the son of to falter, consider the experience of David, king in Jerusalem, cautioned: the rich young man who came running ". . . the race is not to the swift, nor to the Savior and asked the question: ." the battle to the strong. . . (Eccles. "Good Master, what good thing shall 9:11.) I do, that I may have eternal life?" David's failure to finish Jesus answered him: "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the command- Could the son of David have been ments. referring to his own father? Judged by any standards, the greatest king Israel "He saith unto him, Which?" ever had was David. Anointed by Sam- To Jesus' enumeration of the com- uel, he was honored by the Lord. mandments, "The young man saith . . .

In the first flush of his incredible tri- All these things have I kept from my

umphs, David rode the crest of popu- youth up: what lack I yet? larity. As he achieved fresh victories, "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be the women greeted him with a new perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and ". song: . . Saul hath slain his thousands, give to the poor, . . . and come and and David his ten thousands." (1 Sam. follow me. 18:7.) In adoration the people ex- "But when the young man heard claimed: "Behold, we are thy bone and that saying, he went away sorrowful: thy flesh." (2 Sam. 5:1.) for he had great possessions." (Matt. Power he won. Peace he lost. 19:16-18, 20-22.) It happened one evening when David He preferred the comforts of earth was walking upon the roof of the to the treasures of heaven. He would king's house that he saw from the not purchase the things of eternity by roof a woman bathing, and the woman abandoning those of time. He faltered. was very beautiful. He failed to finish. ELDER THOMAS S. MONSON 71

Betrayal of Christ Job did not falter. Job became a finisher. So it was with Judas Iscariot. He commenced his ministry as an apostle Paul's example of the Lord. He ended it a traitor. For Following thirty paltry pieces of silver, he sold the earthly ministry of the Lord, there were many who, rather his soul. At last, realizing the enormity than deny testimony of him, would of his sin, Judas, to his patrons and forfeit their lives. Such was Paul the tempters of his crime, shrieked: "I apostle. The impulse of his father to have sinned in that I have betrayed the send him to Jerusalem opened the door innocent blood." (Matt. 27:4.) to Paul's destiny. He would pass Remorse had led to despair, despair through it and help to shape a new to madness, and madness to suicide. He world. had succeeded in betraying the Christ. Gifted in his capacity to stir, move, He had failed to finish the apostolic and manage groups of men, Paul was a ministry to which he had been divinely peerless example of one nobly called. who made the transition from sinner to Lust for power, greed of gold, and saint. Though disappointment, heart- disdain for honor have ever appeared as ache, and trial were to beset him, yet faces of failure in the panorama of life. Paul, at the conclusion of his ministry, Captivated by their artificial attraction, could say: "I have fought fight, many noble souls have stumbled and a good I have finished my course, I have kept fallen, thus losing the crown of victory the faith." (2 Tim. 4:7.) Like Job, Paul reserved for the finisher of life's great was a finisher. race.

Concerning those who fall short, He admonished us to "lay aside . . . John Greenleaf Whittier's words seem sin" and to "run with patience the race

. . . Looking [for an particularly fitting: , example] unto Jesus the author and finisher of our " "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, faith (Heb. 12:1-2.)

The saddest are these: 'It might have finished been!' " —"Maude Muller" Work Though Jesus was tempted by the Job, a finisher evil one, yet he resisted. Though he was hated, yet he loved. Though he May we turn from the lives of those was betrayed, yet he triumphed. Not who faltered and consider for a moment in a cloud of glory or chariot of fire some who finished and won the prize. was Jesus to depart mortality, but with There was a man in the land of Uz arms outstretched in agony upon a whose name was Job, and that man cruel cross. The magnitude of his mis- was perfect and upright and one that sion is depicted in the simplicity of his feared God and eschewed evil. Pious words. in his conduct, prosperous in his for- ". To his Father he prayed, . . the

tune, Job was to face a test that would hour is come. ... I have glorified thee

tempt any man. on the earth: I have finished the work Shorn of his possessions, scorned which thou gavest me to do." (John by his friends, afflicted by his suffering, ". 17:1,4.) . . into thy hands I commend even tempted by his wife, was to ." Job my spirit. . . (Luke 23:46.) declare from the depths of his noble Mortality ended. Immortality began. ". soul: . . behold, my witness is in of the finisher heaven, and my record is on high." (Job Marks

16:19.) "... I know that my redeemer Times change, circumstances vary, ." liveth. . . (Job 19:25.) but the true marks of a finisher remain. —

72 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

Note them well, for they are vital to "To dream the impossible dream; our success. To fight the unbeatable foe;

1. The Mark of Vision. It has been To bear with unbearable sorrow: said that the doorways of history turn To run where the brave dare not go. on small hinges, and so do people's "To right the unrightable wrong; lives. We are constantly making small To love, pure and chaste, from afar; decisions. The outcome determines the To try when your arms are too weary success or failure of our lives. That is To reach the unreachable star." 1 why it is worthwhile to look ahead, set a course, and at least be partly ready —and you will thus become a finisher. when the moment of decision comes. 6. The Mark of Prayer. When the True finishers have the capacity to vis- burdens of life become heavy, when ualize their objective. trials test one's faith, when pain, sor- 2. The Mark of Effort. Vision row, and despair cause the light of without effort is daydreaming, effort hope to flicker and burn low, communi- without vision is drudgery; but vision, cation with our Heavenly Father pro- coupled with effort, will obtain the vides peace. prize. Needed is the capacity to make the These, the marks of a true finisher, second effort when life's challenges will be as a lamp to our feet in the jour- lay us low. ney through life. Ever beckoning us onward and lifting us upward is he "Stick to your task 'til it sticks to you; ". who pleaded, . . come, follow me." Beginners are many, but enders are few. (Luke Honor, power, place and praise 18:22.) Will always come to the one who stays. Experience with missionary

"Stick to your task 'til it sticks to you; Frequently his help comes silently Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too; —on occasion with dramatic impact. For out of the bend and the sweat and Such was my experience of some years the smile ago when, as a mission president, I was Will come life's victories after a while." afforded the privilege of guiding the —Author Unknown activities of precious young men and women, even missionaries whom he 3. The Mark of Faith. Long years had called. ago the psalmist wrote: "It is better to others required trust in the Lord than to put confidence Some had problems, motivation; but one came to me in utter in man: It is better to trust in the Lord his decision to than to put confidence in princes." (Ps. despair. He had made but at 118:8-9.) Recognize that faith and doubt leave the mission field when halfway mark. His bags were cannot exist in the same mind at the the ticket purchased. same time, for one will dispel the other. packed, his return He came by to bid me farewell. We " 4. The Mark of Virtue. . . . let virtue talked; we listened; we prayed. There ." garnish thy thoughts unceasingly. . . remained hidden the actual reason for (D&C 121:45.) This counsel from the his decision to quit. Lord will provide staying power in the As we arose from our knees in the race we run. quiet of my office, the missionary began to weep. Flexing the muscle in his 5. The Mark of Courage. Courage strong right arm, he blurted out, "This becomes a living and attractive virtue is my problem. All through school when it is regarded not as a willingness to die manfully, but the determination ] Joe Darion, "The Impossible Dream," Sam Fox, Publisher, to live decently. Have the courage New York, 1965. ELDER THOMAS S. MONSON 73

my muscle power qualified me for Following Elder Thomas S. Mon- honors in football and track, but my son's address, the Choir sang "Praise mental powsr was neglected. President the Lord" without announcement. Monson, I'm ashamed of my school record. It reveals that 'with effort' I have the capacity to read at but the level of the fourth grade. I can't even read the Book of Mormon. How then President Harold B. Lee can I understand its contents and teach Elder Thomas S. Monson of the others its truths?" Council of the Twelve has just given The silence of the room was broken the concluding address. by my young nine-year-old son, who, We are grateful for the managers and without knocking, opened the door and, operators of many television and radio with surprise, apologetically said, stations who have offered their facili- "Excuse me. I just wanted to put this ties as a public service to make the pro- book back on the shelf." ceedings of this conference available to He handed me the book. Its title: millions throughout North America, A Child's Story of the Book of Mormon, South America, the Far East, and many by Dr. Deta P. Neeley. I turned to the other areas of the world. foreword and read these words: "This These proceedings are being broad- book has been written with a scien- cast over stations in countries of Latin tifically controlled vocabulary to the America and Australia by means of level of the fourth grade." A sincere satellite transmission. prayer from an honest heart had been dramatically answered. Through special arrangements of the Armed Forces Radio and Television My missionary accepted the chal- Network this session will be televised lenge to read the book. Half laughing, to bases of the Armed Forces through- half crying, he declared, "It will be good out the Pacific and heard by radio in to read something I can understand." Vietnam. Clouds of despair were dispelled by the sunshine of hope. He completed an We shall now conclude this session honorable mission. He became a fin- of the conference with the Tabernacle isher. Choir singing from the "Requiem" by Brahms, "Redeemed of the Lord." Prize of eternal life Following the singing, the benedic- tion will be pronounced by Elder Ray- Today I think I shall once more walk president of by that furniture store in our city and mond P. Larson, former Church. again gaze at the small sign in the large the Morgan Stake of the show window, that I may indelibly This conference will then be ad- impress upon my mind the true mean- journed until two o'clock this afternoon. ing of its words: "Finishers Wanted."

I pray humbly that each one of us may be a finisher in the race of life and thus qualify for that precious prize: The Choir sang "Redeemed of the eternal life with our Heavenly Father Lord."

in the celestial kingdom. I testify that The benediction was offered by God lives, that this is his work, and ask Elder Raymond P. Larson, former presi- that each may follow the example of dent of the Morgan Stake. his Son, a true finisher, in the name of The conference was then adjourned Jesus Christ. Amen. until 2 o'clock p.m. 74 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

SECOND DAY AFTERNOON MEETING

FOURTH SESSION conference, originating with KSL in Salt Lake City. The fourth session of the confer- Proceedings of this General Confer- ence convened in the Tabernacle on ence are being telecast by closed-circuit Temple Square on Saturday, April 8, color television in the Assembly Hall, 1972, at 2 o'clock p.m. and also in one of the auditoriums of President Joseph Fielding Smith was the Salt Palace. present and presiding. President N. The General Priesthood Meeting to Eldon Tanner, second counselor in the be held this evening will be transmitted First Presidency, conducted the meet- over closed-circuit from the Salt Lake ing. Tabernacle to over 170,000 men of the The special music for this session priesthood assembled in approximately was rendered by the Combined Semi- 700 buildings throughout the United with nary Chorus of the Salt Lake Valley States and Canada, and by way of Jay Welch conducting, Paul Hanks, closed-circuit television in eight build- assistant, with Roy M. Darley at the ings in Salt Lake City and to many organ. assembled at the Brigham Young Uni- President Tanner made the follow- versity. ing introductory comments: The music for this session will be rendered by the Combined Seminary Eldon President N. Tanner Chorus of the Salt Lake Valley with Jay conducting, As we are convened in this historic Welch Paul Hanks, assis- tant, with Darley at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on Temple Roy M. organ. In this connection, we are pleased to Square, we extend to all cordial greet- acknowledge the presence this afternoon ings and welcome to this the fourth of division session of the 142nd Annual Confer- 63 and district coordinators of our seminaries ence of the Church of Jesus Christ of and institutes from every area in the world Latter-day Saints. amost where the program is underway. We are pleased to announce that We shall begin this service by the this morning's session, in addition to chorus singing, "An Angel from o*i being broadcast direct, was video-taped, High." and will be released to many television The invocation will be offered by stations tomorrow morning to the east- Elder G. LaMont Richards, Regional ern and central parts of the United Representative of the Twelve. States, Hawaii, and bases of the Armed Forces throughout the Pacific and car- The hymn, "An Angel from on ried by radio to Vietnam. High," was sung by the Combined By means of satellite transmission, Seminary Chorus. sessions of this conference will be Elder G. LaMont Richards, Regional heard over radio stations in Australia Representative of the Twelve, offered and countries of South America. the opening prayer. We deeply appreciate and thank the owners and operators of the radio President Tanner and television stations for their coopera- tion in making possible such an exten- The combined Seminary Chorus, sive coverage of the proceedings of this with Jay Welch conducting, will now —

ELDER GORDON B. HINCKLEY 75

sing, "By the Waters of Babylon/' after President Tanner which Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Council of the Twelve will speak We shall now hear from Elder Gor- to us. don B. Hinckley of the Council of the Twelve. He will be followed by Elder Combined Seminary Chorus The Henry D. Taylor, Assistant to the sang the number, "By the Waters of Council of the Twelve. Babylon."

Elder Gordon B. Hinckley

Of the Council of the Twelve

In the hope that some may be listening, and when thou art converted, strengthen

I wish to direct my remarks to two thy brethren." (Luke 22:31-32.) groups of men who have lost contact This is one of the great purposes of with the Church: those who are nomi- quorum organization in the priesthood nally members, but who are out of of the Church—to bring an awareness touch; and then men everywhere of the needs of others and an oppor- doubting, hard-headed, thoughtful men tunity and a vehicle to strengthen one who ask searching questions and want another. pragmatic answers. Solution I do so under the question, "What of problems will the Church do for you, a man?" A local Church officer called me My answer: one day. He was a lawyer and said that one of his neighbors had come A great fraternity seeking his help in getting a divorce. He said that his marriage was in se- First, it will bring you into the greatest rious trouble. He and his wife had been fraternity in the world. living far beyond their means, they Every man hungers for brotherhood. were hopelessly in debt, money prob- That desire finds a degree of fulfill- lems had led to constant bickering, ment in many service clubs, trade and the marriage had deteriorated to associations, social groups, and similar a point where they could not go on organizations. And while all of these together. may be beneficial, there is none quite We discussed the case, and the end like the brotherhood of the priesthood result was that three of the man's priest- of God. hood quorum members were assigned Here will be found hundreds of to work with this brother and his wife thousands of men, from all honorable toward a solution of their problems. walks of life, endowed with authority One was a lawyer, one was a banker, to act in the name of God and obligated and one was an accountant. The couple under the very nature of the sacred agreed to place their affairs in the gift each has received to strengthen hands of these, their neighbors and and assist one another. The words of brethren. the Lord to Peter are pertinent to their With the expertise that came of their

situation. Declared he: "Simon, . . . professional and business experience, Satan hath desired to have you, that the committee went to work. They

he may sift you as wheat: But I have called on the man's creditors, who, prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: with confidence in the ability of this 76 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

committee, agreed to give them time toxicated to talk with them. All pur- to work out his problems. These prob- pose had gone from his life, and his lems had been entirely beyond his only refuge was drink. Not recognizing ability to manage, but they were only them for what they were, he invited one more challenge for his experienced them back, and there followed some brethren. weeks later his baptism. Order was brought out of chaos. With his conversion came purpose Peace was restored in the home. A new into his life, the will to forsake old sense of security came into his life. habits, the strength to turn completely His wife developed for him a respect around. He spoke of appreciation for she had never previously shown. Over the young men who had taught him a period of two or three years his and the motivation they had cultivated creditors all received what was due within him. them. And the man and his wife At the time of our conversation he learned principles that qualified them was serving as a member of the branch

to manage a home as it should be presidency and as an active member of managed. an elders quorum. His case, in essence, Said Paul to the Romans: "We then can be multiplied thousands of times. that are strong ought to bear the infir- There is no other power like the re- mities of the weak," and then he added, forming power of the gospel of Jesus "and not to please ourselves." (Rom. Christ to give men the desire and the 15:1.) This is the spirit of this great will to change their lives. brotherhood of men—to bear the in- firmities of one another, not necessarily Growth through responsibility to please themselves, but in fulfillment of a divine obligation. Third, activity in the Church will af- ford you growth through responsibility. Motivation for clean living It is an axiom as true as life itself that we grow as we serve. The Church Second, active membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will motivate a man to clean up his life, is, among other things, a great school if that is necessary. for the development of leadership. I There are in the aggregate experi- have told groups of our missionaries,

ences of this church thousands upon as I have met with them in various thousands of cases of men who, under parts of the world, "You're not much the uplifting impulses of the gospel of to look at, but you're all the Lord has." Jesus Christ and under the inspiration And the miracle is that as they serve of association with good men, have the Lord, they become giants in capac- received the strength to lay aside habits ity and in achievement.

that held them in bondage for many And so it is with each of us. If years. the work of the Lord is to go forward,

I stood one day some years ago it must be done by such as you and me. with a Japanese businessman in Hiro- There is a constant need for men in

shima, beside the monument that marks this church to fill positions of respon- the events of that tragic August 6, sibility. They must be taken as they 1945, when in a matter of minutes are. And the marvelous thing is that some 85,000 people were killed. He as they serve, taking advantage of the told me that he had been a member great training programs and magnified of the Japanese Imperial Army, that by the Spirit of God, they become out of that experience had come a effective and powerful.

hatred for all Americans. I recall speaking with a young man One day two of our missionaries who first came to this community while knocked on his door. He was too in- in military service. One Sunday he ELDER GORDON B. HINCKLEY 77

wandered through Temple Square. When King Belshazzar gathered Conversations begun here eventually about him his friends in a night of led to his baptism. feasting and revelry, the fingers of a

Four or five years later I was inter- man's hand appeared and wrote upon viewing him to become an elders quorum the wall. The astrologers and the sooth- .president. He told me of his childhood sayers were called to interpret the as an orphan, pushed from one place writing, and they could not, and the to another, of the loneliness and king was greatly troubled. desolation of his life, of all opportuni- And the queen said, "There is a ties for education and growth fore- man in thy kingdom, in whom is the closed against him. Then he came into spirit of the holy gods; and in the days the Church and received first one of thy father light and understanding assignment and then another, each and wisdom, like the wisdom of the ." just a little beyond his capacity at the gods, was found in him. . . (Dan. 5: time; but as he served, his capacity in- 11.) creased. Daniel was brought before the king, And now he was prepared for a and by virtue of the power in him he major responsibility. His entire life interpreted the writing on the wall. had changed. Today he is an officer I should like to suggest that every in the Church, a valued employee in a man who holds and magnifies the position of responsibility, a good hus- priesthood may have within him "light band, an exemplary father, an excellent and understanding and wisdom, like neighbor. the wisdom of the gods." Robert Browning said, "A man's What will active membership in the reach should exceed his grasp." Growth Church do for you, a man? It will comes as we constantly seek to achieve verily add a spiritual dimension to your that which is just beyond our immediate life with which to bless your family, capacity. One of the noteworthy aspects your associates, and yourself.

of the Church program is that it con- of stantly motivates men to stretch them- Governance home selves, to reach a little higher. Fifth, it will assist you in the governance of your home. A spiritual dimension How much stronger the nation Fourth, membership in the Church and would be—any nation— if there were active participation therein will give a new presiding in each home a man who

dimension to your life, a spiritual dimen- looked upon his wife as an eternal sion that will become as a rock of faith, companion, engaged with him in a with an endowment of authority to speak partnership with God in bringing to in the name of God. pass divine, eternal purposes, and In the opening of this work, in this who looked upon his children as chil- dispensation of time, the Lord declared dren of our Heavenly Father, who has one of the purposes of the restoration given to earthly parents a stewardship of the gospel to be "that every man for those children. might speak in the name of God the Action is born of attitude, and in Lord, even the Savior of the world." such a home, where true gospel prin- (D&C 1:20.) ciples become the guidelines of gover- Blessed is the man who prays with nance, there will be mutual appreciation, the assurance that prayers are heard respect, deference, courtesy, and honor, and answered. Blessed is the man whose for the father will look upon those for companion is the Holy Spirit. Blessed whom he is responsible as blessings is the man who possesses the authority divinely given, to be cherished, nur- to speak in the name of God. tured, protected, and loved. 78 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

A convert to the Church once said, thee the keys of the kingdom of

"As a father I believed in caning my heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt children. The slightest infraction of a bind on earth shall be bound in ." rule was answered with prompt physi- heaven. . . (Matt. 16:19.) cal punishment. Then the gospel came That same power, to bind in heaven

into our home. I saw my children in a what is bound on earth, is in this new light. They were my children, yes, church today. It is exercised in holy but they were also children of our temples, and there, under the authority

Eternal Father. How could I abuse a of the priesthood of God, father and

child of God? I began to develop an mother and children are sealed together entirely new point of view toward my under a covenant and in a relationship children, and they reciprocated with a that time cannot break and death new attitude toward me. cannot destroy. "Do we have discipline in our home? Yes, but of an entirely different Reassurance in death kind. We are no longer adversaries. I spoke not long ago at the funeral There are still some penalties for of a prominent man in this community. wrongdoing, but such penalties are of It was a time for mourning, yes. But it a different nature and are accepted as was also a time for reassurance. And properly deserved, and not resented shining through the tears of the won- with bitterness as they once were. derful little woman and her children Now there is respect for one another, who that day were bereaved was a and more than that, love. What a dif- smile of peace that came of an over- ference the gospel makes," he con- riding conviction that their husband cluded. and father had merely gone hence to "Yes," I added, "what a difference prepare for reunions that will follow. the gospel makes when it is accepted Following that service I received a lived." and letter from a business leader in the community, a man not of our faith, To bind for eternity who wrote: "You people have a posi-

Finally, the Church makes it possible tive approach that is truly impressive. for you, a man, to bind to you for eternity You come to comfort and not to mourn those you love most. —to praise life rather than curse No other relationship in life is so death. The depth of your faith surely sacred, so satisfying, so important in must tide you over many of the vicissi- its consequences as the family relation- tudes of life, not the least of which is ship. Then how tragic are the implica- death." tions of those words so— often spoken What will the Church do for you, a on the day of marriage "Till death do man? It will give you the assurance, ye part." as certain as life itself, that death is As certainly as there has been a but a graduation, and that those most joining together in marriage with such precious to you may be yours through a ceremony, there also has been de- all eternity. creed a separation and cancellation of An invitation to see family relationships in death. To think of eternal life without eternal love is To our brethren everywhere, to to construct a paradox, a contradiction. those who have become careless and A loving Eternal Father, with who have drifted away, and to those

concern for his children, has made who have not yet made inquiry, I possible a continuation of those sacred extend an invitation to come and see. relationships. Declared the Lord to his God in his wisdom has set up his

chosen Twelve, "And I will give unto organization to enrich your lives, to ELDER HENRY D. TAYLOR 79

bring peace into your hearts and joy soberness and with appreciation, in and love into your homes—and the the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. assurance that those you love now may be yours forever. President N. Eldon Tanner My brethren, the door is open. You will be warmly welcomed, and He to whom we have just listened is you will find many good men anxious Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Coun- to help you. Furthermore, as a servant cil of the Twelve. of the Lord, I do not hesitate to prom- We shall now hear from Elder Hen- ise that you will come to know a joy ry D. Taylor, Assistant to the Council that you have never previously ex- of the Twelve, and he will be followed perienced. by Elder S. Dilworth Young of the

I bear witness of these things in First Council of Seventy.

Elder Henry D. Taylor

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

After Adam had been created by the was rebellious and loved Satan more Lord in his image and after his own than God. Out of selfishness and in likeness, the Lord pointed out that it a fit of jealousy, Cain rose up and slew was not good for man to be alone. So his brother, Abel. Eve was created and given to Adam When the Lord inquired of Cain, to be his wife, his companion and "Where is Abel, thy brother?" Cain helpmeet. arrogantly replied with the question,

"Am I my brother's keeper?" (Moses Your brother's keeper 5:34.) Over the years that question has Adam and Eve received many in- been asked numerous times. To that structions from the Lord. Among them question, many today would respond was the mandate to multiply and with firm conviction, "Yes, Cain, replenish the earth, or in other words, you are your brother's keeper, and not to bring children into the world. only you, but each one of us is our Without hesitation they followed that brother' s keeper." injunction, and in due time children were born to them. How proud, how Opportunities to serve thrilled and delighted they must have been with their offspring. Undoubtedly, Those who labor so diligently and they had wonderful dreams and high unselfishly with aching backs and hopes for them. When one son was blistered hands on welfare projects born they gave him the name of Cain. are doing so because they love their Later they were blessed with another brothers and sisters and do not want son, who was called Abel. them to suffer from cold nor hunger. The boys differed noticeably in The home teachers and visiting temperament and disposition. As teachers who faithfully visit their they matured and reached manhood, assigned families regularly to deter-

Cain became a tiller of the soil and mine if all is well and in order surely Abel chose to become a keeper of believe, Cain, that they are their sheep. The scriptures reveal that brother's keeper. Abel loved the Lord. He was obedient When one visits the houses of =ind hearkened unto his voice. Cain the Lord, the temples, he is impressed 80 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8 by the dedicated members of the told of a certain man who was travel- Church who have sought out their ing from Jerusalem to Jericho. Thieves deceased loved ones through research. fell upon him, stripping him of his They attend the temples often to per- clothing, beating him brutally, and form vicarious ordinances for them leaving him half dead. By chance a that will make exaltation and eternal priest came along and, observing the life possible. Truly they believe that wounded man, turned his head, they are their brother's keeper. crossed the road, and passed by on As we observe the sincere and the other side. Soon a Levite came enthusiastic labors of the thousands of along, and when he saw the injured missionaries throughout the world de- person, he also passed by on the op- claring the restored truth, not for posite side of the road. their individual benefit, but to teach But a Samaritan riding along was the glorious principles of the gospel filled with compassion when he viewed to the peoples of the earth for their the unfortunate man. Stopping his blessing, we are again impressed, animal, he bound up the victim's Cain, that they have a conviction that wounds and poured oil and wine into they are their brother's keeper. the afflicted parts. Placing the suffer- There are over 5,000 American ing man upon his beast, he took him Indian children, coming from fifty to a nearby inn, where he further tribal backgrounds, living with Latter- ministered unto him. day Saint families during the school On the morrow when he departed, year. They receive the same love and he took some money from his purse

attention given to their foster and handed it to the innkeeper, request- brothers and sisters —a true act of ing him to care for the injured man love and brotherhood on the part of and promising that he would compen- these families, with no reward other sate him for any additional expense than the knowledge that they are help- incurred when he returned from his ing a choice son or daughter of our journey. Heavenly Father take his or her right- The Savior then posed the ques- ful place in the world. They too are tion: "Which now of these three, their brother's keeper. thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" To Teaching of Jesus this the lawyer readily answered: "He that In teaching his followers, Jesus shewed mercy on him." The Savior said often used the scriptural terminology unto him: "Go, and do of neighbor in designating his brother. thou likewise." (Luke 10:36-37.) At one time a certain lawyer asked Scene in Carthage jail the Savior what he must do to inherit eternal life. The Master asked him One of the most beautiful and what he read in the law. The lawyer tender accounts of brotherly love, pondered a moment and then replied: concern, and devotion took place "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God in Carthage Jail on the afternoon of with all thy heart, and with all thy the martyrdom. "The afternoon was soul, and with all thy strength, and sultry and hot. The four brethren with all thy mind; and thy neighbour [Joseph and Hyrum Smith, John as thyself." (Luke 10:27.) Taylor, and Willard Richards] sat He was assured his answer was listlessly about the room with their correct. In order to justify himself, coats off; and the windows of the he then posed the question: "And prison were open to receive such who is my neighbour?" air as might be stirring. Late in the Jesus, the Master Teacher, then afternoon Mr. Stigall, the jailor, came "

ELDER S. D1LW0RTH YOUNG 81

in and suggested that [in view of gether. There is a beautiful song that threats made by the radical and blood- our children sing called "I Am a Child thirsty mob] they would be safer in of God," which teaches that our Heav- the cells. Joseph told him that they enly Father has sent us here and has would go in after supper. Turning to given us a home on earth with kind Elder Richards the Prophet said: 'If and dear parents. The song contains we go into the cell will you go with the prayer that our Father in heaven us?' will direct us, inspire us, and teach Elder Richards answered, "Brother us what we must do to again live with Joseph, you did not ask me to cross him some day. the river with you [referring to the With the dawning of each new day, time when they crossed the Mississippi, there will be opportunities for all of us en route for the Rocky Mountains]— to help our neighbors, who are our you did not ask me to come to Car- brothers, in their hour of need. thage—you did not ask me to come to How will we respond? Will we jail with you—and do you think I be like the priest and like the Levite would forsake you now? But I will described by the Savior, and turn our

tell you what I will do; if you are heads, walk across the road, and pro- condemned to be hung for 'treason,' ceed in an unconcerned and selfish

I will be hung in your stead, and you way? shall go free." Or will we follow the example With considerable emotion and of the Good Samaritan and thought- feeling Joseph replied, "But you can- fully and sympathetically assist our not," to which Brother Richards firmly neighbors and brothers in their time replied, "I will." (B. H. Roberts, A of trial, and thus receive approbation Comprehensive History of the Church, vol. and the blessings of our Heavenly 2, p. 283.) Father? In these words Brother Richards The choice is ours to make. May displayed his concern for Joseph, who the Lord bless us that our decisions was his beloved brother and neighbor. will be correct and righteous ones, The Savior taught: "Greater love for which I humbly pray, in the name hath no man than this, that a man lay of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. down his life for his friends." (John 15:13.) President N. Eldon Tanner Brotherhood of man Elder Henry D. Taylor, Assistant to As Latter-day Saints, we firmly the Council of the Twelve, has just believe that we are brothers and sis- addressed us. ters, spiritual offspring of heavenly We shall now hear from Elder S. parents, members of a royal family Dilworth Young of the First Council of who once dwelt and associated to- Seventy.

Elder S. Dilworth Young

Of the First Council of the Seventy

In my mind's eye I see Russell Nelson, Joseph Smith said to Newel K. Whit- Jr., newly arrived from his home in ney), "You prayed me here; now what heaven and staring up into the eyes of do you want of me?" his father as though to say to him (as 82 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

Early mission preparations to know, too, that today with our affluence he may not find money; he I do not know that his father, who will find something far richer—the is the general superintendent of the great joy that comes from seeing Sunday School and the father of nine people's lives miraculously changed daughters, wants him to become a as they accept the gospel. famous surgeon. I believe he will lead his son wisely as to what his Physical stamina earthly vocation will be, but 1 am sure He will need to know that he must he will want this boy to go on a mis- develop physical stamina, not for sion, that hope of great adventure athletics but for his mission. He will which comes into the early life of all play basketball to develop wind and Latter-day Saint boys. If this is the limb to serve the Lord. father's desire, he will start early to As he grows, he will need to talk prepare his son. man-to-man, or rather boy-to-man, The first prayers the baby will hear why all this should be. His father will will be that he will grow up to go on a say, "For your mission, son, you will mission and to be married in the need to learn by heart many things. temple. Both of the words "mission" And so we shall now start." and "temple" he will not understand; but later, when comprehension comes, Learning truth they will be so ingrained in his mem- ory that they will be a part of his Then his father will teach him the being. Later, as lisps he his own simple truths that are important. prayer, he will find the words "make They will memorize the prophecy me worthy to go on a mission" easy in the book of Nephi about the to say. Neither will he stumble over descendant of Joseph who, bearing the words "marry" or "temple." the name of his ancestor, would do great things. And then his father will Stories of missionary work tell him the story of the modern Joseph, the fulfillment of that prophecy If his father is wise, his boy's early —what he did to be a great boy. He years will be filled with stories of the will learn that boys do not need to experiences of the missionaries of the wait until they are men to be great. past. He should begin by telling of He will thrill with the ancient his own ancestors, to give the boy prophecy of the angel who wowld knowledge that mission adventures fly through the heavens having the are not the exclusive property of the everlasting gospel to preach to all leaders but that the followers had the world and how this prophecy was equally miraculous adventures. But, actually fulfilled through angelic of course, he will want to learn of the visits to the young boy prophet. heroic journey of Samuel H. Smith and his companion from Far West on an Study of great literature eastern missionary journey. He will want to learn of the missionary journey In the same manner they will comb of Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young the scriptures, doctrine by doctrine, when they, ill from fever, arose from and learn those vital to missionary their beds and started out, how Brother work. They will read together the Kimball was poisoned and was saved great boy-literature of the world. The by the loyal work of his companion, chivalry at the court of King Arthur and how they miraculously found will be mirrored in his treatment money in the purse, just enough for of girls and, later, young women. And each day's journey. But he will need he will learn the place of animals in —

ELDER S. D1LWORTH YOUNG 83

his life when he runs the Trail of the Lay the foundation well, Brother Nel- Sand Hill Stag with Seton and will son; it begins at birth and its effects learn the immense power of nature as cease not until the mission of life is he survives a ride down a snow complete. avalanche with Enos A. Mills. Training from mother also learn of the winter He will Meanwhile, his mother will have journey rescue the handcart com- to a hand in his growth also. Faith- bliz- pany, victim of the Wyoming building begins in the cradle and ends it that zards. His father will see to not at the grave. In the formative years gets the feel of a real blizzard and he your boy will need to learn how to the helplessness of the brave people give and take, how to get along, how who had only the Lord to depend on to put up with inconveniences, how deliverance. will be taught for He to be patient and tolerant, how to re- these lessons at the home evening, solve differences with playmates and, at dinner table, at bedtime, in the later, with missionary companions. journeys. camp, on hikes and And He will need long training in driven at all these stages will home neatness and in the handling of his greatest adven- be the theme that the clothing. He will need to know the is to mis- ture a boy can have go on a "rubbing board" techniques of wash- sion learn to the and depend on Lord ing his clothes and how to keep them cold, or when faced with a bitter, white and clean. Ironing and pressing the greatest hostile world, and that should be second nature. He will joy he can experience is to give of need to learn that bodily cleanliness all in service of the Master in his the goes with spiritual cleanness and that bringing souls unto him. the body is the expression of the spirit. Application of truth He will need to know how to cook Having seen and heard his father —how to make the food he prepares pray, he will want to pray too and will taste good and at the same time meet soon learn about the whisperings of his many nutritional needs. Nothing the Spirit, which comes into his "feel- will buoy up a missionary like a tasty ing," as Nephi pointed out to his meal. Why shouldn't this boy learn rebellious brothers. (See 1 Ne. 17:45.) to cook well? And while he is about He will need to learn also of the it, he should learn that the dusty, ill- important principle of obedience. kept room with its unmade bed is Teach him that the Lord Jesus Christ the devil's best means of discourage- was completely obedient to his father ment. and that if your son would be a suc- Spiritual growth cessful missionary, he must be com- Just as surely as he walks, his pletely obedient to those in authority manner, his attitude, his clothing, his over him. Faithfully learning this complete self will be concrete evi- lesson before he goes into the mis- dence of what he is in his soul. He sion field will equip him for his work cannot conceal himself. Teach him, there. then, that these things reveal his spirit Give him responsibility, and teach and show what he really is and that him to forget himself in service to the success of his mission will be others. These, coupled with obedience, found in how his spirit speaks to the will help him to find true humility spirits of those he meets. all of which are vital factors for his In the process of his growing, reception of the Holy Ghost. make sure that he will learn how the And so, through his growing years Church came to be and where it has he will apply the truth of all things. gone from there. And let him learn to 84 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

know that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ virtues of which I speak. It will con- will give men reason for their repen- firm that the Lord truly speaks in this tance from sin, which is the great day, for he will constantly whisper doctrine that brings hope; that bap- the truth of this great latter-day work tism by immersion is both a cove- into the soul of the valiant mission- nant and a sign of acceptance; and that ary. the gift of the Holy Ghost is what Later he will know this whispering makes him, and his father and his in the affairs of his adult years and,

mother, different from the world; and following it, will find the true entrance

that it will make those he converts dif- to the things which will give him ferent also. eternal life in the kingdom of our He will not consider the Book of Lord. Mormon dull reading if you will The Lord has said that to bring

make it live for him while he is grow- one soul to him brings joy and that to

ing. And if he learns that reading bring many souls gives proportion- scripture by the Spirit with an open ately greater joy. The prepared youth

heart and a searching mind is indeed will find that joy on his mission. It hearing the voice of the Lord, as the will sustain him through his life. Lord told the Twelve it is (see D&C The greatest gift any of us can 18:34-36), you will have him on his have is the knowledge, borne of the way to becoming a missionary. Spirit, that God our Father sent his He began to prepare for his work Son Jesus Christ to atone for the sins here before he came to earth, when he of all of us in the world from the repudiated Satan and all of his subtle beginning to the end, that they both sophistries. Now he is to prove that live, corporeal, glorified, and anxious he can live in a body and control its that all of us may desire to come into

earthly tendencies and temptations as their presence. I have that knowledge. he did as a spirit before his arrival Joseph Smith was the modern prophet here in mortality. through whom the Lord restored his work in these last days. Joseph Training opportunities Fielding Smith is the worthy recipient and holder of the same keys of As with Russell Nelson, Jr., so it authority to speak to the people on is with all boys—and girls too. Let us behalf of the Lord. not leave out the girls —they also may I bear this witness go on missions. These young folks may in the name of the Lord become great of themselves, but with Jesus Christ. Amen. the faith and teaching of their fathers President N. Eldon Tanner and mothers they will become greater. The congregation and chorus will The Eternal Father taught his Only now join in singing, "Now Let Us Re- Begotten Son. He depends on us to joice." teach our children truth that they may After the singing, Elder Theodore better serve the Father of their spirits M. Burton, Assistant to the Council of and live. the Twelve, will address us. To those who may not have had The congregation sang the hymn, these training opportunities in their "Now Let Us Rejoice." childhood, through humility and dili- gent effort in their teen years, they President Tanner can still achieve the same thing. Elder Theodore M. Burton, Assis- tant to the Council of the Twelve, will now address us. Joys of missionary service He will be followed by Elder Joseph Two years on a mission will give Anderson, Assistant to the Council of the experience and practice in the great the Twelve. 85

Elder Theodore M. Burton

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

As I listened to the radio a few days Resurrection comes to every person ago, I heard a minister tell his listeners: born into this world through the sacri- "Confess Christ and you shall be saved. fice made by Jesus Christ, whether Admit Christ into your heart and he one confesses Christ or not. Whether will save you." a person is wicked or righteous, each Then he quoted Ephesians 2:8 for person will receive the gift of immor- his clinching argument: "For by grace tality through Jesus Christ. are ye saved through faith; and that As Paul explained to the Corinthian not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Greeks: Then he gave his final advice: "Is "But now is Christ risen from the this too much to ask of you? Thousands dead, and become the firstfruits of them and hundreds of thousands have found that slept. lasting peace and happiness by accept- "For since by man came death, by ing Christ as their Savior. Join with us man came also the resurrection of the in Christian faith and you shall be dead. saved." "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Cor. Already saved 15:20-22.)

I wonder how many people have Sons of perdition been lulled into a false sense of security by such teaching. As a missionary All mankind will thus receive gen- knocking at the doors of people, I had eral salvation, excepting the sons of per- literally hundreds of people tell me dition. Following their resurrection, that they were not interested in learning "they shall return again to their own more about Jesus Christ, for they were place, to enjoy that which they are will- already saved. The shocking thing ing to receive, because they were not about this is that they were right. What willing to enjoy that which they might that minister said was true, but the dif- have received." (D&C 88:32.) ficulty is that it was not the whole truth. These sons of perdition (perhaps

I am personally concerned about this only few in number) will be resurrected

problem because I realize how much but will not be redeemed from the damage partial truth can do. Limited power of Satan because they are still knowledge is a dangerous thing. What filthy; as the prophet Alma said of ". we need is more truth— unlimited truth them: . . they shall be as though there —until finally we know all things. had been no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to God's General salvation justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption." (Al. What does it mean when people say, 12:18.) "I am saved"? Generally it means they I suppose that having a body and not are saved from death. This type of being able to do anything with it will be general salvation comes to all people a true hell. All other persons will he by the grace of God alone. General sal- saved by the grace of God from death, vation comes regardless of obedience hell, the devil, and endless torment. to gospel principles or laws and re- sults solely in resurrection from the Individual salvation dead. In this respect, salvation is syn- onymous with immortality, in that The true value of the sacrifice of the resurrected person will live forever. Christ means much more than this gen- 86 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

eral salvation which comes to all man- "And he shall come into the world kind. There is an additional salvation to redeem his people; and he shall take that God has planned. for his children. upon him the transgressions of those This additional salvation is an individ- who believe on his name; and these are ual salvation and is conditioned not they that shall have eternal life, and only upon grace, but also upon obedi- salvation cometh to none else. ence to gospel law. One of the prophets "Therefore the wicked remain as in the Book of Mormon explained why though there had been no redemption he and his associates were so concerned made, except it be the loosing of the about teaching more about Jesus Christ, bands of death; for behold, the day as he wrote: cometh that all shall rise from the dead "For we labor diligently to write, to and stand before God, and be judged ac- persuade our children, and also our cording to their works." (Al. 11:40- brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be 41.) reconciled to God; for we know that it Those works, which follow the true is by grace that we are saved, after all exercise of faith, include repentance, we can do." (2 Ne. 25:23.) baptism, receipt of the Holy Ghost, and continued righteousness to the end of Exaltation our lives.

That full reconciliation to God is Eternal family relationship extremely important to me. It is the idea I have a cousin, Rodney Moyle, who of a personal atonement or reconcilia- lives near Boise, Idaho. When he comes tion that can bring me back into the to Salt Lake City he usually drops into presence of God as one of his covenant my office to say hello. I love to visit sons that appeals to me. That kind of with him, for he always leaves me with conditional salvation I call exaltation. a new gem of thought. On his last visit Exaltation comes as a gift from God, he asked me, "If you had your heart's dependent upon my obedience to God's desire and could take it with you out of law. No works I do solely of my own this world, what would you take?" power can bring this to pass. Only The answer for me was obvious: the grace of has this course by God "My family and loved ones!" I can take been opened to me, but only through them with me through obedience to obedience to the laws of God can I God's laws. Only through obedience claim my inheritance in the celestial to gospel law is that higher degree of kingdom of my Heavenly Father as a salvation possible which will include son within his family. I cannot be ex- both me and my family. alted in my sins, but must work until That possibility of an eternal family

I overcome them. relationship is what is meant by exal-

tation and eternal life. This eternal Amulek's teaching preservation of my family relationship Amulek the prophet explained this can be my inheritance in God's king- most clearly as he said of God: dom if I will pay the price to achieve it. Even those in the celestial kingdom "And I say unto you again that he who have not paid the full price of cannot save them in their sins; for I to attain further exalta- cannot deny his word, and he hath said obedience such that no unclean thing can inherit the tion will have immortality only and not life within God's family organi- kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can eternal ye be saved, except ye inherit the king- zation. of heaven? Therefore, cannot be dom ye Full salvation saved in your sins." (Al. 11:37.) Then Amulek spoke of the reason Thus, full salvation in its true and for the coming of Christ: full meaning is synonymous with exal- ELDER THEODORE M. BURTON 87

tation and eternal life. This inheritance "For these angels did not abide in within the actual family of God the my law; therefore, they cannot be en- Eternal Father, through Jesus Christ, is larged, but remain separately and the burden of the scriptures and should singly, without exaltation, in their saved be the goal of every man, woman, and condition, to all eternity; and from child born upon this earth. This full sal- henceforth are not gods, but are angels vation is obtained only in and through of God forever and ever." (D&C 132:16- the family unit preserved throughout 17.) eternity. When the angel Moroni came to give Family exaltation Joseph Smith his first instruction in It is for this reason that the Lord restoring the gospel in this dispensa- promised that he would reveal unto us tion, he quoted the prophet Malachi the priesthood by the hand of Elijah the with a little variation from the way it is prophet before the second coming written in the Bible: of the Lord, to plant in our hearts the "For behold, the day cometh that promises that were made to our fathers shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, so that our hearts could be turned to yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn our fathers and to our children. If we as stubble; for they that come shall cannot achieve this goal of eternal fam- burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, ily exaltation, our lives on this earth that it shall leave them neither root nor will be utterly wasted when Christ shall branch." (Joseph Smith 2:37.) come the second time. In order to understand this passage It is well, then, for you to think of of scripture, for root read "progeni- your families and how you can have tors" or "ancestors" and for branch read your inheritance in the Lord sealed "posterity" or "children." Unless, then, upon you and those you love. In Rod- through obedience to the laws of God ney's words, let me ask you, "If you you can qualify yourself to go to the had your heart's desire and could take it temple and have your family sealed to with you out of this world, what would you, you will live forever separately you take?" and singly in an unmarried state. It May God bless you to choose well, seems to me that would be a very lone- for I testify to you that God lives and some type of existence—to live without that his priesthood power is on this the warming influence of family life earth, by means of which you can ob- among those you love, who in turn tain your exaltation in his kingdom love you. as his covenant sons and daughters through full obedience to his law. This Ministering servants I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. God said of those who were not Amen. willing to pay the full price of exaltation President N. Eldon Tanner through full obedience to his whole law: "Therefore, when they are out of Elder Theodore M. Burton, Assistant the world they neither marry nor are to the Council of the Twelve, has just given in marriage; but are appointed spoken to us. angels in heaven, which angels are min- Elder Joseph Anderson, Assistant to istering servants, to minister for those the Council of the Twelve, will now ad- who are worthy of a far more, and an dress us, and he will be followed by exceeding, and an eternal weight of Elder William H. Bennett, Assistant glory. to the Council of the Twelve 88 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

Elder Joseph Anderson

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

It has been truly said that the greatest mad world, to the obtaining of the

asset of a man or a nation is faith, that worldly things of life, or does it reach the men who built this country and out to an eternity with God and our made it prosper during its darkest days loved ones in the life to come? were men with unshakable faith, men Our horizon should extend to an of courage, men of vision, men who unlimited future beyond death—out always looked forward and never back- beyond those things of a temporal ward. nature. Our horizon of the future The same can be said in truth of should not be confused with the those who established this church close-up horizon of present condi- under the inspiration and revelation tions. of the Lord and of those who have Our philosophy of life contem- built upon the foundation they laid. plates an eternity of life — life without They too were and are men of un- beginning before we came here, life failing testimony and unwavering without end hereafter. Our happi- faith. ness here and hereafter depends upon

I think perhaps there has never our actions here. We should therefore been greater need for faith than is the seek the finer things of life. The road need today, particularly faith in di- leading to eternal life must be paved vine leadership. Members of The with obedience to the command- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day ments of the Lord. Saints, as a general rule, have faith Earth life in divine leadership, but the world We once dwelt in the presence needs faith in God, that he rules the of our Father, in the spirit, and we world; and the people of this nation rejoiced at the opportunity to come and the world need that faith, faith to earth and take upon ourselves in the God of this land and faith in the mortality and pass through the ex- God of the world, who is Jesus Christ. periences we here encounter, that we Man's eternal horizon might prove ourselves worthy of greater experiences and greater bless- Many of us have had the expe- ings. rience of being on a ship traveling on While here we are not to enjoy the ocean. As we look in the various the presence of our Father, but we directions, we can see nothing but can communicate with him, and we water. As far as the mortal eye can can hear his voice if that becomes see, the sky comes down and meets necessary. The Holy Ghost is given the water. The sun comes up on the to us as our guide and companion horizon, and in the evening the sun and monitor, if we live worthy of that sets on the horizon. The same is true blessing. when we are on the ground; the limit

of our vision is the horizon. Is it not Communication with God

true also that the limit of our spiritual It seems difficult for some to have perception is the horizon we see? faith in an eternal being and that he What about our spiritual horizon? can communicate with man, that he Is it limited to our present struggle hears and answers our prayers, that

for the things of this world? Is it he is the Father of our spirits, for we limited to an acquisition of things are dual beings, spiritual and physical; of the flesh? Is our horizon limited that he loves us; that he has given us to our competition with a money- commandments which, if we accept ELDER JOSEPH ANDERSON 89

and live them, will result in mortal about a people who were cast out of as well as eternal blessings to us. the synagogues because of the coarse- There was a time when men would ness of their apparel, a people who have laughed to scorn anyone who were poor as to the things of this would have said that in time to come world and were also poor in heart. we would be able to sit in our homes They came unto Alma, explaining and watch and see and hear by means their situation, and asked what they of television and radio things that should do. Alma answered by ex- are transpiring today in our own plaining to them the principle of faith country, in Europe or Asia, South and teaching them the word of God. America or Africa; that these confer- Concerning faith he states that "faith ence proceedings would be telecast is not to have a perfect knowledge of to the listening world by means of things; therefore if ye have faith ye remarkable electronic devices. hope for things which are not seen, In our time we have seen men walk which are true." (Al. 32:21.) on the moon and heard the messages Alma then goes on to compare his they have sent over the great expanse words, which are truly the word of of space between us and the moon and God and the gospel of salvation, to a witnessed pictures they were trans- seed that a man plants in the soil. mitting. He suggests that if we will give place These things have been accom- that a seed may be planted in our faith, plished by by work, and by hearts, and not cast it out or resist

intelligence. the Spirit of the Lord, if it is a true talk Can we with God? seed it will swell within the breast; Can our prayers, even in thought and when one feels this swelling as well as word, ascend to the Father motion he cannot do otherwise than of us all, and does he have the power admit that the seed is a good seed,

to make answer thereto? for it enlargeth the soul and begjn- Long-distance horizon neth to enlighten one's understanding, and it becomes delicious to the in- lived by sight in the spirit state We dividual. Further, when the seed, or before we came here; we are walking the word, or the gospel, swells and by faith in this mortal existence. The sprouts and begins to grow in your Spirit of God bears witness to the soul, you know it is a good seed, and spirit of man that we are God's chil- therefore your knowledge is perfect; dren; that he loves us; and that there it is no longer faith but knowledge. is a purpose to earth life, a great and People sometimes say that one mighty purpose, a glorious purpose; cannot know that the gospel is true. that by keeping the commandments As indicated by Alma, if, when you that he has given us we may gain hear the word of God, you do not knowledge and understanding; that we cast it out by unbelief or resist the may gain experience by overcoming Spirit of the Lord, the swellings with- the opposition with which we must in your breast, its enlargement of your contend; that we shall resurrect from soul and its enlightening of your un- the grave in the due time of the Lord derstanding are of such a nature that and eventually return into his pres- they cause you to know that it is the ence if we live worthily. This is the truth. long-distance horizon we should keep in view. Nourishing the seed Alma's teachings However, this is only a beginning. Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, You must nourish the seed; in other relates an experience in his time words, you must nourish the testi- —

90 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

mony that you have that it is true, a fullness of joy. Our philosophy of by living the teachings of the gospel. life contemplates an eternity of exis-

If you will do this, this ancient tence— life without beginning in the prophet tells us, the seed will grow preexistent world and life hereafter into a tree and bring forth fruit. But throughout the eternities.

if the tree is neglected, it will not Our happiness in this life and in take root; and when the heat of the the life to come depends upon our

sun cometh and scorcheth it, it will actions here. If we are to attain the

wither and die. This is not because goal of eternal salvation and exalta- the seed or the word of God was not tion in the kingdom of our Heavenly true nor because the fruit thereof Father, we must hold fast to the iron would not be desirable, but it is be- rod, which is the word of God, and cause the ground was barren and the render obedience to the command- plant or the tree was not nourished, ments of the Lord. in which event one cannot have the Keeping all commandments fruit thereof that he otherwise would

obtain. It is reported that on one occasion when Sir Isaac Newton was thinking Fruits of faith seriously concerning the nature of light, he cut a hole in a window blind If, however, you have faith and and a ray of light entered his room. patience to nourish the word, or the He held a triangular piece of glass tree, as time goes on you may pluck in the range of the light, and there the fruit thereof, which is most pre- were reflected in great beauty all the cious and delicious to the taste. colors of the rainbow. And for the first I testify to you that if you do these time man learned that all of the glori- things— truly try this experiment ous colors regarding the word of God as con- of the universe are locked in a ray of white light. tained in the gospel of Jesus Christ up It is important that live all and live in accordance with the we the principles of the gospel and obey commandments therein set forth, all the that nourishing the truths of the gospel commandments the Lord has given us if are to you shall have the privilege of feasting we grow more nearly like our Father and his Be- upon this fruit; your faith will be loved Son. cannot say, I fully rewarded and will develop into We "Oh, believe in missionary work— it is a sure knowledge of the truth of the important; I thoroughly converted gospel of Jesus Christ. am to the welfare plan or the wonderful We testify that when occasion re- social program of the Church for its quires, the voice of God can be heard young people; but I don't believe by the Lord's latter-day prophets; that Joseph Smith was a prophet or that they can tune in through the that our present prophets are guided instrument of faith; and that even by revelation from the Lord." you and I can see beyond the veil, Some may say, "I believe the if it is in accordance with the Lord's Book of Mormon, but I can't believe will and if we are in tune with the that it was received from an angel Infinite. as Joseph said it was." With a wavering faith of that kind, A fullness of joy how can such a person expect to have The Latter-day Saints believe and the true light of Christ, the true un- teach that without the experience of derstanding and light of the gospel? mortal life, its problems and accom- How can he expect to receive the plishments, and without a resurrected blessings that the Lord has promised

body, the spirit of man cannot have to the faithful? If he leaves out any ELDER WILLIAM H. BENNETT 91

one of these principles, he does not May we grow in faith through the get pure white light. If he fails to love and blessing of our Lord and have faith in all the principles of the Savior. May we keep the command- gospel and does not have faith to live ments that he has given us, that we in accordance therewith, he cannot may ultimately find salvation and expect to get the pure light of the exaltation in his celestial kingdom, I gospel in his heart. pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. D Horizon extended President N. Eldon Tanner

If you truly have faith in God Elder Joseph Anderson, Assistant sufficient to impel you to keep his to the Council of the Twelve, has just commandments, you will draw addressed us. nearer to him and he will come We shall now be pleased to hear from nearer to you, and your faith will Elder William H. Bennett, Assistant become knowledge, and the limit of to the Twelve, and he will be followed your horizon will extend into the by Elder Howard W. Hunter of the eternal world. Council of the Twelve.

Elder William H. Bennett

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

It was two years ago, my brothers and Purpose of gospel sisters, when I was called to be an As I thought about what I might say Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. today, I reminded myself of the mission These years have brought new chal- of the Church and the purpose of lenges and many choice and wonderful the gospel of Jesus Christ. Specifically, experiences. Today I should like to be- back to state- gin my message by expressing gratitude my mind went some ments made by the Savior. In the to my Father in heaven, to the leaders Pearl of Great Price we read, "For of the Church, and to my loved ones, behold, this is my work and my for their confidence in me and for their immortality support and sustaining hand. glory— to bring to pass the and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.)

Missionary assignment Then in his Sermon on the Mount, the Savior said, "Be ye therefore per- Now I have received a new assign- fect, even as your Father which is in ment from the First Presidency, to heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:38.) In these preside over the Florida South Mission. words I find an expression of hope Along with my call, a call was issued and confidence as well as a challenge to Sister Bennett to serve at my side as from our Savior. my companion and to be the supervisor

of the activities of the women and I then thought about how the children in the mission. We are deeply Church and the gospel can help men

grateful for this call and accept it and women in reaching these great without reservations. It is our desire to objectives. The words of President direct the affairs of the mission in ac- David O. McKay came to mind: "The cordance with the instructions of the purpose of the gospel is to make bad First Presidency. We ask for an interest men good and good men better— to in your faith and prayers. change men's lives." 92 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

I also contemplated the day-to-day Doing good is a pleasure; a joy be- operations of the Church and the per- yond measure, formance of Church members in the A blessing of duty and love." stakes, wards, and missions as revealed —Hymns, no. 58 in stake activity reports, genealogy There are opportunities all around reports, mission reports, etc.; and I us if we are but alert to them. To il-

realized that, while the Church and its lustrate this, I should like to share members have moved forward and up- with you several personal experiences

ward in many ways, there is much I have had over the years that bear this more that needs to be done. out and that have strengthened my own testimony, enriched my life, and missionary Two needs enabled me to explain the gospel to others. It has been my privilege to tour a

number of the full-time missions. I Obstacle to success have also witnessed firsthand the The question, "What is the main work of many stake missions. As I obstacle to success in stake mis- have done so, I have become keenly sionary work?" was asked by Presi- of great that aware two needs should dent S. Dilworth Young of a group receive attention if we are to raise per- of stake missionaries in the East Cache formance in missionary work both at Stake some years ago. A lady mis- and abroad. home sionary's prompt reply was, "The fail- First, members of the Church ure of too many Latter-day Saints to everywhere should remind themselves live the gospel as Latter-day Saints that the gospel is to be preached and should." example and not just by taught by As I have attended stake conferences, of mouth. lives of all Church word The I have observed that this also applies members should be shining examples to other stakes in the Church. We can of the gospel of Jesus Christ in action. and ought to do something to change

Second, as members of the Church, this situation. We can change it by it is our responsibility to assist the letting our lives be shining examples missionaries in finding investigators of the gospel of Jesus Christ in action. to whom the message of the gospel can Experience of infantry patrol be taught. The missionary program needs the help of all of us young and — During World War II, while serving old —and it needs our help now. with the 31st Infantry Division in the

Dutch East Indies, I was placed in "There are chances for work all a patrol around just now, command of charged with the responsibility of searching out Opportunities right in our way; and destroying enemy supply bases. Do not let them pass by, saying, As we proceeded on one particular 'Sometime I'll try/ patrol behind enemy lines, a native But go and do something today. dog fell in with our group; and try " 'Tis noble of man to work and to as we would, we couldn't get that

give, dog to leave. I became concerned about Love's labor has merit alone; this. Later on, however, its alertness to suspicious the point Only he who does something is caused us be to worthy to live, where we took extra precautions as we proceeded on to lower ground after The world has no use for the drone. coming to a fork in the trail. Therefore, "Then wake up, and do something when the enemy opened fire shortly more thereafter, we were not caught Than dream of your mansion above; completely by surprise. Four men ELDER WILLIAM H. BENNETT 93

were wounded in the initial burst of vers in the Louisiana-Texas area, my fire, but not a single man lost his platoon sergeant, Sergeant Tiffin, came life. We were able to evacuate the to me during a ten-minute break and wounded and withdraw to the rear said, "Lieutenant Bennett, you know under heavy machine gun and rifle and I know that we will be going fire without losing a single man. overseas in the near future, and that

Sergeant Leslie E. Milam of Natchi- when we go overseas it will not be toches, Louisiana, the only other long until we find ourselves in combat. Mormon in my company, was with me When we get into combat, sooner or on this patrol. After we returned to later some of us will be required to take the rear, he was contacted by Sergeant the life of one or more of the enemy.

Dabbs, our platoon guide, who said I have been taught that if this should that he was aware that Sergeant Milam happen, I will be held responsible for and I had been meeting on Sundays, the blood which I shed, even though I whenever conditions would permit, am a victim of circumstance. This is for short religious discussions. He bothering me. Lieutenant, I know that indicated that he knew that our lives you are a Mormon. What does your had been miraculously saved in this church teach regarding this matter?" patrol, and he requested permission to What an excellent opportunity for meet with us in our next religious me to share with Sergeant Tiffin the discussion. He did meet with us, and statement of the First Presidency to he was just as sincere as we were in all LDS servicemen throughout the expressing gratitude to our Father in world, which statement was part of heaven for his protection and watchful the servicemen's kit given to each LDS care. soldier who entered military service. Shortly after this ambush, Private Similar instructions are found in the Collins, who went through the ambush servicemen's kits that are made avail- with us, sought me out one night after able to our servicemen today. dark and said, "Lieutenant Bennett, For the balance of that day, when-

I think we had some help from on high ever we had a ten-minute break, out there the other day." Sergeant Tiffin and I continued the

I replied, "Well, I don't know just discussion. Each time we met, he how you feel about it, Collins, or how brought others with him; and when we the other boys feel; but as far as I'm went into the bivouac area at night, concerned, I know we did." the discussions continued into the hours. What a tremendous op- He then said, "And I know we did, wee Lieutenant Bennett, and there is some- portunity to share the teachings of the of Jesus Christ! thing else I want to say. I've been a gospel rough character in the past. I've done The Book of Mormon most of the things I shouldn't have One evening on board ship, while done, but it's going to be different in sailing from Yokohama, Japan, to the future. I'm a changed man." Seattle, Washington, after the end of I have thought about this choice World War II, I began talking to the experience many times, for it provided officer in the bunk next to me about me with a great opportunity to ex- the Book of Mormon. He was not a plain the gospel message to Private member of the Church, but he lived Collins under conditions where his in the Worland, Wyoming, area, and heart and his mind were open. so he knew quite a bit about the Mor- mons. We had a lengthy but interesting Sharing gospel teachings discussion. Just prior to going overseas during The next morning the officer in the

World War II, while we were on maneu- bunk above me, who had listened the 94 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

night before but hadn't joined in her name and address and permission to the discussion, came to me and said, send her a copy of the Book of Mor-

"Where can I get a copy of that Book mon, some Church welfare pamphlets, of Mormon you were talking about and other Church literature. last night?" Many missionary opportunities I said, "Give me your address, and true experiences I'll send you a copy just as soon as I These examples of return to Salt Lake City." in my life indicate that the door is that I sent it along with a few tracts wide open and many opportunities and had his name referred to the mis- are available for doing missionary work sionaries, that he might be contacted. — if we are just alert and will put forth a little effort. The joys associated with Missionary referrals going the extra mile to open the door and reach the hearts of people with While I was touring the South respect to the gospel message can be Africa Mission a little over a year illustrated by quoting a few sentences ago, President Harlan Clark and I from a letter I received from a friend boarded the plane at Johannesburg to of mine just a few months ago: fly to Port Elizabeth, there to meet "I love the gospel very much. My with the missionaries. President Clark testimony is my most prized possession, took a seat next to a businessman, and and I couldn't live without it. My I took one next to a nurse. We both greatest happiness has been through received referrals, which were passed participating in Church activities . . . on to the missionaries for appropriate and in missionary work. I have served follow-up. for seven years as a stake missionary, A few years ago I was assigned to and I have supported a total of eight the Tampa Stake conference in Florida. full-time missionaries in the field. I had to change planes in Chicago. As I have a special love for missionary I boarded the plane after making the work." change, I found that I had been as- May we all feel more dedicated to signed a seat next to a young lady this great, unselfish service of love who was very busily engaged in reading that we refer to as missionary work, the newspaper. When I sat down, I and may we be willing in our hearts to did not disturb her. But all at once she make a greater contribution to its for- said, "This is disgusting." ward progress. I replied, "What is disgusting?" I bear you my testimony that this She said, "The point of view that so work is true. God lives, and his Son many people have today that they Jesus Christ is indeed our Savior, the should look to the government to Redeemer of mankind. The Church satisfy every want and need." of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is I responded, "You must be a Mor- the true church, and I bear you this mon." testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. "No, I'm not a Mormon," she re- Amen.

plied, "but I have heard about the wel- fare program of the Mormon Church, President N. Eldon Tanner and I think it is just wonderful." This too provided an opportunity Elder Howard W. Hunter will speak to explain the gospel. Before I reached to us now. He is a member of the my destination, she had given me Council of the Twelve. 95

Elder Howard W. Hunter

Of the Council of the Twelve

Observing the clock, I fold the notes Then I saw the big bird fly up into

that I have prepared and place them in a tree. He pecked at the bark for a my inside pocket. But let me take just little while and came back with a a moment to mention a little incident big bug in his mouth. The little bird that made an impression upon me when opened his beak wide, but the big

I was a boy. This came to my mind bird swallowed the bug. There was

when it was mentioned that there are squawking in protest. with us this afternoon a large group The big bird flew away, and I of dedicated people who teach our didn't see it again, but I watched the youth. little bird. After a while, the little A teacher bird hopped out on the lawn, thumped

It was on a summer day early in its feet, cocked its head, and pulled lawn. the morning. I was standing near the a big worm out of the window. The curtains obstructed me God bless the good people who little creatures out on the from two teach our children and our youth, I the lawn. One was a large bird and humbly pray, in Jesus' name. Amen. other a little bird, obviously just out

of the nest. I saw the larger bird hop President N. Eldon Tanner out on the lawn, then thump his feet and cock his head. He drew a big Brother Hunter heard me ask Presi- fat worm out of the lawn and came dent Brown if he would like to bear hopping back. The little bird opened his testimony. President Brown said he its bill wide, but the big bird would, so we would like to hear from swallowed the worm. President Brown now, please.

Elder Hugh B. Brown

Of the Council of the Twelve

May I express my appreciation to the And then as 1 was attempting to walk

First Presidency for permitting me to past that house, I was prompted to go in

say a word here this afternoon, and it and try again to make contact. I used will be just a word. the big brass knocker on the English

Many things have been said about door without any response. I could missionaries and missionary work. see a lady in the front room knitting,

That has been the first love of my life, and I made considerable noise with that and I have been reminded of several knocker. She did not come out, and I things that happened sixty-eight years went around to the back door. There ago when I went to England. One I was no knocker on that door so I

should like to relate. used my walking stick, and I knocked

with considerable vigor; in fact, it A missionary and his message echoed through all the house.

I had gone to a certain house Very soon the lady came out, and several times and had been rejected her coming out reminded me of my early

and warned not to come back again, but days on the farm when I teased a setting

I was prompted to go again and again. hen off the nest. (I see some of you have 96 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

had farm experience.) You know that that divine message and to leave it a setting hen when she is teased off the with me in the name of the Lord." nest comes off with her feathers going in the wrong direction, with her beak in Divinity of the work perpetual motion, and this woman re- My brethren and sisters, I want minded me of that. to bear witness to you as to the divinity I apologized and said, "I am sorry of this work. From the center of my to have interrupted you and have in- heart to the ends of my fingers and toes, sisted upon an interview, but, my I know that this is the work of God. dear sister, I have come over six thou- I know that the gospel has been restored. sand miles to bring you a message I know that the men who are leading which the Lord wants you to have. He the Church are inspired and directed by sent me here to give you that message. him who appointed them. I know the I am going back to Canada in a few gospel will roll forth until it fills the days, and I must tell you what the whole earth, and I am looking forward Lord wants you to know." to the time when all of us will be She said, "You mean the Lord sent united on the other side and carry on a message to me!" the great work that we have so falter- I said, "That is right; he did." ingly tried to do here on earth. I told her of the restoration of the I leave this testimony with you, and gospel, the organization of the Church, my blessing. I pray God to bless and the message of the restoration. all who are here, and all who are lis- She was quite impressed by what I tening; in fact, all men everywhere. told her. And I said when I left, "I O Father, bless these people that they am sorry to have disturbed you, but may catch the spirit of this work and I could not refuse to carry out the devote themselves assiduously to message and the mission that was given spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to to me when I came here. When we all the world. meet again, and we will meet again, I leave this testimony and this mes- you are going to say, 'Thank you for sage and this prayer with you, humbly, coming to my back door. Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. for loving me enough to carry the mes- sage of the Lord to me. When you President N. Eldon Tanner left I could hardly contain myself. I have just heard the testimony was worried, disturbed, and wondered We of Elder Hugh B. Brown. what it was all about. I finally went to like advise that the mission home, got some literature, We should to you the Sunday morning session will be studied, and became a member of the " broadcast by many radio and television Church with my family.' stations in the western United States, Fruits of labor and by short-wave over Radio New York Worldwide to Europe, South Ten years later I was in England America, Central America, Africa, and again, this time as a soldier, and at the parts of Asia. end of the meeting a lady came up with Over 70 radio stations will broad- two grown daughters. She said, "I do cast conference in Spanish Sunday thank God and thank you that you morning to major cities of Mexico came to my door with that message and Central America, and by satellite many years ago. I and my daughters to countries of South America, to- joined the Church and we are going to gether with Spanish programming sta- Utah in a short time, and we thank tions in this country to a potential God that you had the courage, the forti- Latin American audience of 42 million tude, and the faith to come to me with people. ELDER HOWARD W. HUNTER 97

Radio stations in Brazil will broad- their talents to contribute to the en- cast conference in Portuguese, also joyment of others. by means of satellite, to a potential Under the the direction of Jay Welch, Brazilian audience of 14 million. with Roy M. Darley at the organ, this Through special arrangements ses- chorus will now sing, "Dear to the sions of this morning and Sunday will Heart of the Shepherd." be carried from the Tabernacle over The benediction will then be offered direct oceanic cables to a large num- by Elder C. Leland Davey, former ber of saints assembled in many chapels president of the Ontario-Quebec Mis- throughout Great Britain, Germany, sion. France, Holland, Belgium, and Austria This conference will then be ad- on Sunday. journed until 10 o'clock tomorrow Tabernacle The CBS Radio Network morning. Choir Broadcast tomorrow morning will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Those de- siring to attend this broadcast must be in their seats no later than 9:15 a.m. The Combined Seminary Chorus On behalf of all who have listened sang the hymn, "Dear to the Heart of to the singing during this session of the the Shepherd." General Conference, we express our The closing prayer was offered by appreciation and sincere thanks to the Elder C. Leland Davey, former presi- members of this Combined Seminary dent of the Ontario-Quebec Mission. Chorus for the beautiful music they The general sessions were then ad- have rendered. They are very choice, journed until Sunday morning at 10 talented young people, prepared to use o'clock.

GENERAL PRIESTHOOD MEETING

FIFTH SESSION These services are being transmitted over closed-circuit wire and will reach The General Priesthood Meeting of members of the priesthood gathered in the Church convened at 7 o'clock p.m. the Assembly Hall on Temple Square Saturday, April 8, 1972, with President and in approximately 700 other sepa- Joseph Fielding Smith presiding. Presi- rate locations. Approximately 170,000 dent Harold B. Lee, first counselor in men of the priesthood will participate the First Presidency, conducted the in this meeting throughout the United meeting. States and Canada. The Brigham Young University Faculty Priesthood Chorus furnished the We extend our greetings and bless- choral music for this session. A. Harold ings to all the priesthood members Goodman served as the conductor, and assembled here in the Tabernacle and Alexander Schreiner was at the organ. Assembly Hall and in the various President Lee made the following buildings throughout the United introductory statement: States and Canada. The singing during this session will President Harold B. Lee be furnished by the Brigham Young

This is the General Priesthood ses- University Faculty Priesthood Chorus, sion of the 142nd Annual Conference with A. Harold Goodman conducting, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- and Alexander Schreiner at the organ. day Saints. We shall begin this service by the 98 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

shall be chorus singing, "Praise to the Man," the Love," following which we beloved after which Elder Allen M. Swan, Re- privileged to hear from our gional Representative of the Twelve, leader, President Joseph Fielding Smith. will offer the invocation.

The Brigham Young University The Brigham Young University Faculty Priesthood Chorus sang the Faculty Priesthood Chorus sang the number, "Praise to the Man." hymn, "How Great the Wisdom and The opening prayer was offered by the Love." Elder Allen M. Swan, Regional Repre- sentative of the Twelve. President Lee President Lee The first speaker at this General The chorus will now favor us with Priesthood Session will be President the hymn, "How Great the Wisdom and Joseph Fielding Smith.

President Joseph Fielding Smith

My dear brethren of the priesthood: I that the Lord will bless and prosper greet you in love and in fellowship them in their new callings of trust and and in thanksgiving for the many of responsibility and of service. blessings which the Lord has showered upon us. The right of presidency

Call of General Authorities Now 1 shall say a few words to you about the priesthood and those keys

May I say that it is a source of par- which the Lord has conferred upon us ticular satisfaction to me that the Lord, in- this final gospel dispensation. through me, has called some of our We hold the holy Melchizedek brethren to new positions of service Priesthood, which is the power and among the General Authorities. As authority of God delegated to man on you know, he called Bishop John H. earth to act in all things for the salva- Vandenberg and Bishop Robert L. tion of men. Simpson to serve as Assistants to the We also hold the keys of the king- Twelve. Each of them has been as- dom of God on earth, which king- signed important responsibilities in dom is The Church of Jesus Christ of connection with his new calling. And as Latter-day Saints. you also know, the Lord has called These keys are the right of presi- Victor L. Brown to be the Presiding dency; they are the power and authority Bishop of his church, with H. Burke to govern and direct all of the Lord's Peterson to serve as the first counselor affairs on earth. Those who hold them

and Vaughn J. Featherstone as the sec- have power to govern and control the ond counselor in the Presiding Bishop- manner in which all others may serve ric. in the priesthood. All of us may hold

All five of these brethren are able the priesthood, but we can only use it and faithful, and their special talents as authorized and directed so to do by are now needed in the building up of those who hold the keys. the kingdom in the fields of their as- This priesthood and these keys were signments. They may all rest assured conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oli- PRESIDENT JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH 99

ver Cowdery by Peter, James, and John, dency and the united voice of those and by Moses and Elijah and others of others who hold with them the keys the ancient prophets. They have been of the kingdom shall always guide the given to each man who has been set Saints and the world in those paths apart as a member of the Council of where the Lord wants them to be. the Twelve. But since they are the right The Lord said very plainly to Joseph of presidency, they can only be ex- Smith "that it shall not be given to any ercised in full by the senior apostle of one to go forth to preach my gospel, God on earth, who is the president of or to build up my church, except he be the Church. ordained by some one who has author-

ity, and it is known to the church that Keys belong to Presidency he has authority and has been regularly ordained May I now say—very plainly and by the heads of the church." very emphatically— that we have the (D&C 42:11.) holy priesthood and that the keys of Keys of the kingdom the kingdom of God are here. They are found only in The Church of Jesus And also: "The keys of the kingdom Christ of Latter-day Saints. of God are committed unto man on the By revelation to Joseph Smith, the earth, and from thence shall the gospel Lord said that these keys "belong al- roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as ways unto the Presidency of the High the stone which is cut out of the moun- Priesthood" (D&C 81:2), and also, tain without hands shall roll forth, "Whosoever receiveth my word re- until it has filled the whole earth." ceiveth me, and whosoever receiveth (D&C 65:2.) receiveth me, those, the First Presi- Now, brethren, these things are true. dency, whom I have sent" (D&C The Lord is with his people. The cause 112:20). of righteousness shall prevail. Our In this same connection the Prophet cause is just, and the Lord will guide Joseph Smith said: "You must make and direct us and bring us off trium- yourselves acquainted with those men phant in the end. who like Daniel pray three times a day I testify that if we shall look to the toward the House of the Lord. Look First Presidency and follow their coun- to the Presidency and receive instruc- sel and direction, no power on earth tion." can stay or change our course as a church, and as individuals we shall gain Guidance for saints peace in this life and be inheritors of

Now, brethren, I think there is one eternal glory in the world to come. thing which we should have exceed- And I say this to you, my good breth- ingly clear in our minds. Neither the ren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. President of the Church, nor the First Presidency, nor the united voice of President Harold B. Lee the First Presidency and the Twelve will ever lead the Saints astray or send forth President Joseph Fielding Smith has counsel to the world that is contrary just spoken to us in that remarkable to the mind and will of the Lord. and powerful address that sets the key- An individual may fall by the way- note for this meeting. side, or have views, or give counsel Bishop Victor L. Brown, newly which falls short of what the Lord sustained as Presiding Bishop of the intends. But the voice of the First Presi- Church, will now address us. 100 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

Bishop Victor L. Brown

Presiding Bishop

My dear brethren, my spirit is subdued a fellow counselor in the Denver Stake and my heart is full tonight as I stand presidency, and now for more than ten before this great body of priesthood and years as one of his counselors in the

realize that there are thousands upon Presiding Bishopric. I want him and you

thousands in other gatherings through- to know that I love and appreciate him.

out the Church, and as I contemplate He is a man of great ability. I am deeply the responsibilities that have been grateful for having had the privilege placed on my shoulders. of being his counselor. Bishop Simpson, as first counselor New calling in the Presiding Bishopric, has made a great contribution to the Church, as evi- After receiving my call the other denced by the love the people every- day, I was asked by President Lee if I where have for him. He is a man was shocked. I had difficulty replying. without guile. Being shocked was an understatement. I might say that the aftershocks have Response of counselors been much more severe than the ori-

ginal. Notwithstanding this, I have faith And now I am deeply grateful to two and look forward with great anticipa- wonderful high priests for their dedica- tion and enthusiasm to the future. tion and total commitment to the Lord, the I do this because I know that God which caused them to respond to

lives. I know that his Son, Jesus Christ, call to complete the Presiding Bishopric the Savior of mankind, is the head of as my counselors.

this Church and that he is actively di- In approaching the task of selecting recting the affairs of this, his Church counselors, 1 sought the inspiration of today, through his prophet, President the Lord in prayer. I reviewed hun- Joseph Fielding Smith, who has just dreds of names of worthy brethren, borne witness in such a powerful way any of whom could have been called. of his calling and also of mine. The two who were called were the ones witnessed con- I also know I have been called by the Lord wanted. You the Lord through his prophets, as Presi- firmation of this truth as you listened in first session dent Smith announced, and that if I to their testimonies the will repent of my sins, He will bless of this conference. me and strengthen me for the tasks Duties of Presiding Bishopric ahead. If i did not know these things to

be true, I would not have the courage We recognize our dependence on nor the temerity to accept such a call. our Heavenly Father in assuming the Even knowing this, it is frightening to responsibility as your Presiding Bishop- contemplate assuming such a sacred ric. We have but one desire and that is, trust. to accomplish the work of the Lord in his own way and in his own time, for Tribute to former leaders we recognize that this is his Church. The last ten and one-half years We are his servants called to assist him under the direction of a great leader, in accomplishing his purpose, which is Bishop John H. Vandenberg, have been "to bring to pass the immortality and

wonderful indeed. I have been asso- eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) ciated with him as a member of my The Presiding Bishopric functions

stake presidency when I served as under the supervision and direction of bishop of the Denver Fourth Ward, as the First Presidency, who constitute BISHOP VICTOR L. BROWN 101

the presidency of all the priesthood The greatest of all lessons was the throughout the world. Under their di- example my father and mother set for rection and through their delegation, me. Next was the example of my dea- the Presiding Bishopric presides as the cons quorum adviser, who was also presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood my Scoutmaster. Brother Ben Wood throughout the world. was the epitome of what leaders of The Aaronic Priesthood is the lesser boys should be. Every boy under his priesthood. It is a preparatory priest- leadership felt his great love. His in- hood preparing its holders for the fluence was not limited to Sunday greater or Melchizedek Priesthood. morning or Tuesday evening; it was

Therefore, the Presiding Bishopric's felt all through the week. I shall ever be responsibility is to support and sus- grateful to my deacons adviser for the tain the presidency of the Melchizedek lessons of life he taught me as a twelve- Priesthood by assisting in the prepara- year-old deacon, lessons that have tion and qualifying of young men to helped me from that day until now. receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. Many young men throughout the In this regard we sustain the inspired world are having experiences today

prospective elders program that has similar to those I had as a twelve-year- just been introduced. There are tens of old boy. All of you, whether you are thousands of wonderful adult male twelve years of age or older, have the members of the Church who hold the opportunity to experience these won- Aaronic Priesthood or who have not derful things. been ordained whose spiritual welfare A son of God has now been assigned to the elders quorum presidencies of the Church. The foundation on which each boy This program is, and will become even begins is recognition that he is in very more so, a great blessing to these breth- deed a son of God, with something of ren. the divine in his soul. All men are chil- dren of God, but you have something Blessings through more. You have the authority to act in Aaronic Priesthood his name. This sets you apart from the

rest of the world. It does not automati- As I now reflect on the responsibility that has come to me as the president of cally make you better than others, but it gives you the responsibility to live a the Aaronic Priesthood, I recall some of better life than others. my feelings as a boy. I am humbled by the many blessings the Lord has granted Because you know you are a child of me through the Aaronic Priesthood. God and hold his priesthood, more is expected of you than of those who do I remember with some clarity the this blessing. thrill of passing the sacrament as a not have great deacon in the Cardston Second Ward, I have been thrilled as I have met Alberta Stake, in Canada. That same young men of the Aaronic Priesthood throughout the Church who have a thrill returns each time I am invited to pass the sacrament to the General Au- comprehension of the great blessing thorities in our monthly meeting in the and honor that is theirs by virtue of Salt Lake Temple. this priesthood and who have conse- quently begun to build their lives on a I remember how I considered it an honor to participate in such a sacred sure foundation.

service. I remember so well how my Experience in Pago Pago Stake parents taught me that my hands and

heart should be clean and pure so that I I was in the Pago Pago Stake in would be worthy to participate in this American Samoa. President Peters, the ordinance. stake president, invited me to accom- 102 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

pany him to one of the ward sacrament I witnessed as much enthusiasm and meetings. We arrived unannounced, excitement among these teams of young so there were no special arrangements men of the Aaronic Priesthood as one made. normally sees at a basketball or soccer

It was a hot, humid day. As we ap- game. Because of the location, it was

proached the humble, one-room chapel not as vocal, but it was just as intense.

with no air-conditioning, I suggested it It was fun for them to make the scrip- might be appropriate to leave our tures become a part of themselves. jackets off. President Peters was quick to tell me that they wore jackets in sac- Honor of priesthood ordination rament meeting in their stake—no After a meeting with some of our matter what the temperature —as a servicemen in Da Nang, South Vietnam, means of showing the Lord that they one man in battle dress came up to me not only worshiped him but they also and asked if I would write a letter to his honored and respected him by being parents, who were nonmembers, ex- dressed in their very best. plaining to them the great honor that As I took my place on the stand, had come to him that day. He said there sat the priests and deacons at they knew nothing about the Church the sacrament table. Each had on a shirt, and asked, "Bishop Brown, would you tie, and jacket. It was so hot and hu- mind telling them what a great honor it mid. was for me to be ordained a priest in The normal dress of the islands is the Aaronic Priesthood today?" very casual, as you know, but in the Some time ago in New York City a eyes of these wonderful Samoan fine-looking young man said to me, "It leaders and their Aaronic Priesthood isn't easy to be a Jew and a Mormon." boys, participating in the sacred sacra- When this *young man was baptized, his ment service was not a casual experi- parents were so displeased they held a ence. It was a sacred duty. They felt formal funeral. As far as they are con- that their appearance helped show the cerned, their son is dead. respect and reverence they had for How important it is that all young the Lord. I shall never forget their in- men of the Aaronic Priesthood recog- fluence of reverence in that meeting. nize their responsibility as priesthood Surely their understanding of their holders and, as President McKay used relationship with Heavenly Father is an to say, act accordingly. important step in magnifying their priesthood. Cause of youth

Scripture contest And now a word to fathers, bishops,

One day several years ago, I at- and other Aaronic Priesthood leaders, tended the finals of an Aaronic Priest- with emphasis for the fathers. With a hood scripture contest in Sao Paulo, feeling of brotherhood and love, we the Brazil. These were the finals in a Presiding Bishopric lock arms with mission-wide contest held under the you in the great causes of youth. Never direction of President Wayne Beck. has there been a finer generation of Sitting on the stand, acting as judges, young people.

were the district counselors. Gathered I have a conviction that the spirits of in small groups through the chapel were this generation were held back by the the contestants. As they were called up Lord to come forth at this time because before the judges, they were challenged they are special spirits. And yet the to repeat from memory scriptures se- world into which they have come is lected at random by the judges and filled with evil and temptation. Satan then to explain the meaning of each is at work with his legions. We who scripture. have been called — in the home and in ELDER ]. THOMAS FYANS 103

the Church— to lead the youth have a If you will take the time to become sacred responsibility to them. involved with these young people and see that they become involved with Parental responsibility you, you can become saviors on Mount Regarding the home, the Lord has Zion to many. You are the ones, along said in the Doctrine and Covenants: with the other leaders in the wards "And again, inasmuch as parents and branches, who make the difference. have children in Zion, or in any of her We want you to know of our love stakes which are organized, that teach and support for you. We are grateful to them not to understand the doctrine of the Lord for each of you and pray our repentance, faith in Christ the Son of Heavenly Father's blessings upon us all the living God, and of baptism and the that, through our united and devoted gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying leadership, we may help every young on of the hands, when eight years old, man in this church honor his priest- the sin be upon the heads of the par- hood so that not one of these precious ents. children of God will be lost. I pray this "And they shall also teach their chil- humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. dren to pray, and to walk uprightly Amen. D before the Lord." (D&C 68:25, 28.) President Harold B. Lee The first responsibility rests with the parents. The position of the Church I am sure that you would wish me is to aid the parents and the family, not to extend to Bishop Brown and his to replace them. counselors your support, your blessing and your prayers for their ministry in Charge to leaders this great responsibility. Bishops, you are the presidents of Bishop Victor L. Brown, the Presid- the priests quorums, and with your ing Bishop of the Church, has just counselors you are the presidency of spoken to us. the Aaronic Priesthood in your wards.

These young men need your leadership. Elder J. Thomas Fyans, managing They need your attention, for you have director of the Department of Internal a special calling with a special blessing. Communications, will now address us. You have the power of discernment. He will be followed by Elder Paul H. You are common judges in Israel. Dunn of the First Council of Seventy.

Elder J. Thomas Fyans

Director of Internal Communications

In the 64th section of the Doctrine and Twelve, a Department of Internal Com- Covenants, verse 34, we are told, "Be- munications has been organized. Three hold, the Lord requireth the heart and a members of the Council of the Twelve ." willing mind. . . There are many are advisers to this organization. They such people, both on a church-service are Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder basis and some giving their full time, Thomas S. Monson, and Elder Boyd K. who are responding to the challenge of Packer. We are grateful to them for getting the materials to you on time. their continuous inspiration. The Department of Internal Com- Department of munications has assignments in four Internal Communications major areas: instructional materials, Under the direction of the First magazines, administrative services, and Presidency and the Council of the distribution and translation. 104 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

The director of instructional ma- the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be found terials, Daniel H. Ludlow, and all who the way to salvation." work at his side have the responsibility This we find within the covers of the to coordinate curriculum planning, April issue of the Ensign. What a tool to supervise the writing of curriculum for the use of the home teachers or to materials, and to direct the correlation be shared in family home evening! of these materials. Meetings are held The magazines will become more with representatives of all of the priest- and more vital because they will be hood committees and the executives interwoven into the curriculum of the of the auxiliary organizations that in- Church. There will be a discernible fluence the lives of the members of the move of the magazines into a role of Church. These are top-level planning aiding the family in family home eve- meetings, and there are beyond these nings. meetings innumerable hours, days, weeks, months spent in the actual crea- Administrative services tion and correlation of these materials The director of administrative ser- that are produced under the direction vices, James M. Paramore, and his as- of these committees and organizations. sociates supervise the budgeting within Magazines our organization. Their responsibility is to assure that we utilize these sacred The director of magazines, Doyle L. funds with the deference they are due. Green, and those who assist him have They are charged with production coor- the responsibility to supervise the pub- dination as well and will keep us in- lication of the Ensign, the New Era, the formed of any item that is falling Friend, and the non-English maga- behind the predetermined schedule so zines. that corrective action can be taken im- Let us look within the covers of the mediately. April Ensign and accompany President The first publication of this dispen- Harold B. Lee as he "walked today sation was the Book of Mormon, the where Jesus walked." He begins by result of a translation of ancient records saying, "For three glorious days we given to Joseph Smith by Moroni, who walked on sacred ground and felt the had hid them for the coming forth in influence of the greatest person who our day. The first distribution—namely, ever lived upon this earth, Jesus the the Book of Mormon—was when the Christ, the very Son of the living God." Prophet Joseph Smith's brother Samuel went forth to declare that the Lord May we visit with President Lee the had spoken again and that the book he Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem had was the evidence of the fulfillment and hear him tell us, "There seemed to of prophecy. This was prior to the or- be in this place a kind of spiritual assur- ganization of the Church just 142 years ance that this was indeed a hallowed ago this past Thursday. spot."

May we just pick up his final para- Translation and distribution graph: "I came away from some of these experiences never to feel the The translation and distribution in same again about the mission of our our day are directed by John E. Carr. He

Lord and Savior. I had impressed upon and his able assistants have charge of me, as I have never had it impressed warehousing and distributing all of the before, what it means to be a special English materials as well as having the witness. I say, with all the conviction responsibility of translating, printing, of my soul, I know that Jesus lives. I warehousing, and distributing the non- know that he was the very Son of God. English materials of the Church

And I know that in this church and in throughout the world. To accomplish ELDER ]. THOMAS FYANS 105

this task of bringing these hundreds of presidents, and branch presidents to- items to those who require them, mem- night. bers of the Church are working in The distribution department pro- twenty-eight languages that reach sixty cesses hundreds of orders each day. countries. Their goal is to process these orders within twenty-four hours. We want to Distribution goals maintain this kind of service with the

By tonight catalogs of the 1972-73 normal flow of orders along with this materials together with pre-printed or- major general shipment, the date of der forms have been mailed to you who which I have just announced. are in the United States and Canada. A Magnitude of task similar procedure is being followed by the distribution centers in all parts of Let me indicate to you the magni- the world. tude of handling just one item. The May we give you a report of the Family Home Evening Manual requires present status of the materials for use thirteen carloads of paper. If we placed beginning in September. We have in the pages of the Family Home Evening the warehouse as of tonight 55 percent Manual end to end in a roll and at- of the materials that will be used by tached the end of the roll at the Salt

you beginning September 1. Additional Lake Airport to a jet as it takes off to materials are arriving daily. Dozens of the east, the jet could fly to Denver, printers are working vigorously to com- Colorado, and still have paper left in plete the balance by early May. the roll at the Salt Lake Airport. The jet

It is our intent to begin shipping to could continue on to Chicago, and then Canada and the eastern part of the to New York and to London, then to United States on Monday, May 15; to the Holy Land, across India to Bangkok, the Midwest beginning June 1; to the to Saigon, to Hong Kong, to Tokyo, West Coast the last two weeks in June; to San Francisco, and back to Salt Lake

to the intermountain states July 1; and City. We could then cut the paper and the last two weeks of July to the Wa- attach the two ends together to form a satch Front. This schedule will place ribbon around the entire circumference these materials in the hands of the units of the world. The hundreds of miles of of the Church by the first part of Au- paper that would be left over in the roll gust, so that you will have approxi- might be used to tie a bow. mately thirty days for local orientation This is just one item, brethren, of with the materials prior to the begin- the hundreds of items in the catalog. ning of the curriculum year on Septem- For weeks we will be shipping many

ber 1. truckloads of material every day.

We have a goal, and hopefully it in- Materials to be ready cludes you, and it is: "to provide for the members and organizations of the Within moments of the public an- Church approved material and litera- nouncement of this organization on ture of high quality and sufficient quan- January 3 of this year, President Harold tity on time and at the most reasonable B. Lee was giving me counsel. His first cost." Our major emphasis this year words penetrated to the very core. You will be on time. judge their motivational impact. These You can be instrumental in achiev- words were, "Tom, are you prepared to ing this goal by returning your pre- be shot at sunrise?" printed purchase orders, properly filled We have learned that this execution out, by the date suggested in the letter date is at daybreak Friday, September

of transmittal that is on the way to you 1, 1972. As we have distributed this bishops, stake presidents, mission message to our organization through- .

106 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

out the world, one small three-letter The inspiration of the First Presi- word has been added. "Are you pre- dency in bringing together in one pared NOT to be shot at sunrise?" organization the responsibilities of This is our international slogan. internal communications has made possible the progress reported tonight From the status report, you recog- and an important move toward the nize that many people have been and fulfillment of this scripture. are "anxiously engaged in a good I sustain the First Presidency and cause." We hope that each of you on the Council of the Twelve with all my that September morning at daybreak heart—and bear witness that they are can rest peacefully knowing that you in very deed prophets, seers, and reve- have the materials and that on Sunday, lators, in the name of Jesus Christ. September 3, the beginning of the cor- Amen. related year in the Northern Hemi- sphere, these materials will be utilized. President Harold B. Lee

In the 90th section of the Doctrine He to whom you have just listened

and Covenants, verse 11, we read: "For is Elder J. Thomas Fyans, managing

it shall come to pass in that day, that director of the Department of Internal every man shall hear the fulness of the Communications gospel in his own tongue, and in his We shall now hear from Elder Paul own language." H. Dunn of the First Council of Seventy.

Elder Paul H. Dunn

Of the First Council of the Seventy

My brethren, this is an awesome occa- Parents never let go sion for me, and I need your support I salute you fathers who have and the Spirit of my Heavenly Father. brought sons to this meeting, As Brother Fyans was describing the your and to others in buildings throughout length of the materials going around the country. You young priesthood bearers the world, I thought back to an English might as well learn early that your literature text I had in high school that dads and moms will never let ou go. was about that long and deep. y( This was brought very vividly to my at-

I am so honored to be here on this tention several conferences ago when

wonderful occasion, to sit at the feet one of the sessions in which I was a of a prophet of the Lord, to hear his speaker was televised to California. My counsel and direction, and to feel his mother resides there.

spirit. I was particularly impressed When I got back to the office after with a number of the younger priest- the session was over, there was a note

hood bearers in the audience who were to "call your mother." And so I did,

taking notes, listening to a prophet. I and I thought, "Well, she is calling to

would hope that you young priesthood congratulate her son." When I reached

bearers tonight have the sensitivity to her on the phone I asked, "Mom, how go home and record what has happened are you?"

in your life on this wonderful occasion. She said, "Paul, I just saw you on Think how many people in the world TV. Young man, you are not getting would be so honored, to sit in a special enough sleep. You look terrible." meeting with prophets, seers, and rev- Thank God for parents who care and elators. who never let go! ELDER PAUL H. DUNN 107

Priesthood leaders Know thyself

I am grateful for you priesthood To know thyself is to come to know leaders, you wonderful bishops and that you and I as priesthood bearers counselors, stake presidencies, others are literally the offspring of Deity; and who have precious priesthood assign- that means, young men, that you and I ments. 1 think of many bishops and were born to succeed; that in the pre- other leaders in my life as I look out existence you and I earned a right by over this great audience. our faithfulness and by our commit-

Not long ago I had an opportunity ment to worthy principles to come into to speak in Portland, Oregon. Lo and mortality in order that we might learn behold, in the audience was my former through the priesthood how to become bishop, Raymond Kirkham. He was like our Father. my bishop when I was an Aaronic That means, if I understand the

Priesthood boy. I had the courage to gospel correctly, that there isn't one call on him—and you know that can be single failure among us. The word can't risky, to call on a bishop who remem- is false doctrine in the Mormon Church. bers you when you were a boy. I re- When a young man says to me, "I can't minded him as he took the pulpit, do it," I become concerned because in

"Remember, I am the last speaker." a sense he is saying, "I don't understand He got bold and told those young the gospel." He may not be motivated; people of some interesting experiences he may have discouragements; there involving my youth. He said, "I knew may be barriers in his life; but you can this young man was destined for a posi- succeed. tion of leadership. He is the only I promise you young priesthood bearers that if really to deacon I ever had who, after passing the you come know sacrament, could crawl under a bench who you are through the scriptures and through the revealed doctrine of this and get out the back door before 1 rec- ognized he was gone." He said, "I knew church, you can accomplish anything in this life. he was going all the way, because he you want took the whole quorum with him." I don't mean to suggest by this that you won't stumble a time or two. That Now you young priesthood bearers, is a part of the growing process. The 1 have repented; and I am grateful for lives of many great men will testify bishops who stood at the back door to you that ofttimes they have many and redirected my paths. failures, and there is no disgrace in

I impressed here tonight have been falling down; the disgrace is lying there. with a number of things. I have re- To get up one more time than you fall flected the great talks of this con- upon is to be a winner. To stay down is to be ference, wonderful sermons, good a loser. counsel and advice. Tonight I would like to summarize my feelings, directed Babe Ruth's experience to you, the Aaronic Priesthood, for I think of that great immortal ath- what value it might have in your lives. lete, Babe Ruth, when I talk about the

I think if I could give a whole ser- principle of success and particularly mon in just six words it would be these: failure. Let me just share a little experi- Socrates said many years ago, "Know ence from his life. thyself," Cicero said, "Control thyself," It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and the Savior said, "Give thyself." Now in the summer of 1927, and 35,000 will you write that down, young breth- wildly excited baseball fans packed ren; contemplate the meaning while Shibe Park. They were giving Babe

I just share a thought concerning each Ruth the "razzberry" —and good! Lefty one. (Bob) Grove, one of the greatest left- 108 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

handed pitchers of all time, had just —one of the longest hits ever recorded. struck out Babe Ruth on three consecu- As Babe Ruth trotted around the tive pitched balls for the second succes- bases and across the plate behind the sive time. Two runners were stranded other runners—with what proved to be on the bases. the winning run—he received a wild As the great slugger returned to the ovation from the crowd. bench, amidst wild and abusive jeer- Ruth doffed his cap with that little ing, he looked up into the stands with smile, and the expression on his face an unruffled smile, just as he did the was exactly like the one he wore on his first time, gave his cap a polite little tip first two trips, when he had gone down from his perspiring brow, stepped down swinging. into the dugout, and calmly took a A batting slump drink of water. In the eighth inning, when he came Later in the season, after the Yanks up for his third time at bat, the situation clinched the American League pennant, was critical. The Athletics were leading Grantland Rice, interviewing the Babe, the Yankees, 3-1. The bases were full asked, "What do you do when you get and two were out. As Babe selected his in a batting slump?" favorite bat and started toward the Babe replied: "I just keep goin' up

plate, the crowd rose in a body, as if by there and keep swingin'. I know the old signal. The excitement was tremendous! law of averages will hold good for me

"Strike 'im out again!" pleaded the the same as it does for anybody else, if

fans to Grove. Strutting around the I keep havin' my healthy swings. If I

pitcher's box, it was easy to see that the strike out two or three times in a game, big southpaw believed he was just or fail to get a hit for a week, why

going to do that. should I worry? Let the pitchers worry; As the mighty batter took his posi- they're the guys who're gonna have tion, the crowd became hysterical. to pay for it later on." There was a pause. Mickey Cochrane, This unshakable faith in making the the A's great catcher, crouched to give law of averages work for him enabled the signal. Grove threw one with light- Babe Ruth to accept his bad breaks and

ning speed. Ruth swung; it was a foul failures with a smile. This simple phi- tip. "Str— ike one!" roared the umpire. losophy had much to do with making Again the signal, and the pitch was too him baseball's greatest slugger. His fast to follow. Again, Babe took that attitude of taking both good and bad in magnificent swing — and missed. stride made him one of the game's "Stri — i-i-ke two!" was the call. greatest heroes. Ruth staggered and went down. He Why is it, when we read about great had literally swung himself off his feet. athletes or men in other professions, we There was a cloud of dust as the big are seldom told about their failures? fellow sprawled on the ground. The For example, we now read of the amaz- crowd was going mad. Finally, regain- ing record of the immortal Babe Ruth, ing his feet, the "Bambino" brushed the with his total of 714 home runs; but dust off his trousers, dried his hands, another unapproached world's record of and got set for the next pitch. Grove his is carefully buried, and that is that delivered the ball so fast not a single fan he struck out more times than any other

could see it. Babe swung—but this time player in history— 1,330 times! he connected! It was only a split second One thousand three hundred and before everybody seemed to realize thirty times he suffered the humiliation what had happened. That ball was of walking back to the bench amidst never coming back. jeers and ridicule. But he never allowed

It disappeared over the scoreboard fear or discouragement or failure to and cleared the houses across the street keep him down. ELDER PAUL H. DUNN 109

Someone has said that success con- You don't know Jim Rusick, I think, sists not in never falling, but in rising unless you are related to him. I played every time you fall. Get up one more ball with Jim. Jim Rusick was a sixteen- time than you go down, young people, year-old boy on the Hollywood High and you will win. Stay down, and you School baseball team. He could throw a lose. -inch baseball 105 miles an hour, 9y2 My father used to say, "Paul, there but he wouldn't listen to counsel. He are dozens of rules for success, but didn't learn to control the talent that none of them work unless you do." he had, and Jim has never been heard of since. Control thyself It's one thing to be born with ability

Cicero said, "Control thyself." I had to succeed; it's another thing to har- the opportunity in World War II to bat ness it and to control it. against the immortal Bob Feller in a My young brethren, this is the pur- servicemen's game. If you ever want a pose of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to lesson in humility, bat against Feller. control that which we have been born

Bob Feller had a unique distinction as a with. That is the purpose of the Church sixteen-year-old boy. He could take a and its programs. We need to learn how 1 -inch, 5-ounce baseball and throw that given us. 9 /2 to control which God has it from 60 feet 6 inches, 105 miles an hour. Give thyself Now that may not impress you, but Finally, the Savior said, Take all that you go to bat and you're very im- I have given you, harness it, discipline pressed. To those of you who may not it, and then give it to the world. Give understand that velocity, a 9-inch base- thyself. ball is the size of an aspirin tablet at Let me just conclude with a little 60 feet 6 inches, at 100 miles per hour. experience I had recently in New En- I submit to you, it makes a difference gland. which side of the plate he throws it. I think one of the greatest thrills that Bob Feller at age sixteen had a prob- a mission president experiences is to re- lem. He lacked control. He was a great ceive a new missionary. I received athlete. He had tremendous capacity. notice from the First Presidency that He was born to succeed. He knew him- eight young men were to be assigned self, but he hadn't disciplined his great to New England. Shortly they arrived. talent of speed, so that it was question- This was a great treat for Jeanne and able as to whether he would stick in the me, as we greeted these new mission- majors. aries in the mission home. One by one, But Bob Feller became the great ath- as they came in, we tried to set them lete he was because he listened to wise at ease. counsel. He had great coaches, and one The first one was a brilliant-looking of them took him aside one day and boy. I won't describe him, but 1 thought, said, "Bob, it really doesn't matter "Thank heaven he is here." The sec- whether you throw 105 miles an hour ond was just like him, and the third and or 95. If you will take a little speed the fourth. Now this, I thought, will off your pitch and put the ball where put our mission on top. it belongs you will succeed!" To learn control Assignment of missionary

We call that control in baseball, Then I got down to number seven, and you little leaguers know how im- and I don't mind telling you some of the portant control is to a pitcher. Bob concerns of my heart. I thought, This listened and became the strike-out will be a challenge. I couldn't believe artist of his era. it; and unlike the counsel that President —

110 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

Tanner gave us not to judge our neigh- Conversion of professor

bors, here I was judging him. I Two days later I got a call from a thought, This kid just doesn't have the distinguished professor. I haven't time image. to give you the details. He said, "Paul, My wife gave me a glance, and her Friday night may I be baptized?" look said, "Good luck for the next two I questioned a bit. had been years." him He through several score of missionaries Let me just describe him to you. He the past nine years. I said, "What hap- was wearing a shirt that was size 17; his pened?" neck was an 11. I could have pulled out He said, "This little fellow you sent his collar and put another elder in it. me." (He was referring to my new el- He had on a coat that he inherited from der.) And then he described the ex- his dad, and you couldn't see his hands. perience. He had a trench coat that he got from He said, "No sooner had he and his an uncle from World War I, and he had companion entered the office and shook a haircut that was an Idaho original. my hand when he asked, 'Would you The New England Mission contains " mind if we had a word of prayer?' six of the United States and four prov- (This was a meeting over in his school inces of Canada, including Labrador. As office.) The professor said, "Not if it my wife and I lay in bed that night, will do you any good." Then he re- she said, "What are you going to do marked, "Before I could get back to my with him?" desk, this little fellow fell on his knees I said, "It's time to open up Labra- and started to talk to the Lord." And he dor." I thought I had to protect the said, "Paul, I looked up three times to Church's image from this interesting- see if the Lord was standing there." He looking elder. said, "I don't know what happened

Well, that I morning before made to me; you describe it, but I had the my assignments, I knelt in prayer most wonderful feeling come over me, thank the Lord for I prayer—and asked and I now know what the Spirit is. I

the Lord what I should do now; and the want to be baptized." Spirit whispered, "Keep him in Cam- We baptized him, and he is doing a bridge." fine work for the Church and is a great

asset on campus. It was all accom- And I said, "Spirit, I won't." I said, plished this elder from "I am the president of this mission." because young Idaho, whom I had misjudged, guided And the Spirit seemed to respond by the Spirit, gave himself to the Lord. with the counsel, "Yes, but you will And I learned as President Tanner keep him in Cambridge." has taught us. Don't judge! "Within the Cambridge is a very sophisticated oyster shell uncouth, the purest pearl area, with all of those universities and may hide, but oft you'll find a heart of art centers. Well, I kept him. When I truth within a rough outside." went down to breakfast, my two assis- The Lord bless us, young brethren, tants were sitting there; and they said, to remember who we are, to control "What are you going to do with him?" ourselves, and to give it to the Lord, to

which I testify, in the name of Jesus I said, "We are going to keep him Christ. Amen. in Cambridge."

And they said, "President, you are kidding." President Harold B. Lee

I said, "I have been seeking guid- He to whom we have just listened ance all night, and we will keep him in is Elder Paul H. Dunn of the First Cambridge." Council of Seventy. ELDER MARION G. ROMNEY 111

The congregation and chorus will The congregation sang the hymn, now join in singing "Do What Is Right." "Do What Is Right." After the singing, Elder Marion G. Romney of the Council of the Twelve will address us.

Elder Marion G. Romney

Of the Council of the Twelve

Brethren, this is a great occasion. Tens Covenant of the priesthood of thousands of bearers of the holy Ever since the days of Abraham, his priesthood are gathered together to hear descendants have been known, by those instructions from the presidency of the who have understood the gospel, as Church. children of the covenant. One of the covenants that we have entered into Counsel of President Grant with the Lord is the covenant "which to I was greatly impressed by the Presi- belongeth the priesthood." The 84th section of the Doctrine and Covenants dent's remarks. I am glad he said what talks about the priesthood. It says that he did. Listening to him, I was taken back in my thoughts a quarter of a "the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron [meaning the bearers of the Mel- century to an experience I had with chizedek and the bearers of the Aaronic President Heber J. Grant. We were discussing some criticism that had Priesthoods] shall [yet] offer an ac- been directed against an action taken ceptable offering and sacrifice in the by him in his official capacity. Putting house of the Lord ... in this genera-

his arm across my back and resting his tion . . . hand on my left shoulder, he said, "My "And the sons of Moses and of boy, you always keep your eye on the Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, in President of the Church, and if he tells upon Mount Zion the you to do something wrong, and you Lord's house, whose sons are ye; . . . "For is faithful the ob- do it, the Lord will bless you for it." whoso unto And then he added, "You don't taining these two priesthoods of which I need to worry, however; the Lord will have spoken [the Aaronic and Mel- never let his mouthpiece lead his people chizedek], and the magnifying their astray." calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." I haven't forgotten his counsel. I (D&C think I have been faithful to that charge 84:31-33.) ever since. Change wrought in men

A covenant people I believe that is true. I think that men and boys who magnify their call- We brethren in this meeting hold ings in the priesthood have a change the priesthood. We are a covenant wrought in their bodies. This morning people. The Lord, entering into a cove- while President Lee was talking in the nant with Abraham, promised him a welfare meeting, he told about some- great posterity, saying: one, some stranger, who saw President ". . . in thy seed . . . shall all the fam- McKay and said to him, "Are you a ilies of the earth be blessed, even with prophet of God?" President McKay's the blessings of the Gospel, which are answer was, "You look into my face the blessings of salvation, even of life and get the answer."

eternal." (Abr. 2:11.) I heard a story once about President 112 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8

Joseph F. Smith, the father of our pres- President Smith frequently says in ent beloved leader, who was down in prayer and in counsel that he prays for Arizona attending some function with and hopes that we will be true and the governor and other prominent men. faithful to every covenant and responsi- Some of them wanted to have their pic- bility that rests upon us. That the tures taken with the President of the obligations of "the oath and covenant Church. President Joseph F. Smith gra- which belongeth to the priesthood" ciously consented and stood with them rest upon each of us there is no doubt, while their pictures were taken. When because the Lord says that "all those they stepped back into the crowd, the who receive the priesthood, receive governor was heard to say, "You know, this oath and covenant of my Father,

when I stood out there by that man, I which he cannot break, neither can it be felt like a thief." He could feel the moved." (D&C 84:40.) power in a great man who was magnify- ing his calling in the priesthood. Breaking covenant ". . . whoso is faithful unto the ob- So, we have entered into a covenant taining these two priesthoods of which with the Lord in which he has promised I have spoken, and the magnifying their us eternal life, if we keep our part of calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the covenant, which is, to magnify our the renewing of their bodies. callings in the priesthood. "They become the sons of Moses The revelation says that the Lord and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, cannot break his part of the oath and and the church and kingdom, and the covenant. But we can break our part elect of God." (D&C 84:33-34.) of it, and many priesthood bearers The Prophet Joseph Smith used to do so. Of them the revelation says: repeatedly urge the brethren of the "But whoso breaketh this covenant priesthood to make their calling and after he hath received it, and altogether election sure. If we want to do that, turneth therefrom, shall not have for- we will have to magnify our callings giveness of sins in this world nor in in the priesthood. the world to come." (Vs. 41.)

To receive the kingdom Now, I do not think this means that The revelation continues: all who fail to magnify their callings in the will have committed "And also all they who receive this priesthood priesthood receive me, saith the Lord." the unpardonable sin, but I do think (Vs. 35.) that priesthood bearers who have en-

I think this statement refers to those tered into the covenants that we enter who receive the officers of the priest- into— in the waters of baptism, in con- hood who are appointed to represent nection with the law of tithing, the the Lord. Word of Wisdom, and the many other "And also all they who receive this covenants we make—and then refuse priesthood receive me, saith the Lord; to live up to these covenants will stand "For he that receiveth my servants in jeopardy of losing the promise of receiveth me; eternal life. "And he that receiveth me receiveth Witness my Father;

"And he that receiveth my Father I have a witness to the truth of what receiveth my Father's kingdom; there- President Smith said tonight about fore all that my Father hath shall be the leadership of this church, and their given unto him. representing the Savior of the world

"And this is according to the oath here on earth. I know that there is and covenant which belongeth to the power in the priesthood and that we priesthood." (D&C 84:35-39.) can draw from heaven the power to do PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER 113

our work, if we do the work as best President Harold B. Lee we can ourselves. Elder Marion G. Romney of the God help us to understand this, and Council of the Twelve has just spoken the great honor he has placed upon us to us. by giving us the priesthood, I pray in President N. Eldon Tanner of the the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. First Presidency will now address us.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

As I try to envision the large body of devout member of this church, who

priesthood present in this building and magnifies his priesthood. I said, "Have

other different buildings throughout you ever found it at any time in your

the Church, it makes me appreciate more life to be a detriment to you?" fully the song "Behold! A Royal Army." He said, "President Tanner, it has We are the only people in all the always been a plus." world that hold the priesthood of God, Some seem to think that with the the power to speak and act in his name. looseness and trends in the world today What a tremendous force and influence affecting the thinking of some of our for good, as we discipline ourselves youth and even some of our bishops and fully magnify our priesthood. What and stake presidents, we are altogether a privilege and what a responsibility! too strict in the teaching of morals when we see what is going on all A peculiar people around us. In fact, we are accused of As fathers and sons and holders of being prigs, which to me means narrow- the priesthood we must always be hum- minded persons who assume superior virtue the ble, proud, and never ashamed of the and wisdom. Judged by ways world, priesthood we hold. We are different, a of the probably we are prigs. faith, peculiar people, and must remain dif- Are we going to lose deny our ferent in the cause of truth and righ- modern revelation, modernize like the are teousness. Never adopt a "holier than way of life to be world? Or to a peculiar thou" attitude, but always live up to the we going be people and standards of the Church and never honor and magnify our priesthood waver. and do our duty? Some seem to fear they will lose Humbly proud of priesthood prestige, or fear ridicule. Surely we don't need to try to be like the world We are different from the world. We and try to please or cater to the sinful have the revealed gospel and the priest- ways of the world. Be in the world but hood. We must be exemplary wherever not of it. My experience has shown me we are. beyond any question of doubt that one Or are we as Esaias said: "Neverthe- never needs to be ashamed of the less among the chief rulers also many priesthood that he holds or of living ac- believed on him; but because of the cording to its teachings and magnifying Pharisees they did not confess him, that priesthood. lest they should be put out of the syna- gogue: Priesthood a plus "For they loved the praise of men

I was talking to a very successful more than the praise of God." (John businessman just yesterday, who is a 12:42-43.) 114 GENERAL CONFERENCE Saturday, April 8

I would like to say to the young yer. The president of this organization,

men who are listening in tonight (I wish which is one of the large organizations

I could talk to every young man who in the country, knew one of our Church

holds the priesthood, if it could be ef- members in the East who was vice- fective), we never need to be ashamed president of a large company; and the of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we president of this company asked him,

should always be humbly proud of the knowing who he was, if there were any priesthood that we hold. young man whom he could recom- mend. He said, "We want someone Cause of interest in Church who will live as your young men live, somebody we know will not carouse, I was talking to a young man who is who will be on the job, whom we can going to be baptized next month, the depend on." only member of his family to be bap- Now that is no reflection on others, tized, and I said, "What caused you to but it is a recommendation to our be interested in the Church?" young men who will live as they And he replied, "The young man I should. It will be a plus in their lives was associating with in school was a all the time. member of your church, and the way he And this man who was the vice- lived interested me. He was different president of the company said, "I know from the rest of the boys. He was a young man in Salt Lake City." They happy, and he invited me to his home; invited the young man to come to New and when I saw the love in that home York and paid his way back there, in- and how that family lived, I was more terviewed him, offered him a job, paid interested. He took me to church, and his way back, and offered to pay his then I joined the ball team, and I found wife's fare to go there also to find a in that church a different feeling than I place to live. had found any other place. Then that I can't overemphasize to you young ball team, those fine fellows all keeping men the importance of living the way the Word of Wisdom and living good you should, for your good, for your clean lives, impressed me, and I de- own success, for your own happiness, termined that I would join the Church." and for the influence you will have on He went on to say: "I came with that those boys with whom you associate. friend out to Brigham Young University They expect you to do what you are to attend one semester. I wanted to get professing to do; to be what you profess acquainted with the people out here. I to be; and, if you don't you let *ihem found most of those young people down, other boys who don't have the down there living the way they should, priesthood have the opportunity for but if I hadn't determined to be a mem- that influence on their lives. ber of this church before 1 met some of

the others, I don't know what effect it Visit of Jaycee President would have had on me."

I think, young men, wherever you I was impressed the other day when are, you must keep this in mind. Your the national president of the Junior actions may be keeping people out of Chamber of Commerce of America the Church, and I sure am you wouldn't came with his wife and two other cou- be happy about that. ples into my office, brought in for a courtesy call by a local Jaycee who was Offer of position a member of the Church. After we had

Just the other day I was talking to talked about things in the world and the father of another young man who about the responsibility of this young was leaving this city of ours to go to man, who was president of the Junior

New York to accept a position as a law- Chamber, I said, "Maybe you would PRESIDENT HAROLD B. LEE 115

like to know something about the we are sons of God. We hold the priest- Church." hood of God, and we have a responsi-

He said, "Yes, I would." bility to live according to its teachings.

Then I turned to the young man who had brought them in and said, Testimony "Will you tell them something about I would like to bear my testimony to it?" you this night that I know the gospel is He said, "Well, President Tanner, I true. I know it's true as well as I know thought you would." anything else in the world. I know that I said, "No, you tell them about the God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, his Church." Son, and that they appeared to Joseph He looked this other young man Smith; that the gospel has been restored in the eye and said, "I want to tell you and the Church reestablished here upon a little bit about the Book of Mormon, the earth. I should like to say to you in which we believe, and which we young men who feel that you might not know is the word of God." He told have a testimony of the gospel, accept them what it was, how it was obtained the convincing testimonies that you by the Prophet, and how it was trans- have heard this night and that you lated; and as he gave them this informa- hear from our leaders, while at the tion he said, "And I want to tell you same time, through prayer and study that I know it is true, and 1 bear my and keeping the commandments, you testimony to you people here today will gain a testimony for yourselves, that that book is true, that it is the word the greatest blessing one can enjoy. of God, and I would like to refer you "... this is life eternal, that they to the promise in that book" —which might know thee the only true God, promise you all know. Christ, hast sent." Then he said, "Would you like to and Jesus whom thou have a copy of the book?" (John 17:3.) And the Jaycee president said, "I May we honor our priesthood and surely would. I am interested." enjoy the blessings that it affords and That young man who gave that testi- do our part to help in bringing to pass mony was Richard Moyle. the immortality and eternal life of man, Young men, wherever we are, with I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus whomever we are, let us remember that Christ. Amen.

President Harold B. Lee

First Counselor in the First Presidency

I feel impressed by something that has Talk of serviceman been said to repeat an experience. There It was just after the war; things are a number who are listening in to- were tense. We were at one of the night, and one particularly who will upper camps where the planes could remember this very vividly—an incident take off, and within half an hour they that took place a number of years ago could be over on the Russian side. in Japan. I want you to pay particular We were holding a noon meeting with attention to a part of this, to show our servicemen. They called on a how a mistake in your early life can young man to speak first. He an- blight the possibilities of your future nounced his text from the prayer of opportunities for service in the king- the Master when he prayed for his dom of God. disciples: "I pray not that thou should- 116 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 8 est take them [my disciples] out of of your mother; think of your sweet- the world, but that thou shouldest heart; think of your sisters. Now we keep them from the evil." (John 17: will go down with you and help you " 15.) Then this lad delivered one of the break that date honorably.' finest talks on chastity that I have This they did, and kept him under ever heard. He closed by saying, their surveillance for two weeks. They

"Rather than lose my virtue, I would assigned him to do ward teaching, or

die and have my body sent home in a home teaching, as they call it now; pine box and my dog tags follow that meant, visit all the inactive boys after." in the camp. And two weeks later There was a hush over that audi- they assigned him to talk on the sub- ence of servicemen, and then he bore ject of chastity. his testimony; and as he started to Results of passing test leave the pulpit, he stumbled and So the years passed. We were with fell, draped over the pulpit. We lifted President McKay at the dedication of him off the pulpit and worked with the Los Angeles Temple. Between ses- him until he was revived, and then sions I walked out to get some fresh took him down in the audience. air. As I walked up the west side of As they carried him down, the the building, I saw on the upper ele- mission president said to me, "I vation a young man who seemed wonder if he has a bad heart." And I familiar to me, and I got closer to said, "You know, I have had a feeling this young man that I had seen in that there is something quarreling in- Hokkaido, Japan. As he recognized me, been side of him against what he has he came running down the steps and saying to us." threw his arms around my neck, and said, "Guess what! They have called Proof of pledge me to be a worker in the Los Angeles Temple." When it came my time to speak, There was a lump in my throat I said to him, "Now, my boy, you have because I was there at the crossroads made a profound impression upon all when he almost made a fatal step of us. You have said you would rather that probably die than lose your virtue. But remem- would have forfeited him the right to be a worker in the ber, the devil heard you, as we heard Los Angeles Temple. you, and if I don't miss my guess, he More years passed, and then I is going to make you prove that you was out at a conference where he would give your life before you would lived; and I saw a young couple walk- lose your virtue. You had better be ing down the aisle, the on guard." man holding in his arms a beautiful child, and a The group leader took me aside beautiful girl holding on to his arm, when the meeting was over, and he whom he introduced as his wife. As said, "You were hitting close to the they uncovered the face of their new mark, because up at the Chitose Air- baby, I thought there was pride in the base there has grown up one of the face of that young man because he most filthy, rotten cities filled with knew as a young father that in the prostitutes to try to entrap our men, blood of his own child there was and we have tried to keep them out clean, pure blood. That is the reward of their clutches. But this boy had that comes to one who passes the made a date with one of these hussies, test. as they called them, patriotic hussies; and we found out before he kept the Meeting temptation date and said, 'Now look, we are not One of the things we must do in going to let you keep that date. Think teaching our young people is to con- PRESIDENT HAROLD B. LEE 117

dition them on how to meet a tempta- riages or temple attendance, is to tion that comes in an unguarded make sure that the holder of the priest- moment. When we teach our young hood in the home magnifies his boys going out into military service, priesthood; and until he can realize we bring in those who have had ex- the importance of the priesthood of perience to talk about some actual God, which gives him the power of experiences they have gone through Almighty God to act through him, and say, "Now if you were faced that home is not going to be secure. with this or that temptation, what We must impress upon every would you do? How would you react?" father that he will be held responsible And there is a discussion as to just for the eternal welfare of his family: how he would react. How important that means coming into the Church

that is in this day of wickedness! with his family; that means going to sacrament The one who has the chief respon- meeting with his family; that means holding family eve- sibility is the father of the boy. This home nings to keep his family intact; it doesn't mean that the father should means preparing himself to take wake up some morning and call his them to the temple, so that there boy to his bedside and in fifteen can be prepared thereby the steps that will minutes tell him all the facts of life. make for an eternal family home. That isn't what the boy needs. He It is impress needs a father to answer when he a high responsibility to wants to ask questions of a delicate upon priesthood holders how they magnify their priesthood by living and nature. He is hungering to know; he the is curious about things. doing as Lord has commanded.

If his father will be frank and Spiritual suicide honest, and tell him up to the limit of his intelligence as he grows up, We talk about Suicides Anony-

that father will be the one to whom mous. I am convinced that there are the son will return for counsel in the many in the Church who are commit- years that follow. That father will be ting spiritual suicide, and they are an anchor to that boy's soul, as the calling for help, just like those who father takes from his book of experi- are going to commit suicide physi- ence lessons that he can give to his cally. They tell us that there is a cry of son to help condition him against the distress that if recognized in time possibility of falling into that fatal could save a life. trap in an unguarded moment. There are many among us today who are giving the signal, the cry of Magnifying priesthood distress, because they are in danger of

spiritual suicide. And if we can only I want to talk about another thing. recognize the cry of distress in time, As we study the various activities we will be the means of saving souls. like family home evening and the activities pertaining to temple mar- The hand of fellowship riage, home teaching, and what not, we have discovered that we never One thing more I should like to make any headway by mere exhorta- state. We are having come into the tion and trying to pressure people Church now many people of various into holding home evenings or home nationalities. We in the Church must teaching. We are discovering that remember that we have a history of the only way to get home teaching persecution, discrimination against our over, or to get family home evening civil rights, and our constitutional going, or attendance at sacrament privileges being withheld from us. meeting, or to have more temple mar- These who are members of the Church, 118 GENERAL CONFERENCE

regardless of their color, their national Faith in leadership origin, are members of the church and kingdom of God. Some 'of them have Now I want to impress this upon you. it told us that they are being shunned. Someone has said this way, and I believe it to true: There are snide remarks. We are with- be absolutely "That is drawing ourselves from them in some person not truly converted until he sees the power of rest- cases. God ing upon the leaders of this church, Now we must extend the hand of until it goes into his heart fellowship to men everywhere, and to and down like fire." Until the members of this all who are truly converted and who church have that conviction that they wish to join the Church and par- are being led in the right way, and take of the many rewarding oppor- they have a conviction that these men tunities to be found therein. To those of God are men who are inspired who may not now have the priest- and have been properly appointed hood, we pray that the blessings of by the hand of God, they are not truly Jesus Christ may be given to them converted. to the full extent that it is possible So I bear you my witness that I for us to give them. Meanwhile, we know with all my soul, as I knew on ask the Church members to strive to that occasion, that those emulate the example of our Lord and whom the Lord chooses are the ones he needs Master Jesus Christ, who gave us the for a particular time. I heard Elder new commandment that we should Orson F. Whitney, a member of the love one another. I wish we could Twelve, say from this pulpit that remember that. he didn't believe that these men are Divine witness necessarily the best living men in the finally, just one more thought. Now Church, but that there may be many President Smith's talk tonight has others who live just as righteous lives, impressed something else. I heard or maybe more so, but one thing he someone say something that I have did know: that when there is a vacancy learned is an absolute fact. When I and the Lord has need for a person, he sat in as a younger member of the looks around and finds the person who Council of the Twelve, the first is best qualified to fill the position at a Church reorganization I was permitted given time. to participate in was when President I have lived long enough now in Grant passed away. As we met in the these thirty-one years as a member temple for a long discussion, as is the of the General Authorities to know usual before the votes are custom that is true; and I bear witness that taken and the decisions reached as the Lord is guiding this church, and to the selecting of the president of the we see daily and constantly in the

Church, I was thinking there had been councils of this church that there is some rumors as to might be the who divine guidance. I bear that humble counselors and who might not be the witness in the name of the Lord Jesus counselors, as is always the gossip Christ. Amen. that attends such reorganizations. But as the president named his counselors President Harold B. Lee and they took their places at the head of the room, down inside me I had a The CBS Radio Tabernacle Choir witness that these were the men that Broadcast will be from 9:30 to 10:00 the Lord wanted to be the presidency tomorrow morning. Those desiring to of the Church. It came to me with a attend must be in their seats before conviction that was as though that 9:15 a.m. truth was being trumpeted in my The music for this session has been ears. furnished by the Brigham Young Uni- PRESIDENT HAROLD B. LEE 119

versity Faculty Priesthood Chorus. We This conference will then be ad- are grateful to these brethren and ex- journed until ten o'clock tomorrow tend our appreciation to them. morning.

We shall now conclude this meet- The number, "The Soul of Man Is ing with the chorus, conducted by A. Free," was sung by the Brigham Young Harold Goodman, with Alexander University Faculty Priesthood Chorus. Schreiner at the organ, singing, "The President George C. Ficklin of the Soul of Man Is Free," following which Bear River South Stake offered the President George C. Ficklin, president of closing prayer. the Bear River South Stake, will offer The conference was adjourned until the benediction. Sunday morning at 10 o'clock.

THIRD DAY MORNING MEETING

SIXTH SESSION

The sixth session of the conference where tuned to these proceedings by convened in the Tabernacle on Sunday, radio and television throughout many

April 9, 1972, at 10 o'clock a.m. areas of the world. President Fielding With Joseph The Tabernacle Choir, under the Smith presiding, President N. Eldon direction of Richard P. Condie, with Tanner, second counselor in the First Alexander Schreiner at the organ, will Presidency, conducted the meeting. open these services by singing "With Tabernacle Choir, under the The a Voice of Singing," following which direction of Richard P. Condie, with Elder Milton J. Hess, Jr., formerly presi- Alexander Schreiner at the organ, fur- dent of the Australia West Mission, nished the special music for this session. will offer the invocaton. Before the opening of the meeting, the Tabernacle Choir without announce- ment sang "Guide Us, O Thou Great The Tabernacle Choir sang "With Jehovah." a Voice of Singing." President Tanner then made the fol- The invocation was offered by Elder lowing remarks: Milton J. Hess, Jr., formerly president President N. Eldon Tanner of the Australia West Mission. After the invocation the Choir sang President Joseph Fielding Smith, who "O Divine Redeemer" without an- presides at this conference, has asked me nouncement. to conduct this sixth session of the 142nd Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and President Tanner to extend his welcome and blessings and warmest greetings to all present The Tabernacle Choir has sung "O this morning in this historic Tabernacle. Divine Redeemer." We welcome also special guests, Our first speaker this morning will go. ernment, educational, and civic be President Harold B. Lee, first coun- leaders, and thousands of members of selor in the First Presidency of the the Church and many friends every- Church. 120 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

President Harold B. Lee

First Counselor in the First Presidency

This year is again a most important Support of nation's leaders year of decision for our day. Some The story, presumably authentic, have even said that this is the most is told that during the Civil critical period in the hitory of this War when the fortunes of the Union armies, nation and of the world. under the command of General Grant, I believe it is an illusion to say that were going badly, some concerned this is the most critical, decisive time. ministers called on President Abraham Write it upon the hearts of all of us at the and force- that every dispensation has been just Lincoln White House fully urged the dismissal of Grant. as decisive, and likewise that every year has been the most decisive year and To these men he is alleged to have time for ourselves, for this nation, said: "Gentlemen, General Grant has under his command all that we hold and for the world. This is our day and time when honorable men must be dear in this nation. Instead of criticism, brought forward to meet the tremen- you too should get down on your knees that this dous challenges before us. and pray God he would see nation through to victory." Political activity We related this story to a president of the United States some years ago This is the beginning of an intense and assured him that no matter what political activity, when men of every his name or his political party, we too persuasion in the political arena will were frequently on our knees, praying be clamoring for attention and accep- God that he and the leaders of this tance by the electorate. There will be nation and of the world would bring us controversy, debate, conflict, and con- through the crises of the present. tention, which seem to be the order We were heartened by the presi- of a political campaign. dent's reply when he said, "I think that In its loftiest sense, controversy every president of this country during disputations because of may mean his term of office has been frequently honest differences of opinion. In its on his knees praying to Almighty God." most degrading sense it may mean During these years of extreme ten- quarreling, strife, and name-calling. sion, you may constantly have in mind An example of that which degrades the admonition of the Lord himself: is the bitter personal abuse that so "Wherefore, be subject to the powers frequently is heaped upon an opposing that be, until he reigns whose right candidate. Name-calling is continued it is to reign, and subdues all enemies throughout the whole season until under his feet," and likewise he re- listeners are left with doubt and mis- minds us that "he that keepeth the trust that honor and integrity are to laws of God hath no need to break the be found in any of those who may laws of the land." (D&C 58:22, 21.) eventually be elected. The obvious hazard is that when these elected Conflicting dominions leaders have been maligned and down- We have recorded the angelic re- graded, the seeds of disrespect to frain at the time of the Savior's birth authority and law and order are sown ". as recorded by Luke: . . on earth in the minds of youth, particularly, peace, good will toward men." (Luke instead of respectful obedience to 2:14.) counsel and to the laws enacted by In seeming contradiction to that those whose integrity and honesty have message are the recorded words of

been thus impugned. the Master: "Think not that I am come PRESIDENT HAROLD B. LEE 121

to send peace on the earth: I came not Demands to exercise self-will to send but a sword. For I peace, am Today we are constantly hearing, come to set a man at variance against from the unenlightened and misguided, his father. . . . And a man's foes shall who demand what they call free agency, be they of his own household." (Matt. by which they apparently mean, as 10:34-36.) evidenced by their conduct, that they How can these seemingly contra- have their agency to do as they please dictory quotations be reconciled? or to exercise their own self-will to The earliest revelations of this dis- determine what is law and order, pensation speak of two so-called con- what is right and wrong, or what is flicting dominions on the earth today. honor and virtue. is spoken of as the dominion of One These are frightening expressions the devil, "when peace shall be taken when you reflect upon what I have from the earth." (D&C 1:35.) just quoted from the revealed word In the book of Revelation, as well of God. A moment's reflection will as in other scriptures, we read that be- help you to see that when one sets fore the earth was peopled "there was himself up to make his own rules war in heaven." (Rev. 12:7.) and presumes to know no law but his One of the ambitious sons of God's own, he is but echoing the plan of spiritual creations in the premortal Satan, who sought to ascend to God's world promised salvation for all man- throne, as it were, in being the judge kind without effort on their part, of all that rules mankind and the provided he would be given almighty world. There has ever been, and ever power, even to the dethroning of God will be, a conflict between the forces of himself, whose divine right it is to truth and error; between the forces reign over the Intense bitterness earth. of righteousness and the forces of evil; that son, ensued between who became between the dominion of Satan and Satan, and those who followed after the dominion under the banner of our beloved of him, and the Son God Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. and those who followed after him, whose plan of salvation, by contrast, True free agency give to every soul the right of would The true meaning of free agency is choice, glory Father. and the be to the clearly set forth by a father who ex- offered himself as "the He even Lamb plained to his son: slain from the foundation of the world" "Wherefore, men are free accord- (Rev. 13:8), that by the redemption ing to the flesh. . . . And they are free of his atoning sacrifice, "all mankind to choose liberty and eternal life, be saved, by obedience to the may through the great mediation of all men laws and ordinances of the Gospel" [meaning the atonement of the Savior], (Article of Faith 3). or to choose captivity and death, ac- Satan and his hosts were cast out cording to the captivity and power of because he set about to destroy the ." the devil. . . (2 Ne. 2:27.) agency of man, and he became the "... the Lord God gave unto man author of falsehood to deceive and to that he should act for himself. Where- blind men and to lead captive all who fore, man could not act for himself would not hearken to the words and save it should be that he was enticed teachings of God's eternal plan. by the one or the other." (2 Ne. 2:16.)

The other dominion in the earth What would it be like if we were to today of which the scriptures speak is live in a vacuum, with everything com- the Lord's dominion, when he "shall ing our way without any effort or have power over his saints, and shall struggle on our part to overcome these reign in their midst." (D&C 1:36.) obstacles? 122 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Sunday, April 9

Proposal to college student of the truth. Pilate then asked: "What One of my esteemed colleagues told is truth?" me of his efforts to aid a young col- Whether or not the Savior answered lege student who was feeling sorry for that question on that occasion, we have himself, who was lacking motivation no record; but in our day the Lord and had no sense of responsibility. himself has answered, as he might have My friend made an attractive proposal answered Pilate at that time, and I to this young man. In a conversation quote his words: "And truth is knowl- that went something like this, he said, edge of things as they are, and as they "Son, I'm going to take over full re- were, and as they are to come; And sponsibility of your affairs from now whatsoever is more or less than this on and relieve you of your worries. is the spirit of that wicked one who the I'll pay your tuition at college, buy was a liar from beginning." (D&C your clothes, furnish you an automo- 93:24-25.) bile and a credit card for gasoline. The Light of Christ When you get ready to marry, don't Now, may I for a few moments worry about it; I'll look for a wife for speak of certainties upon which one you, and I will supply you with a may depend in his search for truth. house that is furnished. I'll support you and your family thereafter without any The first of which I would speak is that which is referred to in the scrip- effort on your part. What do you think tures as Light Christ, the Spirit of my offer?" the of of Truth, or Spirit of variously After a moment of sobered think- God, spoken of, which in essence means ing the young man replied, "Well, if the influence of Deity that proceeds you did that, what would there be for forth from the presence of God, that me to live for?" Then my friend replied, "That is which quickens the understanding of what I'm trying to make you see, my man. (See D&C 88:49.) The apostle spoke of it as true Light, boy. That is the purpose of life —there John "the is no joy without struggle and the which lighteth every man that cometh exercise of one's own natural abilities." into the world." (John 1:9.) A president of the Church makes Meaning of truth this further explanation: "There is not Now in the exercise of the God- a man [or person] born into the world, given right of free agency, or freedom but has a portion of the Spirit of God,

of choice, how may one distinguish and it is that Spirit of God which %ives

between what is truth and what is to his spirit understanding, . . . each error? in accordance with his capacity to re-

A noted columnist wrote: "Truth ceive the light . . . [which] will never is the logic of the universe. It is the cease to strive with man, until man is reasoning of destiny; it is the mind of brought to the possession of the higher God. And nothing that man can de- intelligence." (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel vise can take its place." (Frank Crane.) Doctrine, pp. 63, 62.) Another man of wisdom added: To those not acquainted with the

"There is no progress in fundamental language of the scriptures, it might be truth. We may grow in knowledge of explained that the Light of Christ could its meaning and in the modes of its be described as one's conscience, or application, but its great principles the voice of the divine within one's will forever be the same." (Hamilton own soul. Wright Mabie.) Counsel to public officials At the time of Christ's arraignment before Pilate, the Master declared that As a public official in my young

his whole mission was to bear witness manhood, I was given some wise coun- PRESIDENT HAROLD B. LEE 123

sel by a Church leader. He said: "The "That your faith should not stand only thing we will ever ask you to do in the wisdom of men. but in the power is to vote for that which in your heart of God." (1 Cor. 2:1-2, 5.) you feel is right. We would rather Teaching the truth many times over that you would make It has been well said that one does a mistake doing that which you felt not teach honesty by telling a man how was right, than to vote for policy sake." to burglarize a safe, nor do we teach I pass these wise words of counsel chastity by telling a youth all about to others in public office for what they sexual activities. are worth and strongly urge that those So, likewise, it is inspired wisdom of you having heavy responsibilities that our efforts must be spent in teach- in public office or elsewhere should ing truth the power of Almighty meditate prayerfully and give the Lord by a chance to aid you in solving the God, and thus we can forge the most powerful of all weapons against the problems of life. vicious doctrines of Satan. "Expedients are for an hour," The Prophet Smith was someone has said, "but principles are Joseph asked how he governed the Church for the ages." (Henry Ward Beecher.) members in his day. His answer in one of gospel Positive teachings sentence was, "Teach them correct Now another certainty of which I principles and they will govern them- would speak: selves." The Constitution of the United If we overemphasize the philoso- States has been mentioned several phies of the enemies of righteousness times by speakers in this conference instead of teaching forcefully the prin- as the basis of wise decisions in funda- ciples of the gospel of Jesus Christ, mental principles as applied to all such overemphasis can only serve to matters pertaining to law and order, stir up controversy and strife and thus because it was framed by men whom defeat the very purpose of our mis- God raised up for this very purpose. sionary work in all the nations of the But in addition to that inspired docu- world. ment, we must always keep in mind The voice of the people that the greatest weapons that can be forged against any false philosophy Now a third certainty: are the positive teachings of the gospel Those who have served as public

of Jesus Christ. officials soon learn that there is always We constantly impress upon all the imperative necessity of deciding who go out as true ambassadors of whether or not demands on a contro- the kingdom of God to follow the wise versial issue are being made by a well- counsel of the apostle Paul, one of organized loud minority or by a greater the ablest defenders of the faith of all majority of those who might be less time. In his declaration to the Corin- vocal but whose cause is just and in thians he has given us his counsel if accordance with righteous principles. we would be as powerful as he in our Always we would do well to reflect ministry. This was his secret in com- upon the counsel of a wise king of bating evil: ancient times: "Now it is not common

"And I, brethren, when I came to that the voice of the people desireth you, came not with excellency of anything contrary to that which is speech or of wisdom, declaring unto right; but it is common for the lesser you the testimony of God. part of the people to desire that which

"For I am determined not to know is not right; therefore ... do your any thing among you, save Jesus business by the voice of the people." Christ, and him crucified. (Mosiah 29:26.) 124 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

Let this counsel of that wise ancient teachings were given that "inasmuch king be our counsel to our Church as they have erred it might be made members and the honorable of the known; And inasmuch as they sought earth everywhere. Be alert and active wisdom they might be instructed." in your business and political interests. (D&C 1:25-26.) The great danger in any society is By the light of gospel truths we apathy and a failure to be alert to the can be shown that "every thing which issues of the day, when applied to inviteth to do good, and to persuade principles or to the election of public to believe in Christ ... ye may know officials. with a perfect knowledge it is of God." (Moro. 7:16.) Statesmanlike leaders But also we may know that "what-

The fourth certainty to keep in soever thing persuadeth men to do evil, believe in Christ, and mind in our civic responsibilities is to and not choose those to govern us as "civil deny him, and serve not God, then officers and magistrates [who will] ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil" (Moro. 7:17), whether enforce the laws . . . and . . . admin- ister the law in equity and justice" it be labeled religion, philosophy, (D&C 134:3), as we are admonished by science, or political dogma. inspired men of God. Trust in God In a word, we must seek for states-

it right menlike men who will ask, "Is What a wonderful feeling of secu- and is it good for the country or the rity can come in a crisis to one who community?" instead of those who may has learned to pray and has cultivated merely ask, "Is it politically expedient?" listening ears so that he can "call, and Remember always our declaration the Lord shall answer"; when he can of political faith: "We believe in being cry and the Lord shall say, "Here subject to kings, presidents, rulers, I am." (Isa. 58:9.) and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, The supreme commander of the and sustaining the law." (Article of Allied forces during World War II, Faith 12.) General Eisenhower, when faced with Wherever you are, wherever you some of the most momentous military live, pray for the leaders of your decisions that were to change the course country, for remember that they too of the world, made his humble ac- hold in their hands all that you hold knowledgment: "This is what I found dear. Again I repeat the Lord's injunc- out about religion: It gives you cour- ". tion: . . be subject to the powers age to make the decisions you must that be, until he reigns whose right it make in a crisis and then the confi- is to reign, and subdues all enemies dence to leave the result to a Higher under his feet." (D&C 58:22.) Power. Only by trust in God can a man God's eternal plan carrying responsibilities find repose." There you have it, all you who are And now, finally, the supreme of leaders in high places, in business, in all certainties is God's eternal plan as government, or in the Church, or for given in the gospel of Jesus Christ. that matter in any walk of life: the Here we have given us the never- constant reminder that God is in his failing principles that will keep our heaven and all can be right with the feet firmly planted on the path of world, if we seek for him and find him, safety. By these eternal principles we "though he be not far from every one can readily detect truth from error. In of us: for in him we live, and move,

the earliest revelations of our dispen- and have our being; . . . For we are sation we wprp told that the gospel also his offspring." (Acts 17:27-28.) ELDER MARION D. HANKS 125

Personal witness witness in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Now, may I in all humility bear my own witness to the power of these guidelines in my life. I have learned Following President Lee's remarks, by my own experience that the heav- the Choir sang "King of Glory, King ier the responsibilities, the greater is of Peace" without announcement. my dependence on the Lord.

In some measure I begin to under- stand the import of the declaration President N. Eldon Tanner of Moses, who, after his great spiritual

experience, said: "Now ... I know that We have just heard a most powerful

man is nothing, which thing I never address by President Harold B. Lee, had supposed." (Moses 1:10.) first counselor in the First Presidency, But through the lights and shadows followed by the Tabernacle Choir sing- of my life, I also have the assurance ing "King of Glory, King of Peace." that aided by God's holy power, Many on television and radio have doubts can be resolved into certainties, just tuned in on this conference, and burdens can be lightened, and a literal we wish to extend to them a cordial rebirth can be realized as the nearness welcome. to my Lord and Master becomes more Elder Marion D. Hanks, Assistant certain— to all of which 1 bear humble to the Twelve, will now address us.

Elder Marion D. Hanks

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

I am honored to be able to express my self, and the summation of them all: convictions and offer my testimony lack of life-directing relationships with this morning. God and Christ.

I would like to talk about happi- In considering this, I remembered the ness. day some time ago when I stood before a bulletin board in the Student Union Reasons for unhappiness Building on an Arizona university

campus, where I had been invited to On my desk at this moment is the speak to a convocation during their cover of a leading news journal with "Religion in Life Week." On my way this headline: "Good Times— But auditorium, thinking of the People Are Unhappy." into the implications of their theme, which was The story within reported the re- "Something Missing," my attention sults of a survey made to determine was drawn to a short advertising why people are unhappy in good times. notice, posted and signed by a student The reasons given are substantially the in the lobby. Line by line it read: same as those produced by any re- sponsible inquiry: lack of meaning or For Sale purpose in life, anxiety, fear, poor self- 1929 Ford image, doubting one's capacity to love Two-Door Sedan or worthiness to be loved, not ac- Nice Body and Fenders complishing anything, bad conscience, New Paint Job inability to form lasting relationships, No Engine unsatisfactory home life, loneliness, $20.00 no sense of belonging, little giving of See Bob 126 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

There was in truth "something born, and the "worst," who are "full missing" in this automobile, and that of passionate intensity," do their own something happened to be the one in- thing, follow their own base appetites dispensable element that gave the rest and wayward wills, and impose upon meaning, without which it was but an those who are less intense and involved empty shell, having the appearance of —and particularly upon the young- wholeness but lacking the capacity to false constructions and interpretations

accomplish the purposes of its creation. of the meaning of life. Men without God and the living Christ in their lives lack center, and Men to be happy thus lack joy they could have. It is well to consider where we are with respect to our Creator. If we Willful ignorance are out of touch, if we have moved away Hundreds of years before Christ, from him, then we are not as happy as God confronted the willful ignorance we could be. Something is missing. of Israel in these words: "My people Epictetus said: "God hath made all are destroyed for lack of knowledge: men to be happy." And a prophet ". because thou hast rejected knowledge, wrote: . . men are, that they might

I will also reject thee . . . seeing thou have joy." (2 Ne. 2:25.) ." hast forgotten the law of thy God. . . Wherein have we erred if we are (Hos. 4:6.) not happy? Why are we less happy than The knowledge for lack of which we could be? How can we have more they suffered is plainly explained by joy?

Hosea: May I offer six observations. ". . . the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, be- Our need for God cause there is no truth, nor mercy, 1. When I was a boy growing up in nor knowledge of God in the land. a home with a widowed mother, I "For I desired mercy, and not sacri- heard a story that touched me and fice; and the knowledge of more God that has had a lot more meaning since than burnt offerings." (Hos. 4:1, 6:6.) I have had the blessing of having a son In a poem of pessimism which he of my own. wrote soon after World War I, Yeats A youngster was assigned by his described the widening circle the gyre — father to see to the moving of a large in which the falcon flew away from — rock. He tugged and pushed, and he the falconer. He wrote: lifted and struggled without avail. Some friends were enlisted, but to- "Turning and turning in the widening gether they could not move it. Reluc- gyre tantly he reported to his father that The falcon cannot hear the falconer; he could not budge the rock. Things fall apart; the center cannot "Have you done all you could?" hold. asked the father. The best lack all conviction, while "Yes," said the little boy. the worst "Have you tried everything?" Are full of passionate— intensity." persisted the father. "The Second Coming" "Yes," said the boy. "I've tried everything."

When the falconer is not heard, the "No, son, you haven't," said his falcon is lost. So are men when they dad. "You haven't asked me." cannot or will not hear the voice of the Why do so many of us, "heirs of Master. Things fall apart in human God, joint heirs with Christ," fail to life, the center cannot hold, trouble is go to him, to keep in touch with our ELDER MARION D. HANKS 127

Father? He is anxious to help. But he "And another said, I have married

wants us to learn our need for him, to a wife, and therefore I cannot come." open the door to him. (Luke 14:16-20.) "And therefore/' said the prophet, Other guests were invited to take "will the Lord wait, that he may be their places at the supper. gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy Arrogance and pride ." upon you. . . (Isa. 30:18.) 3. Some of us may be less happy World too much with us than we should be or could be because of arrogance or pride. We think we 2. For some of us, a reason for are sufficient unto ourselves. We think unhappiness is that "the world is too we do not need God or his Christ. much with us; late and soon, Getting We and spending, we lay waste our may be, as President Joseph F. Smith once wrote, lazy, or the proud powers," as the poet said. (William "among Wordsworth.) and self-vaunting, who read by the lamp of their Material objectives consume too own conceit, interpret by rules

of their own contriving . . . a much of our attention. The struggle become law unto themselves, for what we need or for more than we and so pose as the ." need exhausts our time and energy. We sole judges of their own doings. . . ". pursue pleasure or entertainment, or To recreant Israel God said, . . this children, become overinvolved in associations or is a rebellious people, lying will not hear the law of civic matters. Of course, people need children that Lord: say to the seers, See recreation, need to be achieving, need the Which not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not to contribute; but if these come at the things, cost of friendship with Christ, the unto us right speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits." price is much too high. "For my people have committed (Isa. 30:9-10.) the prophet in the Book two evils," said the Lord to Israel; From Jacob warn- "they have forsaken me the fountain of Mormon comes this sobering students in the of living waters, and hewed them out ing, well known to cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold Church: that cunning plan of the evil no water." (Jer. 2:13.) "O vainness, the frailties, The substitutions we fashion to take one! O the and and the foolishness of men! When they the place of God in our lives truly are wise, hold no water. To the measure we thus are learned they think they not unto the counsel refuse the "living water," we miss the and they hearken it supposing joy we could have. of God, for they set aside, themselves, wherefore, Luke records Christ's well-known they know of story to the Pharisees: their wisdom is foolishness and it they shall "A certain man made a great supper, profiteth them not. And and bade many: perish. "And sent his servant at supper "But to be learned is good if they time to say to them that were bidden, hearken unto the counsels of God." Come; for all things are now ready. (2 Ne. 9:28-19.) "And they all with one consent began This morning President Lee quoted to make excuse. The first said unto him, Paul to the Corinthians— Paul, the

I have bought a piece of ground, and I brilliant author who wrote the letters must needs go and see it: I pray thee which constitute the major part of the have me excused. New Testament. Paul wrote to the

"And another said, I have bought five Corinthians that he had been sent yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: not to satisfy those who required a sign

I pray thee have me excused. or were seeking after worldly wisdom. —

128 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

He determined, we have been reminded, The father slept on a mattress on the to preach nothing but Jesus Christ and floor beside his son so that he could him crucified, and he did, so he said: reach him whenever the boy cried out. ". . . in weakness, and in fear, and in The parents bore their sorrow with much trembling. courage. They prayed, they loved, they ". . . in demonstration of the Spirit served. Faith gave them strength to and of power: meet the test. "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power Frailties of others of God." (1 Cor. 2:3-5.) 5. Sometimes we turn from the Lord It is not enough, is it, to know the because other people have made or scriptures about prayer or the motions are making mistakes. I don't want to of prayer or the words of prayer. The forget the story of the farmer who man who will not himself humble felt he had been wronged in the dis- really humble himself— before the Lord tribution of irrigation water and that "receiveth not the things of the Spirit the watermaster was at fault. of God," wrote Paul, "for they are fool- Having angered himself into dis- ishness unto him: neither can he know traction over the seeming unfairness, them, because they are spiritually he sought out the watermaster, grasped discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14.) him by the shirt bitterly, and said, The truths of eternal life, a prophet "Tom, as long as you are watermaster, has written, "are only to be seen and I won't take another drop out of that understood the of the by power Holy ditch." Spirit, which God bestows on those What happened to that farmer? Well, who love him, and purify themselves he was a stubborn man. He kept his before him; he grants this To whom foolish vow. And he and his property privilege of seeing and knowing for dried up and blew away. themselves." (D&C 76:116-17.) That we have not found perfection in Enduring trials men or organization, or that we hear reports of imperfection— these are no 4. There are those who have lost reasons to cease seeking or serving or faith because of personal tragedies or worshiping. troubles. Faced with problems akin to The frailties or failings of others Job's, they have in effect accepted the can never be appropriate reasons for invitation to curse God and die rather our loss of the blessings we might have than to love God and gain the strength if we ourselves are doing our duty. to endure their trials. There is, of course, in the promises of God no war- Our own mistakes rant that we will avoid the very experi- ences which we came here to undergo 6. And finally, perhaps the saddest and through which we can learn re- of all reasons for failing ourselves and liance on the Lord. Jesus said, "In the the Lord is that we choose to disqualify world ye shall have tribulation: but be ourselves because of our own mistakes. of good cheer; I have overcome the We know that sin and failure of obe- world." (John 16:33.) He had tribula- dience tend to keep us from God and tion, and he overcame. And so may we, prayer. We refuse to receive the soul- with his help. saving gift of forgiveness, because we

Some years ago I became acquainted have sinned. with the story of a young family whose But this is the larger failure. To little son was tragically ill with cancer. reject the Lord and his love and his Every night the father sat with his boy, redeeming sacrifice is to deny the effi- holding him in his arms. The pain cacy of God's love and his gracious- seemed less when daddy held him close. ness. All men are capable of mistakes, ELDER MARION D. HANKS 129

and have made some, but all of us too cause. If we will acknowledge him, can have the cleansing forgiveness that be thankful, serve him, love his chil- comes with repentance and devotion. dren, and accept the responsibilities We are all like Paul —sometimes of being truly Christian, we will be tortured by an inability to do consis- happy, notwithstanding problems or tently and faithfully that which we know troubles. ". we should do. You remember, . . to Said the apostle John, "If ye know will is present with me," he said; "but these things, happy are ye if ye do

how to perform that which is good I them." (John 13:17.)

find not. For the good that I would I There is no lasting joy in posses-

do not: but the evil which I would not, sions. There is no peace here or here-

that I do." (Rom. 7:18-19.) after in pride. There is comfort and But Paul knew Jesus. He knew him understanding in the loving arms of as the Lord, and he accepted his par- him whose every act of courage, of don, gave him his life, and died for mercy, and of love was performed in the him. shadow of a cross he knew was ahead for him, and in a world shot through Nephi's trust in the Lord with moral flaws. We cannot permit the mistakes of Perhaps the personal and en- most others to mislead us from our own couraging expression of all, to me, joy, nor can we disqualify ourselves comes from Nephi, sincere servant of because of our own mistakes. Jesus died his God, who, bearing witness of for our personal sins. He is the Savior gratitude and delight in the Lord, is and Redeemer to whom we belong. honest enough to say: "Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of Faith in God the Lord, in showing me his great Faith in God and Christ makes for and marvelous works, my heart ex- righteousness in the world and for claimeth: O wretched man that I am! happiness. One who knows has said: Yea, my heart sorroweth because of "God exists in the world. He exists my flesh; my soul grieveth because of wherever let him in. it mine iniquities. men Perhaps is only humble men, in search "I am encompassed about, because men of him, men with a great need for him, of the temptations and the sins which who really let him in. do so easily beset me. And God comes to such men not only because of their "And when I desire to rejoice, my ." great need for him, but also because of heart groaneth because of my sins. . . his great need for them as his allies (2 Ne. 4:17-19.) in the divine task of creating a better And then he cried out to the Lord for world, a better help: human society, a real ". kingdom of God." (P. A. Christen- . . Wilt thou make me that I sen.) may shake at the appearance of sin? Martin Buber helps us: "You know "O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and always in your heart that you need God I will trust in thee forever. I will not ." more than anything else. But do you not put my trust in the arm of flesh. . . know too that God needs you ... in (2 Ne. 4:31, 34.) the fullness of His eternity He needs And Nephi gave his life to the Lord. you?" Our strength and our peace and our happiness are in the Lord. In this world Said the Lord to ancient Israel: of trial and affliction, ". we have need of . . if ye will obey my voice indeed, the comforting and qualifying assur- and keep my covenant, then ye shall ances that come with faith in God be a peculiar treasure unto me . . . and repentance and service to his for all the earth is mine." (Exod. 19:5.) 130 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Sunday, April 9

"World, O world, of muddled men, The congregation will now join with Seek the Peace of God again: the Choir in singing "Come, Come Ye In the humble faith that kneels, Saints," following which we shall have In the hallowed Word that heals; a brief interlude listening to the Choir. In the courage of a tree, In the rock's integrity; In the hill that holds the sky, The Choir and congregation sang The star you pull your heart up by; "Come, Come Ye Saints." In the laughter of a child, The Choir then sang "I Stand All Altogether undefiled; Amazed." In the hope that answers doubt,

Love that drives the darkness out. . . . Frantic, frightened, foolish men, President Tanner Take God by the hand again." Joseph Auslander — To those of the television and radio audience who have just joined us in I know that God lives. I know that this sixth session of the 142nd Annual Jesus is the Christ. I pray for all of us Conference of the Church, we are that we may have the joy that comes in convened in the historic Tabernacle on that knowledge, in the name of Jesus Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Christ. Amen. shall hear from Elder David President N. Eldon Tanner We now B. Haight, Assistant to the Twelve. He He to whom we have just listened is will be followed by Elder Bruce R. Elder Marion D. Hanks, Assistant to the McConkie, of the First Council of Twelve. Seventy.

Elder David B. Haight

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

I humbly ask an interest in your faith had never worked at a paying job or and prayers as I occupy this historic assumed any responsibility prior to pulpit. his college and marriage. His parents had separated. This young man was the Broken homes product of a home where the parents ignored the teachings of the Church. A few days ago a heartbroken young man came into my office. It was evi- Influence of family dent from his appearance and troubled

look that he was seeking help. He had I know of another young man who been a student at the Brigham Young recently returned from Vietnam. He University, married for two years, and told of the close bond of love in his now his wife was requesting a divorce. family. He said, "My buddies tried to They had a young son. persuade me to go into Saigon and 'live Filled with remorse, he told me it up.' This went on day after day, but how he had been unsuccessful in hold- I kept thinking of my family and their ing numerous jobs, had tampered with influence and the memories of our drugs, had taken a so-called treatment family home evenings and of my

at a commune-type ranch, and had not patriarchal blessing. It seemed to give his assumed responsibility of providing me the courage I needed to resist for his wife and infant son. them." As I visited with him, I found he He then said, "I got out my blessing EIDER DAVID B. HAIGHT 131

and read it and reread it. It promised me teach them to walk in the ways of a temple marriage if I was worthy. truth and soberness; ye will teach them After a while, my buddies were im- to love one another, and to serve one pressed with my conviction. They another." (Mosiah 4:14-15.) started to respect me and then wanted Remember, this scripture says to to know more." teach our children. How can we teach them if we don't get together as a Building on sand family (and not just as a place to ex- change the car keys)? The Savior warned mankind of what could happen to our homes if we Family night failed to heed his counsel. He said: "Therefore whosoever heareth these All over the world Monday evening sayings of mine, and doeth them, I has been set aside by the First Presi- will liken him unto a wise man, which dency as family night. A night of partic- built his house upon a rock. ipation, involvement, and wholesome "And the rain descended, and the fun. The importance of the family unit floods came, and the winds blew, and cannot be overemphasized. Every home beat upon that house; and it fell not: in the Church has been instructed to for it was founded upon a rock. build a solid foundation for sound "And every one that heareth these citizenship and active church participa- sayings of mine, and doeth them not, tion. shall be likened unto a foolish man, Some of my warmest memories are which built his house upon the sand: of my childhood home. My parents "And the rain descended, and the were concerned with the activities floods came, and the winds blew, and of each child. They planned fun beat upon that house; and it fell: and evenings at home. We would watch great was the fall of it." (Matt. 7:24-27.) the honey candy boil, then pour it

Couldn't you imagine that if a out so it could cool, and then we would family purposely built their house on all stand around and pull it into strings sand, their neighbors would come so we could cut it and enjoy it. This running to their aid, would probably was great fun! warn them and try to persuade them I remember our family around the not to make such a crit'-al error? But piano singing and trying to learn har- we are actually witnessing this tragic mony. It was at these home nights that mistake taking place. Some houses are I had my first experiences with the chil- being built on sand. dren's stories of the Bible. The activities and teaching at family Teaching our children home evening can be the vehicle for the building of strong faith and character. We all know of families that seem to be unified with love for one another, One sure solution respect for the parents, active in church assignments; but as the children grow You are aware, as 1 am, of the com- older, the roof seems to start leaking, ments of juvenile court judges, law en- the family grows apart, their beliefs forcement officers, social workers, and now seem to differ. The rains of other educators who seem to unanimously influences are beating and beating hard indicate that there is only one sure on their homes. solution to our present moral challenge. "And ye will not suffer your children They all point to the home, not more that they go hungry, or naked," said laws. They say, "If only the father King Benjamin; "neither will ye suffer would take command! If only father that they transgress the laws of God and mother unitedly would guide

. . . and serve the devil. . . . But ye will their children with love and affection!" 132 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Sunday, April 9

The evidence is overwhelming and present a new morality—even a non- the need so critical for a strong bond family concept — that is in complete of respect and admiration in our homes. opposition to the true teachings of the

The trend is growing more acute daily. gospel. The words to some of the Latter-day Saint parents must analyze rock music, some of the films, and the foundation on which their homes the pictures in some of the magazines are being built, for the rains of evil indicate with a resounding ring that are descending. Parents must prayer- the rains are pouring, not just on your fully prepare for their particular family neighbor's family, but also upon yours. needs. Now, if some of you are finding re- sistance in getting your families to- Trust officers gether each week and are tempted to give up, please find strength in these Banks hold in trust valuable worldly words of Elder Marion G. Romney: "It assets of individuals. They are entrusted is not enough to do our best. Unless we with things of value that belong to do all we can, we do less than we ought. someone else. How well equipped are We must succeed in doing what is we as parents to be the trust officers necessary. Unless we get the job done, of the most precious of God's posses- it is not enough." sions — innocent young spirits? They are in your charge during eighteen or Stronger family foundations twenty of these critical years. This is A few days ago we witnessed a your opportunity and responsibility to little family, with the grandmothers and help them gain a testimony and prepare grandfathers and some of the uncles for celestial life. all united to participate, as a loving But chances are it will not happen father conferred the Aaronic Priesthood accidentally. Dad and Mom are the on his oldest son. This was a special trust officers, the planning officers, and sacred occasion and an opportunity and the careful organizers of a family to teach and strengthen this little fam- master plan. They establish family goals ily's foundation. and determine the best methods of wrote: achieving these family objectives. Elder James E. Talmage "We regard children literally as gifts To hold regular and effective family from home evenings takes desire and some God, committed to our parental care, for hard decision-making on the part of whose support, protection, and training in righteousness we shall be parents. Our homes are all different, with different challenges, different held to a strict accounting." (The Marriage Institution [pamphlet, personalities; but parents must have Church Historian's Department], the determination and the will to pp. 4-5.) make some personal sacrifices so as to Wisdom of Church leaders really make it work. With our own God-given desire and Henry Ward Beecher wrote: "We intelligence, we will find solutions to are not born as the partridge in the today's pressing issues, but we must be wood, or the ostrich of the desert, to willing to draw from the wisdom and be scattered everywhere; but we are the strength of our Church leaders, who grouped together, and brooded by love continually seek and receive divine and reared day by day in that first of guidance. churches, the family." Years ago President Joseph F. Smith gave us an answer and a promise when Pressures on youth he said, "If you will gather your children We are all aware that our youth are around you once a week and instruct being pressured from all sides with them in the gospel, they will not go bizarre sensationalism that attempts to astray." —

ELDER BRUCE R. McCONKlE 133

The prophet Nephi's counsel ap- whereon if men build they cannot fall." plies today as it did in days of old. (Hel. 5:12.)

He admonished: May this be so with your family, I ". . . remember that it is upon the humbly pray in the name of Jesus rock of our Redeemer . . . that ye must Christ. Amen. build your foundation; that when the President N. Eldon Tanner devil shall send forth his mighty winds,

. . . when all of his hail and his mighty We have just listened to Elder David storm shall beat upon you, it shall B. Haight, Assistant to the Twelve.

have no power over you . . . because of Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the the rock upon which ye are built, First Council of Seventy will now ad- which is a sure foundation, a foundation dress us.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Of the First Council of the Seventy

I asked the Lord what he would have if your hearts are to burn within you, me say on this occasion and received so that you will know of the truth the distinct and affirmative impression and divinity of the words spoken—you that I should bear testimony that Jesus must be guided by the power of the

Christ is the Son of the living God and same Spirit, and so I pray that your that he was crucified for the sins of the hearts may be opened and that your world. souls will burn within you and you

I have what is known as "the testi- will know of the verity of what is mony of Jesus," which means that I said. know by personal revelation from the I shall take the liberty, both by way Holy Spirit to my soul that Jesus is the of testimony and to set the tone for Lord; that he brought life and im- what is involved, to read these words mortality to light through the gospel; of my own composition: and that he has restored in this day I Believe in Christ the fullness of his everlasting truth, so I believe in Christ, he is my king; that we with the ancients can become With all my heart to him I'll sing; inheritors of his presence in eternity. I'll raise my voice in praise and joy, In grand amens Source of a testimony my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ, he is God's Son; Now a testimony comes from the On earth to dwell his soul did come; Spirit of God. There is no other source. He healed the sick, the dead he raised, And when a testimony is borne, it Good works were his, his name be has to be borne by the power of the praised. Spirit. And so I desire and pray fervently that I may be guided by that power I believe in Christ, O blessed name, on this occasion, so that what I say As Mary's Son he came to reign will be the mind and will and voice 'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin, of the Lord. To save them from the woes of sin.

I desire to bear testimony to myself, to you as members of the Church, and I believe in Christ, who marked the to all the world. As I speak by the path, power of the Spirit, if my testimony is Who did gain all his Father hath, to sink into your hearts and be in you Who said to men: "Come, follow me, a well springing up unto eternal life That ye, my friends, with God may be." —

134 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

I believe in Christ —my Lord, my God The glory of whose countenance My feet he plants on gospel sod; Outshone the noonday sheen. I'll worship him with all my might; Whiter his hair than ocean spray,

He is the source of truth and light. Or frost of alpine hill. He spake: — attention grew more grave, I believe in Christ, he ransoms me; The stillness e'en more still. From Satan's grasp he sets me free, And I shall live with joy and love " 'Father!' —the voice like music fell, In his eternal courts above. Clear as the murmuring flow Of mountain streamlet trickling down I believe in Christ, he stands supreme; From heights of virgin snow. From him I'll gain my fondest dream; 'Father,' it said, 'since one must die, And while I strive through grief and Thy children to redeem, pain, Whilst earth, as yet unformed and His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain." void, With pulsing life shall teem; I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With him I'll stand in that great day " 'And mighty Michael foremost fall, When on this earth he comes again, That mortal man may be, rule among the sons of men. To And chosen Savior Thou must send,

Lo, here am I —send me! The plan of salvation I ask, I seek no recompense, Now, salvation originates with God Save that which then were mine; our Heavenly Father. Indeed, salvation Mine be the willing sacrifice, " is to be like him, to inherit, possess, The endless glory Thine.' and receive what he enjoys. If we are —Joseph Fielding Smith, to know God, we must believe as he Way to Perfection, p. 52. believes, think as he thinks, and ex- perience what he experiences. Centered in Christ The great plan of salvation was created by our Heavenly Father, to Now salvation is centered in the enable us to advance and progress and Lord Jesus Christ. In the language of

become like him. But salvation is the angel who came to King Benjamin: ". centered in Christ. The plan called . . salvation was, and is, and is to for the creation and peopling of this come, in and through the atoning blood earth, so that we might come here of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." and gain experiences that were not (Mosiah 3:18.) available in any other way. Joseph Smith was asked, "What We dwelt with our Father in the are the fundamental principles of your eternities that preceded this life. We religion?" He answered: "The funda- were present when the great cry went mental principles of our religion are forth from him through the midst of the testimony of the Apostles and

eternity: "Whom shall I send to be my Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that son, to work out the infinite and He died, was buried, and rose again eternal atoning sacrifice, to put in full the third day, and ascended into heaven; force and operation the terms and and all other things which pertain to conditions of my eternal plan?" We our religion are only appendages to it." were there, and in the poetic language (Documentary History of the Church, vol. of Elder Orson F. Whitney, we be- 3, p. 30.) held: That is to say, the atoning sacrifice

of the Lord is the center of all things, "A stature mingling strength with grace as far as we are concerned. God our Of meek though Godlike mien, Heavenly Father created us, without ELDER BRUCE R. McCONKIE 135

which we would have no existence. everlasting hills; and this glorious truth And Christ the Son has redeemed us, is spreading out to all the nations of without which there would be neither the earth as rapidly as people in them immortality nor eternal life. accept the testimony and witness that Now the glorious thing that has is borne and believe the truths that our

happened in this day is that the heavens fellow representatives proclaim. This have been opened; that God has spoken is a day of which God has said that again; that he has called living oracles, all of gathered Israel shall be witnesses ". men who are apostles and prophets, to of his name. . . ye are my witnesses,

be his mouthpiece, to declare his saith the Lord, that I am God." (Isa. mind and his purpose and his will to 43:12.) the world; and his message is the This is a day when he has said

restored gospel of Jesus Christ; and it is that every elder in his kingdom, every- administered in the Church which one who holds the holy priesthood, bears his name. has power to speak in his name, to have the Holy Ghost bear record and Testimonies of many enlighten his mind, and to proclaim the truths of salvation. Now, my voice is the voice of testi- I proclaim these truths and desire mony. I bear record of the truth and in my heart to have men believe and divinity of this work. But my voice is obey. I think I can say with Nephi not alone. It is not one voice crying in a that fullness wilderness. the of mine intent is to persuade men to come unto the God The testimony that I bear is just an of Abraham and the God of Isaac and echo of the testimonies that have been the God of Jacob and be saved because borne by faithful people from the spring — the work is true, because salvation is in of 1820, when the Father and the Son Christ. And God being our witness, appeared to usher in this last great it is true. In the name of Jesus Christ. dispensation of eternal truth. And the Amen. testimony that I bear is but a harbinger of that testimony which yet will be borne by ten thousand times ten Following Elder McConkie's address, thousand people, redeemed out of every the Choir sang "We Are Watchmen" nation and kindred and tongue and without previous announcement. people, redeemed by obedience to the message that God restored through the President N. Eldon Tanner instrumentality of Joseph Smith in this We have just listened to Elder Bruce day. R. McConkie of the First Council of Seventy bear that powerful testimony. Saving power He was followed by the Tabernacle

And if there is one wondrous thing Choir singing "We Are Watchmen." about this work, it is that it is true; The words of this song were written that there is saving efficacy and virtue by President Joseph Fielding Smith. and force in the gospel of Jesus Christ; Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council and that the power of God unto salva- of the Twelve will be our concluding tion is found here in the tops of these speaker. —

136 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

Elder Boyd K. Packer

Of the Council of the Twelve

Surely all of us have been conscious of to school. A plan was presented, and the fact that there has been a very each agreed to leave the presence of powerful spirit with us in this session our Heavenly Father to experience life this morning. Few times, I suppose, in mortality. have I desired so much the sustaining Two great things were in store for power of the Spirit as I discuss a very us as we came into this world. One, delicate and difficult subject. we would receive a mortal body, created in the image of God. Through stay morally clean Why it, by proper control, we might achieve eternal life and happiness. Two, we There are many young people in would be tried and tested in such a our audience today. It is to them, way that we could grow in strength particularly to the teenagers, that I and in spiritual power. speak. The subject should be of great this first purpose is wonder- interest to you: Why stay morally Now clean. fully important, for this body given us will be resurrected and will serve us I approach the subject with deepest through the eternities. reverence. This may surprise some, Under the accepted plan, Adam and for this subject is the most talked Eve were sent to the earth as our first about, siing about, and joked about parents. They could prepare physical of any subject. Almost always it is talked about immodestly. bodies for the first spirits to be intro- duced into this life. I intend to sustain modesty, not to offend it, as I venture to speak on this Power of creation delicate subject. Young people, my message is of There was provided in our bodies very deep importance to you. It con- and this is sacred— a power of creation, cerns your future happiness. Some a light, so to speak, that has the pow- things that I say may be new to you er to kindle other lights. This gift who have not read the scriptures. was to be used only within the sacred bonds of marriage. Through the exer- Plan for mortal life cise of this power of creation, a mortal In the beginning, prior to your body may be conceived, a spirit enter mortal birth, you lived with our into it, and a new soul born into this life. Heavenly Father. He is real. He actually lives. There are those living This power is good. It can create upon the earth who bear witness of his and sustain family life, and it is in existence. We have heard his servants family life that we find the fountains of happiness. It is given to virtually do so in this session. He lives, and I is bear testimony of it. every individual who born into mortality. It is He knew you there. Because h<_ a sacred and significant loved you, he was anxious for your power, and I repeat, my young friends, happiness and for your eternal growth. that this power is good. He wanted you to be able to choose You who are teenagers, like every freely and to grow through the power other son and daughter of Adam and of correct choice, so that you may be- Eve, have this power within you. come much as he is. To achieve this, The power of creation—or may we it was necessary for us to leave his say procreation— is not just an inciden- presence. Something like going away tal part of the plan: it is essential to it. ELDER BOYD K. PACKER 137

Without it the plan could not proceed. around you in the animal kingdom. You The misuse of it may disrupt the plan. soon realize that where this power of

creation is a fleeting thing, where it Use of creative power expresses itself only in season, there is no family life. Much of the happiness that may It is through this power that life come to you in this life will depend continues. world full of trials and on how you use this sacred power of A fears creation. The fact that you young and disappointments can be men can become fathers and that you changed into a kingdom of hope and joy and happiness. Each time a child young women can become mothers is is born, the world is of utmost importance to you. somehow renewed in innocence. As this power develops within you, it will prompt you in the search for a Importance of marriage companion and empower you to love and to hold him. Again I want to tell you young

I repeat, this power to act in the people that this power within you is creation of life is sacred. You can some good. It is a gift from God our Father. day have a family of your own. Through In the righteous exercise of it as in the exercise of this power you can nothing else, we may come close to invite children to live with you— little him. boys and little girls who will be your We can have, in a small way, much very own— created, in a way, in your that our Father in heaven has as he own image. You can establish a home, governs us, his children. No greater a dominion of power and influence and school or testing place can be imagined. opportunity. This carries with it great Is it any wonder, then, that in the responsibility. Church marriage is so sacred and so

This creative power carries with it important? Can you understand why strong desires and urges. You have your marriage, which releases these felt them already in the changing of powers of creation for your use, should your attitudes and your interests. be the most carefully planned, the most solemnly considered step in your

Strong and constant feelings life? Ought we to consider it unusual that the Lord directed that temples be As you move into your teens, al- constructed for the purpose of per- most of a sudden a boy or a girl be- forming marriage ceremonies? comes something new and intensely interesting. You will notice the changing Enticements of evil one of form and feature in your own body and in others. You will experience the Now there are other things that early whispering of physical desire. I will tell you as a warning. In the

It was necessary that this power beginning there was one among us who of creation have at least two dimen- rebelled at the plan of our Heavenly sions: one, it must be strong; and two, Father. He vowed to destroy and to it must be more or less constant. disrupt the plan. This power must be strong, for He was prevented from having a most men by nature seek adventure. mortal body and was cast out— limited Except for the compelling persuasion forever from establishing a kingdom of these feelings, men would be of his own. He became satanically reluctant to accept the responsibility of jealous. He knows that this power of sustaining a home and a family. This creation is not just an incident to the power must be constant, too, for it plan, but a key to it. becomes a binding tie in family life. He knows that if he can entice you

You are old enough, I think, to look to use this power prematurely, to use 138 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Sunday, April 9

it too soon, or to misuse it in any pression of affection is not enough to

way, you may well lose your op- make it right. portunities for eternal progression. The only righteous use of this He is an actual being from the un- sacred power is within the covenant of seen world. He has great power. He marriage.

will use it to persuade you to transgress Never misuse these sacred powers.

those laws set up to protect the sacred And now, my young friends, I must powers of creation. tell you soberly and seriously that God has declared in unmistakable Changed tactics language that misery and sorrow will In former times he was too cunning follow the violation of the laws of to confront one with an open invitation ". chastity. . . wickedness never was to be immoral. But rather, sneakingly happiness." (Al. 41:10.) and quietly he would tempt young These laws were set up to guide all and old alike to think loosely of these of his children in the use of this gift. sacred powers of creation. To bring He does not have to be spiteful or down to a vulgar or to a common level vengeful in order that punishment that which is sacred and beautiful. will come from the breaking of the His tactics have changed now. He moral code. The laws are established describes it as only an appetite to be of themselves. satisfied. He teaches that there are no Crowning glory awaits you if you attendant responsibilities to the use of live worthily. The loss of the crown this power. Pleasure, he will tell you, may well be punishment enough. is its sole purpose. Often, very often, we are punished as His devilish invitations appear on much by our sins as we are for them. billboards. They are coined into jokes Cleansing power and written into the lyrics of songs. They are acted out on television and I am sure that within the sound of my at theaters. They will stare at you now voice there is more than one young from most magazines. There are maga- person who already has fallen into zines—you know the word, pornogra- transgression. Some of you young phy—open, wicked persuasions to people, I am sure, almost innocent of pervert and misuse this sacred power. any intent, but persuaded by the en- You grow up in a society where ticements and the temptations, already before you is the constant invitation to have misused this power. tamper with these sacred powers. Know then, my young frieads, that there is a great cleansing power. And Words of counsel know that you can be clean. I want to counsel you and I want If you are outside the Church, the you to remember these words. covenant of baptism itself represents, Do not let anyone at all touch or among other things, a washing and a handle your body, not anyone! Those cleansing. who tell you otherwise proselyte you For those of you inside the Church to share their guilt. We teach you to there is a way, not entirely painless, maintain your innocence. but certainly possible. You can stand Turn away from any who would clean and spotless before Him. Guilt persuade you to experiment with will be gone, and you can be at peace. these life-giving powers. Go to your bishop. He holds the key

That such indulgence is widely ac- to this cleansing power. cepted in society today is not enough! Righteous family life For both parties to willingly consent to such indulgence is not enough! Then one day you can know the full To imagine that it is a normal ex- and righteous expression of these ELDER BOYD K. PACKER 139

powers and the attendant happiness happiness. Hold this gift as sacred and joy in righteous family life. In due and pure. Use it only as the Lord has time, within the bonds of the marriage directed. covenant, you can yield yourselves to My young friends, there is much those sacred expressions of love happiness and joy to be found in this which have as their fulfillment the life. I can testify of that. generation of life itself. I picture you with a companion

Someday you will hold a little whom you love and who loves you. I boy or a little girl in your arms and picture you at the marriage altar, enter- know that two of you have acted in ing into covenants that are sacred. I pic- partnership with our Heavenly Father ture you in a home where love has its in the creation of life. Because the fulfillment. I picture you with little youngster belongs to you, you may children about you and see your love then come to love someone more than growing with them. you love yourself. I cannot frame this picture. I would

This experience can come, insofar not if I could, for it has no bounds. as I know, only through having chil- Your happiness will have no ends if dren of your own or perhaps through you obey his laws. fostering children born of another I pray God's blessings upon you, our and yet drawn close into family youth. May our Heavenly Father covenants. watch over you and sustain you, Some of you may not experience that in the expression of this sacred the blessings of marriage. Protect gift you may draw close to him. He nonetheless these sacred powers of lives. He is our Father. Of this I creation, for there is a great power of bear witness in the name of Jesus compensation that may well apply Christ. Amen. to you.

Meaning of fatherhood Following Elder Packer's remarks, the Choir sang "The Voice of God Through this loving one more than Again Is Heard" without announce- you love yourself, you become truly ment. Christian. Then you know, as few others know, what the word Father means when it is spoken of in the President N. Eldon Tanner scriptures. You may then feel some- thing of the love and concern that he We express our appreciation to the has for us. General Authorities who have spoken to It should have great meaning that of us, and to the Tabernacle Choir for their all the titles of respect and honor inspirational music. and admiration that could be given We are grateful to the owners and him, God himself, he who is the highest managers of over 300 television and of all, chose to be addressed simply radio stations for offering their facili- as Father. ties as a public service to make the proceedings of this conference avail- Key to Happiness able to millions throughout many areas Protect and guard your gift. Your of the world. actual happiness is at stake. Eternal This session has been carried from family life, now only in your anticipa- the Tabernacle over direct oceanic tions and dreams, can be achieved be- cables to a large number of members and cause our Heavenly Father has bestowed friends assembled in chapels through- this choicest gift of all upon you—this out Great Britain, Germany, France, power of creation. It is the very key to Holland, Belgium and Austria. 140 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

We shall conclude this sixth session The Tabernacle Choir sang "The of the conference with the Tabernacle Hallelujah Chorus." Choir singing Hallelujah Chorus," "The President G. Marion Hinckley of the after which the benediction will be pro- Utah West Stake offered the closing nounced by President G. Marion prayer. Hinckley, president of the West Utah The conference was adjourned until Stake. This conference will then stand 2 o'clock p.m. adjourned until 2:00 this afternoon.

THIRD DAY AFTERNOON MEETING

SEVENTH SESSION at Kansas City, and WRFM at New York City. The seventh and concluding session We extend a cordial welcome to all of the General Conference began at present this afternoon—special guests, 2 o'clock p.m. on Sunday, April 9, educational leaders, our regional rep- 1972. resentatives and stake presidencies, tem- President Joseph Fielding Smith pre- ple presidencies, bishoprics, members sided, and President Harold B. Lee, of the Church, and many friends every- first counselor in the First Presidency, where who are listening in by radio conducted the meeting. and television. The choral numbers were provided The Tabernacle Choir, with Jay E. by the Tabernacle Choir, with Jay E. Welch conducting and Robert Cundick Welch conducting, and Robert Cundick at the organ, will begin this service by at the organ. singing, "The Seer, Joseph the Seer." President Lee made the following The invocation will then be offered remarks at the beginning of the session: by Elder Wilburn C. West, Regional Representative of the Twelve. President Harold B. Lee

Members of the Church are con- The Tabernacle Choir sang the num- vened in the Tabernacle on Temple ber, "The Seer, Joseph the Seer." Square in Salt Lake City, Utah in the The invocation was offered by Elder seventh and last general session of the Wilburn C. West, Regional Representa- 142nd Annual Conference of the Church tive of the Twelve. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This afternoon many television and President Lee radio stations throughout the western part of the United States will carry the The Tabernacle Choir, under the proceedings of this session of the con- direction of Jay E. Welch, will now sing, ference. "Oh How Lovely Was the Morning," Sessions of this conference have after which Elder LeGrand Richards been received by millions in the United of the Council of the Twelve will speak States and Canada over hundreds of to us. radio and television stations cooperating to provide the extensive coverage of this conference. The hymn, "Oh How Lovely Was Relayed broadcasts of both sessions the Morning," was sung by the Taber- today will be scheduled by Radio nacle Choir. Stations KSL, KIRO at Seattle, KMBZ ELDER LEGRAND RICHARDS 141

President Lee the Twelve. He will be followed by We shall now hear from Elder Elder Eldred G. Smith, Patriarch to the LeGrand Richards of the Council of Church.

Elder LeGrand Richards

Of the Council of the Twelve

I feel it a great honor, brothers and could be told that would be as valuable sisters, to share with you a few mo- to our neighbors and our friends who ments in this the last session of this in- are not members of this church as to spired conference. I am sure, as we bear witness of this great event, about have listened to the messages of our which the choir has just sung. brethren during these various sessions, A chosen generation we can't help but feel a deep apprecia- tion in our hearts that the Lord saw fit I think of the words of the apostle to institute in his restored Church the Peter of old. He said to the saints of practice of holding conferences. his day: ". . . ye are a chosen generation, a Inspiring counsel royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; Just think of the inspiring counsel [Why?] that ye should forth the and advice we have had here to help shew praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into us put our own lives in order, the his marvellous light." Pet. lives of our loved ones, of our families, (1 2:9.) We have been admonished in this and of the young people. It has taught conference to let our light so us how to treat our neighbors and shine, as Jesus said, that others seeing our friends, and in all that has been said good works led to here today, we have learned of the may be glorify our responsibilities that are ours in the Father which is in heaven. (See Matt. political affairs in which we should 5:16.) ". Paul tells us: . . faith cometh by participate in our own communities. hearing, and hearing by the word of We have just listened to this lovely God." (Rom. 10:17.) song, so beautifully rendered by our ". . . and how shall they hear with- choir, "Oh, How Lovely Was the out a preacher? And how shall they Morning." Just think, that is the most ." preach, except they be sent? . . (Rom. important message to go out to all the 10:14-15.) world today. In President Smith's opening address he said, Lord's "The Gospel to be preached work shall triumph. No power on earth can prevent the spread of truth and Therefore, there rests upon this the preaching of the gospel in every people the great responsibility of bear- nation." ing witness to the entire world of what In the general priesthood meeting the Lord has done in restoring his truth last night he added, "The gospel shall to the earth in this dispensation. roll forth until it shall fill the whole When Jesus was asked by his dis- earth." If the gospel is going to roll ciples for the sign of his second com- forth and fill the whole earth, what a ing, you will recall he told them responsibility we Latter-day Saints about the wars and rumors of wars, have, with our families, in helping it and pestilence, and earthquakes, and to roll forth into all the earth. There famine, and that nation should rise is no message in this world today that against nation. And then he added: 142 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

"And this gospel of the kingdom them to know where to find the truth. shall be preached in all. the world for a Of course, we take the Bible as our witness unto all nations; and then shall guide to help us in our search for the

the end come." (Matt. 24:14.) truth. I have always been greatly im- Where would one look today to find pressed by the experience that Elder that gospel of the kingdom that Jesus Orson F. Whitney had. He was a mem- referred to? Not according to man's ber of the Quorum of the Twelve, and interpretation of the scriptures, but he related this in one of our confer-

where the divine power rests, such as ences. I would like to read it to you. Jesus gave to his Twelve when he He said: said: "Many years ago a learned man, a "Ye have not chosen me, but I have member of the Roman Catholic Church, ." chosen you, and ordained you. . . came to Utah and spoke from the (John 15:16.) stand of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. I ". . . and whatsoever thou shalt bind became well-acquainted with him, and ." on earth shall be bound in heaven. . . we conversed freely and frankly. A (Matt. 16:19.) great scholar, with perhaps a dozen languages at his tongue's end, he Power and authority seemed to know all about theology, law, literature, science and philosophy. Anybody could organize a church One day he said to me: 'You Mormons and take from the scriptures certain are all ignoramuses. You don't even passages and base their church upon know the strength of your own posi- that, but how can they take a living tion. It is so strong that there is only branch from a dead tree? How can they one other tenable in the whole Chris- put in it the power and the authority tian world, and that is the position of to act in the name of the Lord? the Catholic Church. The issue is be- They couldn't do that any more than tween Catholicism and Mormonism. If they could act for the mayor of the city, we are right, you are wrong; if you are the governor of the state, or the presi- right, we are wrong; and that's all there dent of the United States, without is to it. The Protestants haven't a leg being duly commissioned so to do. to stand on. For, if we are wrong, they Neither can any work effectively in are wrong with us, since they were a the kingdom of our Father in heaven part of us and went out from us; while unless they have divine authority given if we are right, they are apostates whom to them by those who have the right we cut off long ago. If we have the to so convey it. apostolic succession from St. Peter, as And so we stand here as witnesses we claim, there is no need of Joseph of the restoration of the gospel and bear Smith and Mormonism; but if we have our witness to all the world that we do not that succession, then such a man know that Christ lives, that our Father as Joseph Smith was necessary, and lives, that they have visited this earth. Mormonism's attitude is the only con- As was sung in that song about the sistent one. It is either the perpetuation Prophet Joseph, he announced that in of the gospel from ancient times, or answer to his inquiry as to which of the restoration of the gospel in latter all the churches he should join, he days.' " (LeGrand Richards, A Marvel- was told he should join none of them, ous Work and a Wonder [Deseret Book for they taught for doctrines the com- Co., 3-4.) mandments or precepts of men. 1950], pp.

It seems to me that if people would Orson F. Whitney's experience just think, they must come to the

I think if people were just open- conclusion that this is a correct state- minded, it wouldn't be so hard for ment, if they want to find the gospel ELDER LEGRAND RICHARDS 143

that Jesus said is the everlasting gospel make war with the saints and over- that should be preached in all the world come all kindreds and tongues and na- for a witness unto all nations before tions, he would have had to make an he would come again to the earth. exception for those who still possessed the everlasting gospel. That is a witness Apostasy predicted that the truth should not be upon the One can't study the holy scriptures earth at that time. without knowing that the prophets have Promises of restoration declared an apostasy from the original church. When John the Revelator was The scriptures are replete with prom- banished on the Isle of Patmos, the ises of a restoration in the latter days. I angel of the Lord appeared to him and like the statement by Peter following said to him: "Come up hither, and I the day of Pentecost, when he said to will shew thee things which must be those who had put to death the Christ: hereafter." (Rev. 4:1.) "Repent ye therefore, and be con- Then he showed him all things verted, that your sins may be blotted from the war in heaven to the final out, when the times of refreshing shall winding-up scene, and he showed him come from the presence of the Lord; the power that would be given to Satan "And he shall send Jesus Christ, to make war with the saints (and the which before was preached unto you: saints were the followers of Christ in "Whom the heaven must receive his church); and he said that power was until the times of restitution of all given him over all kindreds and tongues things, which God hath spoken by the and nations. (See Rev. 13:7.) Why mouth of all his holy prophets since should that be in the holy scriptures if the world began." (Acts 3:19-21.) the gospel was to remain upon the If Peter was a prophet of God, we earth from the days of St. Peter down can't look forward to the second com- to the present time? ing of Christ, and neither can the world, Paul was constantly warning the without a restitution—and not a people in his day that they should not reformation. There is a great difference look for the coming of Jesus until between remodeling an old house and there should be a falling away, and building a new one. As far as I know, the man of sin would be revealed. in all the missionary work that I (See 2 Thess. 2:1-4.) And others of the have done, there is no other church in prophets have likewise testified of the this world that claims a restitution of day when there should be a famine all things, as was spoken by the mouth in the land. The prophet Amos said: of all the holy prophets since the "Behold, the days come, saith the world began. event sung the Lord God, that I will send a famine This we heard by in the land, not a famine of bread, nor choir— of the coming of the Father and a thirst for water, but of hearing the the Son—was followed by Moroni, a words of the Lord: prophet who lived upon this earth 400 "And they shall wander from sea years after the time of Christ, and he the plates the Book to sea, and from the north even to the brought from which of translated. east, they shall run to and fro to seek Mormon was the word of the Lord, and shall no Priesthood restored find it." (Amos 8:11-12.)

Why? Because it was not upon the John the Baptist, who was beheaded earth to be found. for the testimony of Jesus, returned as If the gospel were to remain upon a resurrected being and conferred upon the earth, then when the angel of the Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the Lord showed John that Satan would Aaronic Priesthood, with power to bap- 144 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

tize by immersion for the remission of John's vision sins. told He them that later the Mel- John, while he was on the Isle of chizedek Priesthood would be restored, Patmos, didn't only see the power that which would be the power to adminis- Satan would have to make war with ter the laying on of hands for the gift the saints and to reign over them all, of the Holy Ghost. but he "saw another angel fly in the Peter, James, and John, the apostles midst of heaven, having the everlast- of the Lord Jesus Christ, who were with ing gospel to preach unto them that him on the Mount of Transfiguration, dwell on the earth, and to every na- returned and brought back that Mel- tion, and kindred, and tongue, and chizedek Priesthood. Could all the people." (Rev. 14:6.) money in the world buy things that This would not have been neces- would mean as much to the children sary if there had been a continuation of our Father in heaven as these events of the gospel. And then he said: "Fear that transpired? And what could come God, and give glory to him; for the to us individually, and to our families ." hour of his judgment is come. . . and to our friends and our loved ones, (Rev. 14:7.) And we live in the day of like the coming of these holy mes- his judgment. sengers? ". Then he adds: . . and worship him Coming of Elijah that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." that isn't all. there And Then (Rev. 14:7.) came Elijah the Prophet, of whom Mala- true living chi spoke, that were it not for his com- The and God ing before the coming of the great At the time that Joseph Smith had and dreadful day of the Lord, the whole his marvelous vision, there wasn't a earth would be utterly wasted at his church in the world worshiping the coming. He said: God who made the heavens and the "And he shall turn the heart of the earth and the sea and the fountains fathers to the children, and the heart of of waters, and created man in his own

the children to their fathers, lest I come image. They worshiped an essence and smite the earth with a curse." (Mai. everywhere present. They described 4:6.) him as being without body, parts, or That opened the door for an under- passions, who sits on the top of a standing of the words of the apostle topless throne, and that is about the Paul, when he said that the Lord had best explanation of nothing as a person

revealed the mystery of his will unto could write. If he doesn't have a body, him: how could he speak? How could he "That in the dispensation of the ful- hear? How could he understand and ness of times he might gather together talk? in one all things in Christ, both which Moses made mention of this when are in heaven, and which are on earth. he was leading the children of Israel ." . . (Eph. 1:10.) into the promised land. He told them We live in the dispensation of the that they would not remain there long, fulness of times, and the coming of but that they would be scattered among Elijah has brought the keys of his mis- the nations, and then he said: "And sion, and that is why we build these there ye shall serve gods, the work holy temples. That is why we have this of men's hands, wood and stone, which great genealogical program, the like of neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor which can't be found anywhere in all smell." (Deut. 4:28.) this world. And so the prophets have That is the kind of god this world foreseen the coming of these holy was worshiping at the time Joseph prophets. Smith had his marvelous vision. ELDER ELDRED G. SMITH 145

But Moses saw something more. He but the restoration of the gospel, that it saw that in the latter days (and we live was brought by the Son of Man him- in the latter days), if his people would self, so that there is no separation from search for him, they should surely the prophets of this dispensation, and find him. (See Deut. 4:29.) And Joseph woe be unto us if we share not these Smith, answering that admonition in marvelous truths with the world!

James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let Brothers and sisters, I know that this him ask of God, that giveth to all men is the work of God the Eternal Father.

liberally, and upbraideth not; and it It is the greatest movement in all the shall be given him" (Jas. 1:5), went world today. There isn't an honest man and sought after him, as Moses ad- or an honest woman in this world, vised, and he found the true and the who really loves the Lord, who wouldn't

living God. We have a testimony to join this church if they would take time

bear to all of the world to this event. to find out what it is and would ask God the Eternal Father, who will not The true gospel mislead them. That is my witness and testimony I think of the words of the apostle to you, and I leave it in the name of the Paul when he said that he determined Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. to know nothing but Jesus and him crucified. That doesn't (See 1 Cor. 2:2.) President Harold B. Lee mean that he didn't know the old prophets or appreciate them, but a new We have just listened to Elder day had come. LeGrand Richards of the Council of The Son of God had come, of whom the Twelve, and one of the great mis- the prophets had spoken, and then he sionaries of our time.

". . is shall hear from Elder Eldred said: . for necessity laid upon We now

me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach G. Smith, Patriarch to the Church. He not the gospel!" (1 Cor. 9:16.) will be followed by Elder A. Theodore In that same sense, we know nothing Tuttle of the First Council of Seventy.

Elder Eldred G. Smith

Patriarch to the Church

In that upper room in Jerusalem where Peace the Last Supper was held, Jesus gave Peace is a much-used word nowa- his disciples considerable instructions. days. We hear it on every side, in Among many things he taught them, he every newspaper, in every magazine. said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace Men are truly running to and fro all I give unto you: not as the world giveth, over the earth looking for peace. We give I unto you. Let not your heart be think of it as a modern form of salu- troubled, neither let it be afraid." tation, but it is as old as mankind. (John 14:27.)

Again he said: "These things I have The people of biblical lands have spoken unto you, that in me ye might always greeted each other with "Peace have peace. In the world ye shall have be unto you" or "Peace be with you." tribulation: but be of good cheer; I Yet that little section of the earth has have overcome the world." (John 16: always been torn by wars and by cap- 33.) tivity and bondage for the people, 146 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9 under a succession of rulers. At the that should come upon him, went time of Christ, they were under the forth, and said unto them, Whom seek rule of the Roman Empire. ye? Naturally, the Jews expected a "They answered him, Jesus of Naza-

"Redeemer," a "Savior," and thought reth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. he was to release them from bondage. And Judas also, which betrayed him, Isaiah wrote: stood with them. "For unto us a child is born, unto "As soon then as he had said unto us a son is given: and the government them, I am he, they went backward, shall be upon his shoulder: and his and fell to the ground. name shall be called Wonderful, Coun- "Then asked he them again, Whom selor, The mighty God, The everlast- seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Naza- ing Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isa. reth.

9:6.) "Jesus answered, I have told you

Peace was not brought to this land that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, called the Holy Land. Even today the let these go their way." (John 18:1-8.) hulks of old tanks and other war ma- Can you match that display of calm- chines lie rusting on the sides of the ness? of peace? Here they are coming roads. Ever-present soldiers keep vigi- to take a man they want to kill, and lant watch along the borders. Nor has he as much as says, "Here I am, take peace come to the rest of the world. me, but let my friends go." Yet, in the Sermon on the Mount, Then when he stood before Pilate, Christ taught peace. He said, "Blessed under the pressure of rigid question- are the peacemakers: for they shall be ing, Pilate could not raise his ire. In called the children of God." (Matt. 5:9.) perfect peace, he answered his ques- tions. Pilate found no wrong in him. Peace of Christ After he was crucified and then resurrected, his first message to his Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: disciples was, "Peace be unto you." "Peace I leave with you, my peace I (John 20:21.) give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be The peace within troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27.) How is it that we have not dis- What kind of peace did Christ covered the secret of peace whgn we mean? I think his own acts explain have been looking for it all through the what he meant. ages? I'll tell you. We are looking for After the Last Supper, when Christ someone to create it for us — to bring had finished his instructions to the it to us. Edna St. Vincent Millay said: apostles, John wrote: "There is no peace on earth today, "When Jesus had spoken these save the peace in the heart at home words, he went forth with his disciples with God. . . . No man can be at over the brook Cedron, where was a peace with his neighbor who is not at ." garden, into the which he entered, and peace with himself. . . ("Conversa- his disciples. tions at Midnight," Collected Poems, "And Judas also, which betrayed Harper & Row, Copyright 1937 and him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes 1964.) resorted thither with his disciples. Have you experienced that peace "Judas then, having received a band within you because you helped your of men and officers from the chief neighbor rake his lawn or mow his priests and Pharisees, cometh thither lawn? Have you felt that peace within with lanterns and torches and weapons. because you helped your neighbor pick "Jesus therefore, knowing all things his fruit or harvest his crops? Have you ELDER ELDRED G. SMITH 147

witnessed that peace within because Have you ever been aware that all you shoveled the snow off your neigh- the use of priesthood is service to bor's walks? Have you felt that peace someone else? Haven't you always which came because you helped some- had a good feeling of peace within one solve a problem and get a new when you have been fulfilling your lease on life? Have you "cheered up priesthood duty? the sad, and made someone feel glad"? Peace, then, comes from service. A guilty conscience The Lord has said: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to Did you ever have a guilty con- bring to pass the immortality and science? Do you know the turmoil eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) and tumult it can bring to your very Is this not the ultimate of service? soul? It can cause mental and even To become as God is, then, we must physical illness. you Do know the eliminate enmity, greed, and selfish- blessed relief of rectifying whatever ness, and all our efforts must be in caused this feeling? It may have been service to others. The Lord said: an unkind word, a thoughtless act, ". . . he who doeth the works of or it have deeper than that. may gone righteousness shall receive his reward, Until you have adjusted whatever even peace in this world, and eternal causes a guilty conscience, you cannot life in the world to come." (D&C 59:23.) hope for peace of mind. Do you, at this time, have unkind Peace of Joseph Smith feelings or less than love in your heart for a friend, a neighbor, or any of Joseph Smith was an example of God's children? Try doing something utmost peace in the face of tribulation. extra nice for that person, and keep Though he had been arrested and ac- it up until all the bitterness has gone quitted thirty-seven times, he knew from your heart. this time he would not return. On the way from Nauvoo to Carthage, Joseph Peace from service Smith said:

Have you taught a Sunday School "I am going like a lamb to the class and felt when you finished that slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's had really taught someone some you morning; I have a conscience void of principle of the gospel that had really offense toward God and towards all helped him or given him a brighter men. I shall die innocent, and it shall look on life? Remember the feeling of yet be said of me—he was murdered joy that followed? Have you peace and in cold blood." (Documentary History ever taught someone the gospel and of the Church, vol. 6, p. 630.) received that feeling of joy because Then at Carthage, to he had accepted what you had been Joseph wrote his wife, Emma, the following: "I am teaching? The thrill of missionary work! very much resigned to my lot, know- Have you sensed the thrill, the ing I am justified, and have done the peace within your soul, that comes best that could be done. Give my love from a knowledge of the gospel and

to the children . . . and all who inquire from accepting and living in accor-

after me. . . . May bless you all." dance with the teachings of the gospel God (DHC, vol. 6, 605.) of Jesus Christ? Have you felt the p. peace from doing temple work, vicar- Isaiah says: "And the work of righ- ious work for the dead? teousness shall be peace; and the effect A key to peace, then, is service. of righteousness quietness and assur- Christ said: "But he that is greatest ance for ever" (Isa. 32:17) —the assur- among you shall be your servant." ance of knowing you are living in (Matt. 23:11.) accordance with God's will. 148 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

"We bring you peace" he will come—he will bring peace only as we will accept and follow his teach- Our guide on a recent tour in the ings of service to others and eliminate Holy Land, who is a Jordanian Arab and enmity and unrighteousness. a Greek Orthodox Catholic the by name That angel which John saw "fly of Sari Rabadi, taught a little us Ara- in the midst of heaven, having the bian song: "Havano, shalo, malechem," everlasting gospel to preach unto them which translated means: bring "We that dwell on the earth" (Rev. 14:6) has you peace." already come. The gospel of Jesus Yes, Sari, say to we you and to all Christ has been established on the the world, we bring you peace. We earth, never again to be taken from the bring you the peace of the gospel, that earth. peace which Christ meant when he His kingdom is already here on ". said, . . my peace I give unto you: earth and is growing rapidly to prepare not as the world giveth, give I unto for his coming. Yes, he shall surely ." you. . . (John 14:27.) come and bring peace to the earth, If each person would have peace but only as we are willing to follow within his soul, then there would be his teachings. This is his work, and peace in the family. If there is peace his kingdom, which is the only way in each family, then there is peace to world peace and eternal peace. I in the nation. If there is peace in the so testify in the name of Jesus Christ. nations, there is peace in the world. Amen. Let us not just sing, "Let there be

peace on earth and let it begin with President Harold B. Lee me," but let us mean it. Make it my goal your goal. — Elder Eldred G. Smith, Patriarch to the Church, has just spoken to The way to peace us. Elder A. Theodore Turtle of the First When the Savior comes again—and Council of Seventy will now address us.

Elder A. Theodore Tuttle

Of the First Council of the Seventy

A major recurring theme of this con- "There are, in the church, two priest- ference, including the seminar of the hoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Regional Representatives of the Twelve, Aaronic. . . . mentioned either directly or indirectly "Why the first is called the Mel- by nearly every speaker, has been the chizedek Priesthood is because Mel- importance and necessity of the priest- chizedek was such a great high priest. hood. I want to address my remarks to "Before his day it was called the Holy this subject. The vitality and power of Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of the priesthood on the earth today are God. greater than at any other period in the "All other authorities or offices in world's history. the church are appendages to this priest- Revelation on priesthood hood." (D&C 107:1-3, 5.) It is vital that we understand this On March 28, 1835, in Kirtland, foregoing thought. President Joseph F. Ohio, in a meeting with the Council Smith said: of the Twelve, the Prophet Joseph re- "There is no office growing out of ceived a singularly important revelation this Priesthood that is or can be greater on priesthood: than the Priesthood itself. It is from the —

ELDER A, THEODORE TUTTLE 149

Priesthood that the office derives its au- with all things that God and truth are thority and power. No office gives au- associated with. It is the power of God thority to the Priesthood. No office delegated to intelligences in the heavens ." adds to the power of the Priesthood. and to men on the earth. . . (The Gos- But, all offices in the Church derive pel Kingdom [Bookcraft, 1943], p. 129.) their power, their virtue, their author- In order to gain exaltation a man ity, from the Priesthood. If our brethren must obtain, then magnify, the holy would get this principle thoroughly es- priesthood. tablished in their minds, there would be "For whoso is faithful unto the ob- less misunderstanding in relation to taining these two priesthoods of which the functions of government in the I have spoken, and the magnifying their Church than there is." (Gospel Doctrine calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto

[Deseret Book Co., 1939], p. 148.) the renewing of their bodies.

"They become . . . the elect of God. Three presiding quorums "And . . . therefore all that my Father There are three presiding quorums hath shall be given unto him. in the Church chosen from the body of "And this is according to the oath the priesthood: and covenant which belongeth to the "Of necessity there are presidents, priesthood." (D&C 84:33-34, 38-39.)

or presiding officers growing out of . . . But we must remember that it is on those who are ordained to the several condition of magnifying the priesthood offices in these two priesthoods. we obtain. There is great energy being "Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, expended and much emphasis given three Presiding High Priests, chosen by to the operation and administration the body, appointed and ordained to of this priesthood in the Church today. that office, and upheld by the confi- "Therefore, let every man stand in dence, faith, and prayer of the church, his own office, and labor in his own form a quorum of the Presidency of the calling; . . . that the system may be kept Church. perfect." (D&C 84:109-110.) "The twelve traveling councilors are Responsibility of called to be the Twelve Apostles, or high priests special witnesses of the name of Christ Standing in their responsibility, the in all the world— . . . high priests in the Church today have equal "And they form a quorum, the overall priesthood responsibility to in authority and power to the three do genealogical research and perform presidents previously mentioned. temple ordinances. Through the priest- Seventy are to act in the name "The hood they are to see to it that everyone of the Lord, under the direction of the in the Church, in proper time and order, Twelve ... in building up the church saves his kindred dead. This means that and regulating all the affairs of the same all members are to ." . . 107:21-24, 34.) in all nations. (D&C 1. have their personal book of re- The government of God membrance. 2. complete research on at least What is the priesthood? President their four generations. John Taylor said: 3. live worthy to ". obtain a temple . . it is the government of God, recommend. whether on earth or in the heavens, for 4. attend to temple ordinances for it is by that power, agency, or principle the dead. that all things are governed on earth or in the heavens, and by that power that Labor of seventies all things are upheld and sustained. It governs all things— it directs all things The seventy are to stand in their own — it sustains all things —and has to do office and labor in their own calling, —

150 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

which is priesthood missionary work. evil. There is no power on earth that The seventy, as missionaries, are spe- can withstand the thrust of the adver- cialists in teaching. As members, our sary except a body of righteous men strength is in finding and fellowshiping. who honor their priesthood in their United we form a productive team to homes. carry the message of the restoration to all of our Father's children. The Aaronic Priesthood

The young men of the Aaronic Place of elders Priesthood have not been neglected.

Elders standing in their office and The Lord in his wisdom has seen fit to calling have a place in welfare work. call you young men early in your lives However, they share a major responsi- to service in the kingdom. Sometimes, bility for the perfecting of the Saints because you do not understand the through priesthood home teaching. program of the Church, you think that The president of the elders quorum has the Church is neglecting the vital issues. the unique calling to administer the In the vernacular, you "want a piece of gospel to more people in the ward the action." than anyone else except the bishop. In this church there is a call to youth Priesthood home teachers are to and there is plenty to do, if you will but ". . . visit the house of each member, follow the counsel of your leaders. It is and exhort them to pray vocally and in not intended that you just "take the bit secret and attend to all family duties. in your mouth" and run. A wise saying ". . . watch over the church always, aptly applies: "The hand that holds and be with and strengthen them; the reins is not the power that pulls ". . . see that there is no iniquity in the load." The vigor and energy of the church, neither hardness with each youth united with the wisdom of ma- other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil ture men make a great team. That is the speaking; way the Lord has designed the Aaronic "And see that the church meet to- and Melchizedek Priesthoods to work gether often, and also see that all the together. members do their duty." (D&C 20:47, Why do we call upon you to live in 53-55.) purity? So that you will be fit servants to make your contribution to the king- Strengthening the home dom of God.

Each one of these specific duties is Priesthood leadership designed by the Lord to strengthen the home. You will notice that the word Sixty-six years ago President Joseph teach is mentioned only indirectly in this F. Smith said: scriptural instruction. Perhaps if we as "We expect to see the day, if we live home teachers could catch the whole long enough (and if some of us don't vision of what our duty is, then the live long enough to see it, there are teaching would eventually be done by others who will), when every council of the ones the Lord ordained to give in- the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus struction in the home. Christ of Latter-day Saints will under- Though priesthood home teaching stand its duty; will assume its own re- has not yet come into the dignity of its sponsibility, will magnify its calling,

calling, we may yet come to understand and fill its place in the Church, to the that it is one of the loftiest concepts of uttermost, according to the intelligence

service in the Church. One thing is cer- and ability possessed by it. When that tain: it is service that saves. day shall come, there will not be so The priesthood in the Church is a much necessity for work which is now mighty bulwark against the advance of being done by the auxiliary organiza- ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE 151

tions, because it will be done by the Prophet Joseph: "Brethren, shall we regular quorums of the Priesthood. The not go on in so great a cause? Go for-

Lord designed and comprehended it ward and not backward. Courage, ." from the beginning, and He made pro- brethren; and on, on to the victory! . . vision in the Church whereby every (D&C 128:22.) need may be met and satisfied through the regular organizations of the Priest- Testimony hood." (Conference Report, April 1906, I want to testify that Jesus is the 3.) P- Christ. I testify that he is the great High We are just beginning to see the day Priest forever. I testify that God the when the strongest men in each office of Father and his Son Jesus Christ did the priesthood are to be called to priest- appear to the Prophet Joseph Smith and hood leadership. instituted anew in this day the church of Jesus Christ, empowering him with Clarion call to go forward God's power.

I testify that We call upon those of you who these men hold the keys of the holy are now prospective elders to rise to priesthood, that there is and inspiration in your potential. Become the spiritual power what these Brethren say. is leaders in your home. Take upon your- There no other group of selves the mantle of this responsibility. men in all the world like these men. Perform the service that will save and They have not come to position through exalt you and your loved ones in the a political party, nor have they won a popularity contest. They have been kingdom of God. This is no ordinary called by prophecy and the laying call to serve, nor is this a frantic appeal. by on of hands. Things will be well with us It is a solemn warning to get your per- and ours to the extent that listen to sonal life in order; to regulate the af- we counsel. In the fairs of your family; to reach out to and follow their inspired serve your fellowmen and bless the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. lives of others through this divine President Harold B. Lee power. This church with its inspired leader- Elder A. Theodore Tuttle of the ship is already battling the adversary. First Council of Seventy has just spoken The struggle in which we are engaged is to us. not some distant day in the future. It The congregation and choir will now is now! If we do not see this clearly, it join in singing, "Israel, Israel, God Is is because we do not understand the Calling." signals that come from the brethren After the singing, Elder Bernard P. today. Brockbank, Assistant to the Twelve, will After listening to conference for address us. three days, the message of this con- ference is clear. It is to arise, assume your priesthood responsibility, and The hymn, "Israel, Israel, God Is carry off the work of the Lord. This has Calling," was sung by the congregation not been a common conference. Nor is and choir. it just "the best conference ever." We have heard a clarion call to repent, to begin now to magnify this great power President Lee which is vouchsafed in this church.

Oh, my brethren, I plead with you Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assist- to rise up. Shake off the shackles of ant to the Twelve, will now address us. indolence and sloth and go forward. He will be followed by Elder Sterling In the encouraging words of the W. Sill, Assistant to the Twelve. 152 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

Elder Bernard P. Brockbank

Assistant to the C •until of the Twelve

My dear brothers and sisters, we have The apostle John said: been fed the bread of life at this con- "And hereby we do know that we ference, the bread that feeds the spirit know him, if we keep his command- and brings out the divine nature in the ments. human soul. The bread of life is built "He that saith, I know him, and around Jesus Christ and his gospel of keepeth not his commandments, is a love and salvation. liar, and the truth is not in him. A few years ago on our television set "But whoso keepeth his word, in

we had a set of rabbit ears for an anten- him verily is the love of God perfected: na, and the pictures and messages were hereby know we that we are in him. not clear. They were foggy and there "He that saith he abideth in him was what they call "snow" on the set. ought himself also so to walk, even as

Often we were unable to understand he walked." (1 John 2:3-6.) the message. The apostle James said, "Thou be- You cannot pick up the celestial mes- lievest that there is one God; thou doest sage, the bread of life, the word of God, well: the devils also believe, and trem- with rabbit ears on your human mind, ble." (Jas. 2:19.) your human body; the message will Jesus was recognized by a man pos- not be clear. You need your antenna sessed of the devil, and the devil spoke

high, well placed, and turned toward out and said, "... I know thee who thou the divine message. You need to keep art, the Holy One of God." (Mark 1:24.) the mind clear and focused on the heav- The devils know God but do not respect enly message. It takes time to plan and his doctrine or keep his commandments. install in the human heart and mind an antenna to pick up spiritual revelation Source of knowledge and inspiration from God. You must Knowing God is related to keeping be in tune. If you're out of tune, you're his commandments. Knowing God out of harmony, and static and wrong must come by direct revelation from impressions come from satanic and God. You cannot know by the power of worldly sources. flesh and blood. This great lesson is Knowing Cod taught by Jesus Christ in this message: The disciples were asked by Jesus ". Jesus Christ said, . . this is life Christ, "Whom say ye that I am? eternal, that they might know thee the "And Simon Peter answered and only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the thou hast sent." (John 17:3.) living God. We can receive eternal life and sal- "And Jesus answered and said unto vation from knowing the only true God him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. for flesh and blood hath not revealed

Many believe that there is a God, many it unto thee, but my Father which is in say that they know there is a God, but heaven.

many do not act like they know God. "And I say also unto thee, That thou

There is a great difference in believing art Peter, and upon this rock I will build or knowing that there is a God and in my church; and the gates of hell shall knowing God. When we claim that not prevail against it." (Matt. 16:15-18.) we know God, it bears great responsi- The Lord has indicated that the gates bility, and an apostle has given us in- of hell cannot prevail against revelation formation to check our knowledge of from him to any one of his children God. who desires to know the living God ELDER BERNARD P. BROCKBANK 153

and to know the living Jesus Christ. within it the glorious promises from This is available by divine commitment God of eternal life in his heavenly king- and by divine will, that for anyone de- dom. The light of life will bring divine siring to know God the Eternal Father truth and happiness and peace into a and to know his Son Jesus Christ, God troubled heart. The light of life brings is under commitment and the gates of divine light into the problems and trou- hell cannot prevail against that commit- bles of this life and helps to turn life's ment; and it will be revealed through problems into steppingstones to eter- the power and principle of revelation nal progression and to developing a direct from God to the one desiring to godlike character. receive that information. ". Jesus also said: . light is come All through the life of Jesus Christ into the world, and men loved darkness he showed his knowledge of the living rather than light, because their deeds God and his loyalty and allegiance to were evil. God. Christ loved his Jesus Heavenly "For every one that doeth evil hateth Father. so far as to say, He even went the light, neither cometh to the light, "My Father and I are one. I came down lest his deeds should be reproved. from heaven to do the will of my "But he that doeth truth cometh to Father." (See John 10:30; 6:38.) the light, that his deeds may be made Knowing God does not solve life's manifest, that they are wrought in problems, but gives purpose and God." (John 3:19-21.) strength to master them. Jesus, with his knowledge of his Heavenly Father, Walking in the light still had his problems to meet and to work out. To know God, you must walk in the light of life. To know God as a living Jesus the Mediator child of God, we should know our re- lationship to him, our divine potential, The answers to knowing God the and we should know that in knowing Eternal Father are found in and through God there is great responsibility to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way, respect and love and follow his counsel the truth, and the life: no man cometh and his doctrines and his command- unto the Father, but by me." (John ments and to grow as a child to become 14:6.) more godlike. In order to know God the Eternal Jesus Christ gave this commandment Father, we must receive that knowledge and important counsel by revelation to through the program and through Jesus the Prophet Joseph Smith. He said: Christ, who is the mediator between ". . . ye are commanded in all things to God and man. ask of God, who giveth liberally; and Jesus also gave this information, that which the Spirit testifies unto you which is often repeated and known well even so I would that ye should do in all by many; he said, "I am the light of the holiness of heart, walking uprightly world: he that followeth me shall not before me, considering the end of your walk in darkness, but shall have the salvation, doing all things with prayer light of life." (John 8:12.) and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of The light of life devils, or the commandments of men;

The light of life is divine light that for some are of men, and others of permeates and radiates in the human devils. soul and brings out the godlike quali- "Wherefore, beware lest ye are de- ties and attributes of godliness. The ceived; and that ye may not be deceived light of life is the gospel of Jesus Christ, seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always the gospel of love. The light of life has remembering for what they are given; 154 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

"For verily I say unto you, they Jesus said, "This is my command- are given for the benefit of those who ment, That ye love one another, as I love me and keep all my command- have loved you." (John 15:12.) ." ments. . . (D&C 46:7-9.) Faith and repentance God's greatest gift We must keep in mind that divine We must always keep in mind that programs and divine ways have been God's greatest gift is eternal life. Eter- given unto us through our Lord and nal life comes from knowing God and Savior, Jesus Christ; and the way to from knowing Jesus Christ. Jesus said, know God and the way to perfect the "If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out human body and bring out its godlike faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved qualities so that we can be in harmony be a child of God, living so that in the kingdom of God, which is the and we greatest of all the gifts of God; for there can know God, are provided in the of faith repentance. is no gift greater than the gift of salva- great principles and tion." (D&C 6:13.) I would like to mention briefly re- The central and basic principle of pentance. Jesus said, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. the gospel of Jesus Christ is love. He laid the basis of human brotherhood 4:17.) The light is turned on in the hu- soul through the great principle of in love. It begins in God's infinite love man for his children, "For God so loved the repentance. Jesus has asked us to repent world, that he gave his only begotten of past sins, regrets, weaknesses, and Son, that whosoever believeth in him failures, and to prepare and look ahead should not perish, but have everlasting into the future of eternal life and salva- life." (John 3:16.) tion in the kingdom of heaven. Repentance by all who are account- Keeping the commandments able is required for preparation and progression, for entrance into the king- As is mentioned by the Savior, to dom of heaven. Repentance is God's know God means to keep his com- purifying program and law for cleans- mandments. The Lord also gave this in ing the human mind and body from the first and great commandment rela- weakness, imperfection, and sin. Re- tive to the importance of keeping his pentance through Jesus Christ makes it commandments, when we say that we possible for us to progress toward love God. Here is the great command- God's greatest gift, the gift of salvation ment on love: "Thou shalt love the Lord and eternal life. thy God with all thy heart, and with all Repentance is a refining influence, a thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is principle provided through the atone- the first and great commandment." ment and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to (Matt. 22:37-38.) help us purify our mortal minds and Jesus also said, "If ye love me, keep bodies and to bring out our divine na- my commandments." (John 14:15.) ture and godlike qualities and charac- If we love God, we should keep his ter so that we can live in the presence commandments. We should love his of God in his celestial kingdom. plan of life. We should love his Only Begotten Son, sent whom he to help Teachings in home us meet life and its problems and to redeem us from death, to make the The home and family is the place resurrection and eternal life possible, where knowledge of God and to know and to give us the light of life that we God should be taught, and the place may walk in his ways and in the divine where a loving God should be exem- light that will lead us to godlike bless- plified and taught to the children. ings. Parents, children should be taught in ELDER BERNARD P. BROCKBANK 155

the home to know and to love God and Parents, be careful that you do not to choose his doctrines and his com- permit the devil to come into your mandments, and not to be misled or home. When the devil enters, he brings deceived by the doctrines of men or disrespect for God, hatred, quarreling, the doctrines of devils. They should be criticism, contention, divorce, and evil. taught in the home their relationship When you know God and have respect to God and how to pray to him. Chil- for his plan, then there is peace and dren should know that they are in the happiness in your home. image and likeness of God, that they Are there virtue and purity in your have godlike attributes and divine po- family life? Is the Lord's hallowed tential, that they are literally and truly Sabbath day kept sacred in your home children of God, with godlike capaci- and among your family? ties. destroyers They should be taught in the home Two that Jesus Christ is the proper way, Now, just a word about what is hap- the truth and the great example to fol- pening in the world and going on low this life. in among our children. They are being They should be taught that the scrip- deceived, and that which is entirely tures contain God's way of life, his plan wrong looks to be right because so of salvation, and each child should many fine people indulge in use of have his own set of scriptures, if capa- these two destroyers [alcohol and to- ble of reading and understanding, so bacco] of the divine nature within man that he can have them by his bedside and their respect for God. and have access to them whenever he Parents, do you drink alcohol? The feels he would like to know more of his Lord has warned that alcohol is not Heavenly Father's plan of life and way good for man. (D&C 89:5.) Alcohol is of life. a drug that can destroy godlike char-

acter. Alcohol is not good for children God's way of life and not good for adults.

It is not possible to choose God's Parents, are you showing and teach- way of life and to know God unless we ing by example in your home how to know his program. If we only know the use tobacco? Tobacco is a drug. Doc- ways of men and the ways of the devil, tors say cigarettes are the nation's great- then we will choose those ways. Jesus est single health peril. A doctor Christ commanded that we search the speaking in Salt Lake City recently scriptures, that we know the truth, and said that cigarettes kill five times more that the truth would make us free. We people than do traffic accidents. Jesus find the Lord's truths in the holy scrip- Christ said that "tobacco ... is not tures, and there is no knowledge on the good for man." (D&C 89:8.) Tobacco is face of this earth greater than knowl- not good for children and is not good edge that has been given to us by our for adults. Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus A person who knows God would Christ. want to be like God, because God is Parents, is there love and respect for perfect. God has all knowledge. God God in your home? The poet said: has power to create mankind from "There is beauty all around When the dust of the earth. Anyone know- there's love at home." (Hymns, no. 169.) ing God would have great respect for Parents, do you know God the Eter- God. Anyone knowing the living God nal Father in your home? Do you pray and indulging in the number one killer to a living God? Do you pray to a God and destroyer of health of mankind that you know, and do you know your shows a lack of love and knowledge relationship to him? and respect for God. 156 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Sunday, April 9

Example of parents other success can compensate for fail- ure in the home." And may I add: No Parents, is your example the exam- other success can compensate for fail- ple you want your children to follow? ure to know the living God and the Do you teach self-control in your living Jesus Christ in your home and home? Do you teach divine principles with your family. so that the godlike qualities of your Parents, your children are from children can be manifest in their lives? God. There is no other answer from The home is the place to teach love God. They have divine potential, and

for God and knowledge of God, and for it is your responsibility to help them people to know God and to pray to a to know and love God, the only true God that they know. God, and Jesus Christ, their Savior.

President Harold B. Lee has said, I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. "The most important work you will do Amen. for the Church will be within the walls President Harold B. Lee of your own home." I repeat, "The most important work you will do for He to whom you have just listened the Church will be within the walls of is Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assis- your own home." tant to the Twelve. May we recall again these words of Elder Sterling W. Sill, Assistant to the Prophet David O. McKay: "No the Twelve, will now address us.

Elder Sterling W. Sill

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

"Medicine for the soul" Birmingham, Alabama, who goes around writing prescriptions for people, Over the door of the library in the to be filled not at drugstores but at ancient city of Thebes, an Egyptian bookstores. He knows what all of us inscription that king once carved an know, that our most serious sicknesses for the Soul." said: "Medicine are our soul sicknesses. Like all thoughtful people, this wise One of the tragedies of our times ruler understood that if the mental, is the increase, to epidemic proportions, spiritual, and emotional health of his of the psychosomatic diseases brought people was to be properly cared for, it on by our sins and emotional distur- must be constantly nourished. And be- bances. As someone has pointed out, cause ideas, ideals, and ambitions can we never get stomach ulcers because of be most effectively supplied through what we eat; we get stomach ulcers books, this great king had provided an because of what is eating us. And as we ample literary storehouse as a place are presently being eaten up by our where his people could get the neces- ignorance, our sins, and our weak- sary help for thinking good ideas, nesses, we are suffering some stagger- building up proper attitudes, vitalizing ing moral death-and-disability losses. their faith, motivating their ambitions, and increasing their righteousness, that Great literature they might help themselves to save their souls. One of the most effective cures for This idea of a mental and spiritual all of our present-day problems is

storehouse still provides one of our found in the literary remedy that comes most constructive opportunities. It is from thinking uplifting thoughts and reported that there is a physician in living the great principles of the gospel. ELDER STERLING W. SJLL 157

The science of writing has probably It may be a message to us from the made books our greatest invention. dead, from human souls we never saw Writing is preserved speech; it is poten- who lived perhaps thousands of miles tial ambition. By effective study we can away, and yet these little sheets of acquire knowledge, build faith, and paper speak to us, arouse us, teach us, develop an enthusiasm that will lead us open our hearts and in turn open their to any desired accomplishment. hearts to us like brothers. Without

It was the Savior of the world who books, God is silent, justice dormant, said: "Man shall not live by bread philosophy lame." ." alone. . . (Matt. 4:4.) And because of John Milton once said, "Books are the wonders of our day, every family not absolutely dead things, but do con- may have its own library of great tain a progeny of life in them to be as books, including the word of God him- active as that soul was whose progeny self. But before anyone can be benefited they are; nay they do preserve as in a by any of our great literature, he must vial the purest efficacy and extraction

effectively believe in it. of that living intellect that bred them." (Areopagitica.) Abraham Lincoln Wonder of writing Abraham Lincoln once said, "What I want to know is in books." The two The great wonder of writing and most powerful books in Lincoln's life reading is indicated by the experience were, first, the Holy Bible, which even of an early-day explorer in the dark in his youth he hungrily devoured be- continent of Africa. He desired to send fore the open fire, and second, The Life a message to a friend many miles away, and Memorable Actions of George Washing- and it was arranged for a trusted native ton by Mason L. Weems. to be his messenger. The native Washington was able to serve as watched as with his pen the explorer Lincoln's ideal, and out of his heart made some marks on a piece of paper, Lincoln said, "Washington is the might- which had no significance to him. Then iest name on earth, long since mightiest the explorer gave the native the letter in the cause of civil liberty, still might- for delivery. iest in moral reformation. On that name After traversing the many miles of a eulogy is expected that cannot be. To wilderness, the native put the message add brightness to the sun or glory to the in the hands of the one for whom it was name of Washington is alike impossi- intended. The native discovered that as ble. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe soon as the recipient had studied the pronounce the name, and in its naked, paper, he immediately knew exactly deathless splendor leave it shining where the explorer was and what his on." problems were. He knew all about his health and as much about the needs that Precious possessions prompted him to send the letter as though the explorer had come in per- Someone has pointed out that books son. are among life's most precious posses- The miracle involved in this mys- sions. They are the most remarkable terious communication so impressed creation of man. Nothing else that man the native that he fell down on his face builds ever lasts. Monuments fall, civ- and worshiped the paper. ilizations perish, but books continue.

The perusal of a great book is as it were The words of God an interview with the noblest men of

past ages who have written it. But what should be our enthusiasm Charles Kingsley once said, "There when we can clearly read and under-

is nothing more wonderful than a book. stand those important papers recording 158 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

the words of God as they came out of caster, was telling about the large the fires of Sinai? Or what about those amount of money that people spend papers containing 'the vitalizing each year to send their messages out thoughts expressed in that greatest of across the major radio networks. And all discourses, the Sermon on the someone said to Mr. Thomas, "What Mount? is the greatest message that you have Just before the resurrected Christ ever had a part in broadcasting? Or," ascended to his Father, he gave a thrice- they asked, "what is the greatest mes- repeated instruction to his chief apostle, sage that you could conceive as being saying, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:16.) broadcast to the people of the world?" That important responsibility for feed- And Mr. Thomas said, "The greatest ing the flock is also in force among us. message that I can conceive would be

But our personal salvation is a joint en- that God had again spoken to his peo- terprise, and the responsibility for feed- ple upon the earth." ing our souls is one of the primary do-it-yourself projects that God him- God has spoken self has put into our hands. This great Egyptian king had provided the library, We conduct a lot of Gallup polls but the people were required to take among us. We like to know what the the medicine themselves. Democrats and the Republicans think. Our present state of malnutrition is We are interested in what the labor not because of any famine for bread nor unions and the economists think. But a thirst for water, but it is for the hear- above all other interests, we ought to ing and the obeying of the word of the know what God thinks. God is the Cre- Lord. That is, our many soul-deaths do ator of the universe. He is the Father of not occur because a remedy is not avail- our spirits and the designer of our desti- able; it is only because we are failing nies. Above everyone else he knows the to take that medicine which has already purpose of our lives and which ap- been provided and has already proven proach will bring us to the most satis- its effectiveness. fying success.

of the greatest good fortunes of An ocean of truth One our day is that God has not only spoken Emerson pointed out one phase of to the people upon the earth, but he our problem when he said, "On the came in person in the greatest mani- brink of an ocean of life and truth, we festation of his being ever known in the are miserably dying. Sometimes we are world. And not only did he come in furtherest away when we are closest person, but he caused that his message by." So frequently that is true. should be written down in three great Think how near they were who volumes of new scripture outlining lived contemporaneously with Jesus. He in every detail the simple principles walked among them. They heard him of the gospel of Christ. So again, as of speak. And yet they were so far away old, we hear that life-giving, authorita- that they said, "His blood be on us, tive pronouncement: "Thus saith the and on our children." (Matt. 27:25.) Lord."

And so it has been and so it may be If we would all hear and follow, the with us. We are so near and yet we Savior of men would be able to realize may be so far away. We live on the his greatest prayer made nineteen hun- edge of an ocean of knowledge, but dred years ago when he looked out each must take his own steps that will beyond his own day and said to his bring him there. Father: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will

On one occasion Lowell Thomas, be done in earth, as it is in heaven." the great radio commentator and broad- (Matt. 6:10.) ELDER JOHN H. VANDENBERG 159

Most urgent needs for those thrilling, lifesaving truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and may he Our present most urgent needs are help us to wholeheartedly eat the bread that we should read more and under- and more freely drink the waters of life stand more and think more and do that in his abundance our souls might more and be more and live more. Jesus live. emphasized his own mission by say- ing, "I am come that they might For this I humbly pray in the name Christ. have life, and that they might have it of Jesus Amen. more abundantly." (John 10:10.) We must not allow the holy scriptures to President Harold B. Lee sit on our shelves unopened while we continue to starve to death spiritually We have just listened to Elder Ster- because we fail to practice those great ling W. Sill, Assistant to the Twelve. success laws on which the eternal exal- We will now hear from Elder John tation of our souls depends. H. Vandenberg, newly sustained as May God help us to be more grateful Assistant to the Twelve Apostles.

Elder John H. Vandenberg

Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

This morning as I walked into the Taber- It comes to us through the prophet of nacle, one of the attendant brethren God, Joseph Fielding Smith. I have said to me, "Bishop, I am looking for- thought a good deal about this, because ward to hearing your speech this after- I know that he is a prophet and that his noon." And then he added, "You are counselors serve God as they serve with the last one." President Smith.

I suppose he had in mind that this great conference has brought so many Interest in peace things, so many good things—the tes- In thinking what I might say at this timonies of the prophets, seers, and conference, I wasn't aware that this revelators, exciting changes, and testi- change in my assignment was coming. I monies of the brethren that God lives was down in Hawaii recently, and a and that Jesus is the Christ—to the ex- young Hawaiian girl approached us and tent that our cups truly run over. greeted us with both arms uplifted,

holding up two fingers of each hand. I Experience in Bishopric asked her what the sign meant, and

What a blessing it is to set a course with a broad smile she immediately

and work diligently at it. This past replied, "Peace."

decade I have had the privilege of work- In traveling the highways, we often ing with two wonderful men. You have observe passing automobiles in which seen the good works and heard the young occupants display the same good words of Elder Robert L. Simpson sign at windows. We see the word peace and Bishop Victor L. Brown. This isn't painted on walls, fences, sidewalks, a parting or a farewell, but I will always and, at times, in psychedelic colors on

cherish the experience I have had in vehicles. working with these two wonderful men We wonder at the apparent interest of God. God bless them, and God bless in peace by the current generation. Is the Church for their service. it any different from that of generations

I know that we are led by revelation. past? What do we mean by this expres- 160 GENERAL CONFERENCE

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sion of peace? Is it a passing fad, or is "And he said, This will I do: I will there deep determination for its ac- pull down my barns, and build greater,

complishment? and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. of Master Peace "And I will say to my soul, Soul, Peace was placed in two categories thou hast much goods laid up for many by the Master. You will recall his words years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be to his disciples during the days before merry. his crucifixion. He had admonished "But God said unto him, Thou fool, them to keep his commandments and this night thy soul shall be required of had promised to send them another thee: then whose shall those things be, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, which is which thou hast provided? the Holy Ghost, who would teach them "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, is not rich all things and bring all things to their and toward God." remembrance that he had said unto (Luke 12:13-21.)

them. Then he said, "Peace I leave with Rich toward God you, my peace I give unto you: not as

the world giveth, give I unto you. Let How can we be rich toward God? not your heart be troubled, neither Does this refer to the laying up of trea- let it be afraid." (See John 14:15-27.) sures in heaven by living his command- What did the Savior mean when he ments— love of God and of our said "not as the world giveth"? What fellowmen? Wouldn't living each day kind of peace has the world to give? with these objectives in mind bring into our lives that peace spoken of by of peace Enemy the Savior? Aren't we all too much in- clined to be encumbered about by Certainly it is true that many are searching for peace in the world, and many things and forget those things yet some follow paths in their search that are most needful? that could only lead in the opposite di- Henry David Thoreau thought so, rection—paths of avarice, ambition, for we read in his book Walden: "The envy, anger, and pride. Surely the great- mass of men lead lives of quiet despera-

est enemy of peace is selfishness and tion. . . . Most of the luxuries, and life, with it the desire to pile up treasures on many of the so called comforts of earth. This brings to mind the parable are not only not indispensable, but by the Good Teacher as found in the positive hindrances to the elevation Gospel of Luke: of manhood." "And one of the company said unto And Joshua Liebman wrote simi- him, Master, speak to my brother, that larly in his little book Peace of Mind: "A he divide the inheritance with me. man may have a home, possessions, a "And he said unto him, Man, who charming family, and yet find all these made me a judge or a divider over you? things ashy to his taste because he has "And he said unto them, Take heed, been outstripped in the marathon race and beware of covetousness: for a by some other runners to the golden line. man's life consisteth not in the abun- tape It is not that he does not pos- dance of the things which he posses- sess enough for his wants, but that sed. others possess more. It is the more that "And he spake a parable unto them, haunts him, makes him depreciate him- saying, The ground of a certain rich self and minimize his real achieve- man brought forth plentifully: ments. "And he thought within himself, "The time has come when a man

saying, What shall I do, because I have must say to himself: 'I am no longer no room where to bestow my fruits? going to be interested in how much ELDER JOHN H. VANDENBERG 161

power or wealth another man possesses conveniences often leave us much time so long as I can attain enough for the beyond that which is necessary to sus- dignity and security of my family and tain ourselves and our families, it be- myself. I am. going to break through comes important not to spend this time this vicious circle which always asks the idly, for there is much to be done if we question of life in a comparative degree: are to partake of the Lord's peace. Who is bigger? Who is richer? Who has Period of peace more? I am going to set my goals for myself rather than borrow them from Probably there is no quicker way to ." others. . . enjoy inner peace than by serving one Ambitious men another. There is recorded in history a marvelous period of time when this

I believe that this is one thing we can peace did indeed banish avarice, ambi- learn from our youth today. They have, tion, envy, anger, and pride from men's

in many cases, set simpler values and hearts. It was shortly after the Savior's seen through the transitory worth of visit to the American continent after his material things. They recognize that death and resurrection. We read: ". ambition that leads men to seek power . . the people were all converted and domination over others brings not unto the Lord . . . and there were no peace, but frustration. Certainly his- contentions and disputations among tory is replete with examples of the rise them, and every man did deal justly one and fall of ambitious men, and during with another. temporary relief from hostilities be- "And they had all things common tween nations the cry always rises, among them; therefore there were not "Now we will have peace." How many rich and poor, bond and free, but they wars have been termed "a war to end were all made free, and partakers of the all wars"? heavenly gift. Yet an encyclopedia shows that dur- "And there were great and marvel- ing the period from 1496 b.c to a.d. ous works wrought by the disciples of 1861 there were 227 years of peace Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the with compared 3,130 years of war. Am- sick, and raise the dead, and cause the bition, either privately or collectively, lame to walk, and the blind to receive gives little hope for the achievement of their sight, and the deaf to hear. . . . peace. "And the Lord did prosper them ex-

ceedingly in the land. . . . Universal search "And now, behold, it came to pass Today we have a universal search for that the people of Nephi did wax peace —a generation of peace; yet most strong, and did multiply exceedingly of those who discard the grasping, self- fast, and became an exceedingly fair ish race for power know not where to and delightsome people. turn to find a way of life to take its "And they were married, and given place. in marriage, and were blessed according But peace cannot be achieved by to the multitude of the promises which making a sign or by writing words on the Lord had made unto them. fences. It must come first and most "And they did not walk any more completely to the individual through his after the performances and ordinances own efforts in keeping the command- of the law of Moses; but they did walk ments of our Lord and Savior, for God after the commandments which they made all men to enjoy such peace. had received from their Lord and their Just as running madly after worldly God, continuing in fasting and prayer, things does not bring peace, neither and in meeting together oft both to pray does sitting idly. Because our modern and to hear the word of the Lord. 162 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

"And it came to pass that there was where war, destruction, contention, no contention among all the people, in law-breaking, and immorality surround all the land; but there were mighty mir- us, and many become lost. One of acles wrought among the disciples of these, a young woman, tells her story in Jesus. the current issue of the New Era maga- "And it came to pass that there was zine for youth. How fortunate she was no contention in the land, because of in finding the true gospel of Christ to the love of God which did dwell in the show her the way out of the confusion hearts of the people. in which she had wandered; and what "And there were no envyings, nor gratitude she expresses to those caring strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, young people who showed her the nor lyings, nor murders, nor any man- way! ner of lasciviousness; and surely there As members of The Church of Jesus could not be a happier people among Christ of Latter-day Saints, we accept all the people who had been created by as positive knowledge from God the the hand of God. fact that each human being lived in a "There were no robbers, nor mur- preexistent spiritual world as a child of derers, neither were there Lamanites, God and came to this mortal life for a nor any manner of -ites; but they were great and necessary part of eternal life. in one, the children of Christ, and heirs This mortality provides the opportunity to the kingdom of God. to choose the right and to obtain knowl- "And how blessed were they! For the edge by faith in the revealed plan of Lord did bless them in all their doings; God, which will bring peace and free- yea, even they were blessed and pros- dom for mortal as well as eternal life. pered until an hundred and ten years We accept as a fact that God has re- had passed away; and the first genera- vealed through his chosen prophets the tion from Christ had passed away, way of life which leads to peace, which

and there was no contention in all the is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Human land. passions for mortal gratification, includ- ". . . Nephi, he that kept this last rec- ing selfishness, envy, anger, and pride,

ord, . . . kept it eighty and four years, must be replaced by spiritual ideals, and there was still peace in the land, and sin must become abhorrent to us, save it were a small part of the peo- for we know that all we do here will

ple. . . . affect our lives in eternity. "And it came to pass that two hun- We believe that only through this ." dred years had passed away. . . (4 Ne. knowledge and way of life can an indi- 2-3, 5, 7, 10-11, 12-13, 15-20, 22.) vidual or a nation achieve that peace This was indeed a fortunate peo- which is so desired and sought after. ple whose history is contained in the Book of Mormon, a book which covers Peace in our hands nearly three thousand years and which And so we say to this generation, reveals that only during those periods which is so verbally calling for peace, of time when the people were keeping that this thought toward peace today is God's commandments did they enjoy indeed significant, for it is true that peace, love, happiness, and prosperity. peace is in our hands —our own per- Peace through the gospel sonal peace as well as in great measure the peace of our world. Believe in it,

Today man's greatest desire and work for it, live for it; for in it, as you hope is to find a life of peace and joy, follow through and work for the estab- progress, and freedom, which can only lishment of peace first in your own be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. souls, you will then have true peace. Yet, paradoxically, we live in a world Now as we go from this great con- PRESIDENT ]OSEPH FIELDING SMITH 163

ference, brothers and sisters, let us go Tanner, and supported by thirteen recognizing that our cup is filled to other prophets, the Quorum of the overflowing. We have been charged Twelve and the patriarch. with the great messages of God's God be with you and bless you as prophet. We have been charged with we go forth to carry out our assign- the testimonies of the brethren. We ments, whatever they are, I humbly have been charged with the Spirit of pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. God, which has been in our presence Amen. and is now in our presence. President Harold B. Lee Let us go forth with our personal He to whom you have just listened testimonies, to which I wish to add is Elder John H. Vandenberg, Assistant mine, that I know that God lives, that to the Twelve. Jesus is the Christ, and that we live and We will now be privileged to hear serve, if we but will, under the direc- from President Joseph Fielding Smith, tion of God's prophet, Joseph Fielding who will give the concluding address of Smith, supported by two other proph- the conference, and leave us his bless- ets, Harold B. Lee and Nathan Eldon ing.

President Joseph Fielding Smith

My dear brethren and sisters: I feel that of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and my the Lord has been with us in all the grandfather, Hyrum Smith, the Patri- sessions of this conference; that we have arch; and for the fact that the keys of been fed the bread of life; and that we the kingdom of God have been com- are better prepared now to be the kind mitted again to man on the earth.

of people the Lord would have us be. I am pleased with the growth and

I am grateful to all of the Brethren development of the Church, with the in- for their wise counsel and for the mes- creased missionary work, with the sages they delivered as they were many temples we now have, and with guided by the power of the Spirit. the lives of all those who are seeking

I think we should conclude on a tone to serve the Lord. of thanksgiving, of blessing, and of testimony. Prayer for saints

I pray that the Lord all Thankfulness for blessings will bless the members of the Church; and by

I have no language to convey the virtue of the keys and power which I

feelings of thanksgiving which are in hold, I bless the Saints —those who my heart for the infinite and eternal dwell in the household of faith, those 1 blessings the Lord has given to me, who love and seek the Lord.

to my family, to the Church, and, in What a glorious thing it is to have fact, to the whole world. the saving truths of the everlasting

I am grateful for the atoning sacri- gospel, to be members of "the only fice of the Son of God—that because true and living church upon the face of his suffering and death all men shall of the whole earth "(D&C 1:30), to be be raised in immortality, while those on the path leading to eternal life in who believe and obey his laws shall our Father's kingdom! have eternal life in his kingdom. O God our Heavenly and Eternal

I am thankful for the restoration of Father, look down in love and in mercy eternal truth in this final gospel dis- upon this thy church and upon the pensation; for the mission and .ministry members of the church who keep thy 164 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Sunday, April 9

commandments. Let thy Spirit dwell in We deeply appreciate the coopera- our hearts forever; and when the trials tion of city officials, the city traffic and woes of this life are over, may we officers for their efficient handling of return to thy presence, with our loved the increased traffic; the Fire Depart-

ones, and dwell in thy house forever, I ment and Red Cross, who have been humbly pray, in the name of Jesus on hand to render service whenever Christ. Amen. and wherever needed. Tabernacle ushers President Harold B. Lee We thank the for their unselfish service in seating Had time permitted the men's the great audiences in such a courteous chorus of the Tabernacle Choir would manner as they have. have favored us with a beautiful number We again express our most grateful entitled, "Thou Wilt Keep Him in Per- appreciation to the owners and managers fect Peace;" and in the spirit of that of the many radio and television sta- hymn which they would have sung, tions throughout the nation and in President Smith, let that be our prayer other countries, who have carried the and that of the saints, that our Heavenly sessions of this conference from coast Father will keep you in perfect peace. to coast in the United States, to Hawaii, On behalf of all who have listened Alaska, Mexico, Central America, to the singing during the sessions of Canada; and by satellite to Australia this conference, we express apprecia- and countries of South America. tion and our sincere thanks to the members of the Tabernacle Choir for The Tabernacle Choir with Richard the great service they have rendered and P. Condie conducting, and with Robert are now rendering for again furnishing Cundick at the organ, will now con- us with their inspirational music. clude the singing of this conference We also express our deep apprecia- with "Still, Still With Thee." tion to the other choirs and choruses and The benediction will then be offered to the conductors and organists who by Elder Allen E. Litster, former presi- have served so beautifully and inspiringly dent of the Andes Mission. during this conference. This conference will then stand ad- We are grateful to all who have journed for six months. contributed to the success of the con- ference, especially the General Authori- ties who we feel have never been more inspired than they have during the The Tabernacle Choir sang the clos- sessions of this conference. ing song, "Still, Still With Thee." We appreciate the attention given The benediction was offered by by the local and the national press Elder Allen E. Litster, former president representatives, and by representatives of the Andes Mission. of radio and television in reporting the The conference was adjourned for sessions of the conference. six months.

SALT LAKE TABERNACLE CHOIR AND ORGAN BROADCAST

Sunday, April 9, 1972 - 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

The following broadcast, written and City, Utah, was presented from 9:30 announced by Spencer Kinard, and to 10 o'clock a.m. on Sunday, April 9, originating with Station KSL, Salt Lake 1972 through the courtesy of the Colum- SALT LAKE TABERNACLE CHOIR AND ORGAN BROADCAST 165

bia Broadcasting System's network stunned at what seems to be a lack throughout the United States, parts of of solutions to our problems. As we Canada, and through other facilities to look to our future —especially the several points overseas. young—we could easily become dis- couraged and filled with despair at its Announcer: Once more we welcome you prospects. within these walls with Music and the Spoken Word from the Crossroads of We are constantly being warned of the West. the dangers man is imposing upon people often get CBS and its affiliated stations bring himself. And young you at this hour the Tabernacle Choir the impression that the future is bleak, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, that there are too many insolvable with Richard Condie conducting the problems, too many questions without Choir, Alexander Schreiner, Tabernacle answers. Organist, and the Spoken Word by Sometimes we don't know the an- Spencer Kinard. swers and have to accept life on faith. With the words of John Henry New- Someone said, "It has taken me all my man, the Tabernacle Choir sings: "Lead, life to understand that it is not neces- kindly Light, ... I do not ask to see sary to understand everything." 1 the distant scene—one step enough for The late American stateman, John me." "Lead thou me on!" Foster Dulles said: "We are establishing (Choir: "Lead, Kindly Light"—Dykes) an all-time world record in the produc- Announcer: With Olga Gardner as tion of material things. What we lack 2 soloist the Tabernacle Choir recalls is a righteous and dynamic faith." words and music from the Requiem by What we need to assure our future is a Brahms: "Ye now are sorrowful, how- faith in life, a faith in God. Sometimes beit ye shall again behold me, and your because we lack faith, we are driven

heart shall be joyful, . . . Yea, I will to act in ways we know are wrong, ." actions that we would not ordinarily comfort you, . . (Choir: "Ye Now Are Sorrowful" attempt under different circumstances. —Brahms) Now faith in itself is not the solu- Announcer: Alexander Schreiner turns tion to our problems, but it is the today on Temple Square to the "Finale means by which we can overcome our from the Sonata in F Minor" by Men- fears and doubts, our disappointment delssohn. and despair; the means by which we (Organ: "Finale From F Minor can find the courage to go forward in Sonata"—Mendelssohn) life and solve our problems. Announcer: From the Tabernacle Choir David O. McKay offered this obser- we hear F. Flaxington Harker's setting vation and guidance: "[Faith] is more for this Old Testament text: "How than a mere feeling. It is power that beautiful upon the mountains are the moves to action, and should be in feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, human life the most basic of all moti- that publisheth peace; . . . that publisheth vating forces. . . . The great need of salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God today is faith that will put purpose reigneth!" into life, and courage into the heart.

(Choir: "How Beautiful Upon the . . . The need of the world is more than Mountains"—Harker) a mere acceptance of [Jesus Christ] The Spoken Word as the greatest of all men. What is

By J. Spencer Kinard 'Author Unknown As we ponder life and the problems 2John Foster Dulles (1888-1959), U.S. Sec. that face us every day, we are ofttimes of State 166 GENERAL CONFERENCE Sunday, April 9

really essential is faith in Him as a Announcer: And now the Tabernacle divine being—as our Lord and Savior."3 Choir sings Malotte's setting for words from the 23rd Psalm: "The Lord is Faith is like climbing a hill when my Shepherd; I shall not want." one is lost. From the canyons below (Choir: "The Twenty-Third Psalm" it is nearly impossible to tell which Malotte) direction to turn, but when we reach — Announcer: Again leave you the crest, we can see the road below we within the shadows of the everlasting and where it leads, and feel assured hills. peace be with you, this that we are going in the right direction May day and always. and will reach our destination. And so — This concludes the two thousand two it is with faith. hundred twenty-fifth performance "Faith is the assurance of things continuing the 43rd year of this tradi- hoped for, the conviction of things not tional broadcast from the Mormon 4 seen." As Emerson expressed it, "All Tabernacle on Temple Square, brought I have seen teaches me to trust the to you by CBS and its affiliated sta- 5 Creator for all I have not seen." tions, originating with KSL in Salt (Men's Chorus: Without Announce- Lake City, Utah. ment "Widerspruch"— Schubert) Richard Condie conducted the Announcer: The Men's Chorus of the Tabernacle Choir, Alexander Schreiner Tabernacle Choir has recalled one of was at the Organ. The Spoken Word the songs of Franz Schubert: "Tramping by Spencer Kinard. the woods alone." In another seven days, at this same 3David O. McKay CBS Church of the hour, Music and the Spoken Word Air address, December 19, 1943 will be heard again from the Cross- 4New Testament, Hebrews 11:1 (Revised roads of the West. Version) 5 Ralph Waldo Emerson This is the CBS Radio Network.

SUMMARY OF CONFERENCE MUSIC

The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir the Salt Lake Valley, with Jay E. Welch furnished the choral numbers for the conducting, and Paul Hanks, assistant Saturday morning, the Sunday morn- conductor, furnished special musical ing, and the Sunday afternoon ses- numbers at the Saturday afternoon sions of the conference, with Richard meeting. P. Condie, conductor, and Jay E. Welch, At the General Priesthood Session assistant conductor. on Saturday evening, the choral num- The Brigham Young University Com- bers were sung by the Brigham Young bined Choruses, with Ralph Woodward University Faculty Priesthood Chorus. conducting, furnished the special A. Harold Goodman was the conductor. musical numbers at the opening ses- Richard P. Condie directed the sing- sion on Thursday morning. ing of the Tabernacle Choir on the Choir and Organ Broadcast on Sunday The choral music for the Thursday morning, with Alexander Schreiner at afternoon session was provided by the the organ console. Primary Leaders Chorus, made up of Accompaniments on the Tabernacle the combined choruses of the Utah Organ throughout the conference ses- North Regions, conducted by Patricia Maughan. sions were played by Alexander Schreiner, Robert Cundick, and Roy M. The Combined Seminary Chorus of Darley, Tabernacle Organists.

Francis n . Gibbons

Clerk of th : Conference Index

Page

Anderson, Elder Joseph 88

Man's eternal horizon, 88; Earth life, 88; Communication with God, 88; Long-distance horizon, 89; Alma's teachings, 89; Nourishing the seed, 89; Fruits of faith, 90; A fullness of joy, 90; Keeping all com- mandments, 90; Horizon extended, 91.

Ashton, Elder Marvin J 59 What is your destination? 59; Confusion about destinations, 60; Temple marriage, 60; Call to mission field, 60; Testimony of gospel, 61; Destination still ahead, 61; Elder in wheelchair, 61; Two prison inmates, 62; Steps in eternal progression, 62; Eternal life, 62.

Authorities Present, Church 2

Authorities Sustained, Church 8

B

Bennett, Elder William H. 91

Missionary assignment, 91; Purpose of gospel, 91; Two missionary needs, 91; Obstacle to success, 92; Experience in infantry patrol, 92; Sharing gospel teachings, 93; The Book of Mormon, 93; Missionary referrals, 94; Many missionary opportunities, 94.

Benson, Elder Ezra Taft 48

Persian anniversary, 48; King Cyrus, 48; Use of good men, 49; Founding fathers, 49; Allegiance to Constitution, 49; Patriotism, 50; Support of candidates, 50; Standard in scriptures, 51; Dangers ahead, 51; Word of living prophets, 51; Promptings of Holy Spirit, 52; Civic standards, 52.

Brockbank, Elder Bernard P. 152

Knowing God, 152; Source of knowledge, 152; Jesus the Mediator, 153; The light of life, 153; Walking in the light, 153; God's greatest gift, 154; Keeping the commandments, 154; Faith and repentance, 154; Teachings in home, 154; God's way of life, 155; Two destroyers, 155; Example of parents, 156.

Brown, Elder Hugh B. 95 A missionary and his message, 95; Fruits of labor, 96; Divinity of the work, 96. 168 INDEX Page

Brown, Bishop Victor L. (Priesthood Meeting) 100 New calling, 100; Tribute to former leaders, 100; Response of counselors, 100; Duties of Presiding Bishopric, 100; Blessings through Aaronic Priesthood, 101; A son of God, 101; Experience in Pago Pago Stake, 101; Scripture contest, 102; Honor of priesthood ordination, 102; Cause of youth, 102; Parental responsibility, 103; Charge to leaders, 103.

Burton, Elder Theodore M. 85

Already saved, 85; General salvation, 85; Sons of perdition, 85; Individual salvation, 85; Exaltation, 86; Amulek's teaching, 86; Eternal family relationship, 86; Full salvation, 86; Ministering servants, 87; Family exaltation, 87.

c

Christiansen, Elder EIRay L. 41 Successful parenthood, 41; Homes in serious trouble, 41; Family home evening, 42; A sacred trust, 42; Family traditions, 42; Petty disputations, 43; Avenues of communication, 43; Security in the home, 43; Faith in God, 43.

Church Finance Committee Report 7

Cullimore, Elder James A. 44 A valued possession, 44; Peter's testimony, 44; Testimony of Christ, 45; Secret of growth, 45; Influence of Holy Spirit, 45; Companionship of Holy Ghost, 46; Special witnesses, 46; President Smith's statement, 46; The spirit of revelation, 47; Companionship of Spirit, 47; Expe- rience of Oliver Cowdery, 47; Alma's testimony, 47. D

Dunn, Elder Loren C. 19

Sustaining of officers, 19; Called by God, 19; Organized from top down, 20; Assurance of divine calling, 20; Personal callings, 20; Right atmosphere for call, 20; A legal administrator, 21; Guarantee of eternal salvation, 21.

Dunn, Elder Paul H. (Priesthood Meeting) 106

Parents never let go, 106; Priesthood leaders, 107; Know thyself, 107; Babe Ruth's experience, 107; A batting slump, 108; Control thyself, 109; To learn control, 109; Give thyself, 109; Assignment of mis- sionary, 109; Conversion of professor, 110.

Dyer, Elder Alvin R. 37

The plan of life, 38; Darkness and enlightenment, 38; Gospel not new, 38; Suppression of freedom, 39; The Renaissance, 39; A new dispensation, 40; Personal visitation, 40; Last dispensation, 40. INDEX 169 Page

E

Edling, Elder Wilford G. 7

F

Featherstone, Bishop Vaughn J. 22 Integrity of brethren, 22; Aaronic Priesthood, 22; Gratitude for family, 22; Confidence of Bishop Brown, 23; Conversion of Lamanite king, 23; Knowledge of God, 23.

Fifth Session 97

Finance Committee Report, Church 7

First Day—Afternoon Meeting 29

First Day— Morning Meeting 3

First Session 3

Fourth Session 74

Fyans, Elder J. Thomas (Priesthood Meeting) 103 Department of Internal Communications, 103; Magazines, 104; Ad- ministrative services, 104; Translation and distribution, 104; Distribu- tion goals, 105; Magnitude of task, 105; Materials to be ready, 105.

G

General Authorities Present 2

General Authorities and Officers Sustained 8

General Priesthood Meeting 97

Gibbons, Elder Francis M. (Statistical Report) 5

H

Haight, Elder David B. 130 Broken homes, 130; Influence of family, 130; Building on sand, 131; Teaching our children, 131; Family night, 131; One sure solution, 131; Trust officers, 132; Pressures on youth, 132; Stronger family founda- tions, 132; Wisdom of Church leaders, 132. 170 INDEX Page

Hanks, Elder Marion D. 125 Reasons for unhappiness, 125; Willful ignorance, 126; Men to be happy, 126; Our need for God, 126; World too much with us, 127; Arrogance and pride, 127; Enduring trials, 128; Frailties of others, 128; Our own mistakes, 128; Nephi's trust in the Lord, 129; Faith in God, 129.

Hinckley, Elder Gordon B 75 A great fraternity, 75; Solution of problems, 75; Motivation for clean living, 76; Growth through responsibility, 76; A spiritual dimension, 77; Governance of home, 77; To bind for eternity, 78; Reassurance in death, 78; An invitation to see, 78.

Hunter, Elder Howard W. 95 A teacher, 95.

Hunter, Elder Milton R. 34

Miracle of missionary work, 34; Reasons for support, 34; Faith of young man, 34; Choice of a mission, 35; Missionary in South Ameri- ca, 35; Results of missionary effort, 36; An answer to prayer, 36; Devotion of mission presidents, 36; Response to mission calls, 37; Testimony, 37.

K

Kimball, President Spencer W. 25 Resurrection of Jesus, 25; Living the commandments, 26; Broken communication lines, 26; Communication impaired, 26; Inability to communicate, 27; Returned missionary, 27; Church inactivity, 27; Dwindling faith, 28; Laxity of prayers, 28; Elijah and priests of Baal, 28; Couples in sorrow, 28; A sagging world, 29.

L

Lee, President Harold B. 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 29, 53, 59, 63, 66, 69, 73, 97, 98, 99, 103, 106, 110, 113, 118, 140, 145, 148, 151, 156, 159, 163, 164

Lee, President Harold B. (Priesthood Meeting) 115 Talk of serviceman, 115; Proof of pledge, 116; Results of passing test, 116; Meeting temptation, 116; Magnifying priesthood, 117; Spiritual suicide, 117; The hand of fellowship, 117; Divine witness, 118; Faith in leadership, 118.

Lee, President Harold B. 120 Political activity, 120; Support of nation's leaders, 120; Conflicting dominions, 120; Demands to exercise self-will, 121; True free agency, INDEX 171 Page

121; Proposal to college student, 122; Meaning of truth, 122; The Light of Christ, 122; Counsel to public officials, 122; Positive teach- ings of gospel, 123; Statesmanlike leaders, 124; God's eternal plan, 124; Trust in God, 124; Personal witness, 125. M

McConkie, Elder Bruce R. 133

Source of a testimony, 133; The plan of salvation, 134; Centered in Christ, 134; Testimonies of many, 135; Saving power, 135.

Monson, Elder Thomas S. 69

"Finishers Wanted," 69; The race of life, 70; David's failure to finish, 70; The rich young man, 70; Betrayal of Christ, 71; Job, a finisher, 71; Paul's example, 71; Work finished, 71; Marks of the finisher, 71; Experience with missionary, 72; Prize of eternal life, 73.

Music, Summary of Conference 166

O

Obituaries 7

P

Packer, Elder Boyd K. 136

Why stay morally clean, 136; Plan for mortal life, 136; Power of creation, 136; Use of creative power, 137; Strong and constant feelings, 137; Importance of marriage, 137; Enticements of evil one, 137; Changed tactics, 138; Words of counsel, 138; Cleansing power, 138; Righteous family life, 138; Meaning of fatherhood, 139; Key to happiness, 139.

Passed Away, Those Who Have 7

Petersen, Elder Mark E. 15

Divine guidance, 15; Prophets past and present, 15; Revelation for our day, 15; In Bible times, 16; Final effort to save, 16; New light from God, 16; Accomplishments of Latter-day Saints, 17; Mormon women, 17; Modern revelation, 18; A return to God, 18.

Peterson, Bishop H. Burke 24

Call to serve, 24; Gratitude for blessings, 24; Faith and example of parents, 24.

Priesthood Meeting, General 97 172 INDEX Page R

Rector, Jr. Elder Hartman 63 Christians, 63; Apostles and prophets, 63; The dark ages, 64; A new day, 64; To Protestant friends, 64; To Catholic friends, 64; Principles revealed, 65; Message for honest in heart, 65; Church reestablished, 65.

Richards, Elder Franklin D. 66

Importance of prayer, 66; Prayer opened new dispensation, 66; Doing our part, 67; Supplementing prayer, 67; How to pray, 67; When to pray, 67; Family prayer, 68; Charge to parents, 68; Approach in prayer, 68; Laws governing prayer, 69.

Richards, Elder LeGrand 141 Inspiring counsel, 141; A chosen generation, 141; Gospel to be preached, 141; Power and authority, 142; Orson F. Whitney's ex- perience, 142; Apostasy predicted, 143; Promises of restoration, 143; Priesthood restored, 143; Coming of Elijah, 144; John's vision, 144; The true and living God, 144; The true gospel, 145.

Romney, Elder Marion G. (Priesthood Meeting) 111 Counsel of President Grant, 111; A covenant people, 111; Covenant of the priesthood, 111; Change wrought in men, 111; To receive the kingdom, 112; Breaking covenant, 112; Witness, 112.

s

Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir and Organ Broadcast 164

Second Day—Afternoon Meeting 74

Second Day—Morning Meeting 53

Second Session 29

Seventh Session 140

Sill, Elder Sterling W 156 "Medicine for the soul," 156; Great literature, 156; Abraham Lincoln, 157; Precious possessions, 157; Wonder of writing, 157; The words of God, 157; An ocean of truth, 158; God has spoken, 158; Most urgent needs, 159.

Simpson, Elder Robert L. 30

Overseas leaders, 30; Personal tribute, 31; Common judges in Israel, 31; Verdict of church court, 31; The way back, 31; The time to repent, 32; Availability of bishops, 32; The need for help, 33; Process of true justice, 33. INDEX 173 Page

Sixth Session 119

Smith, Elder Eldred G. 145 Peace, 145; Peace of Christ, 146; The peace within, 146; A guilty conscience, 147; Peace from service, 147; Peace of Joseph Smith, 147; "We bring you peace," 148; The way to peace, 148.

Smith, President Joseph Fielding 12

Open to truth, 12; The last days, 13; Invitation to all, 13; Importance of family, 13; Successful parents, 13; Counsel to youth, 13; Service in Church, 14; Personal testimony, 14.

Smith, President Joseph Fielding (Priesthood Meeting) 98

Call of General Authorities, 98; The right of presidency, 98; Keys belong to Presidency, 99; Guidance for Saints, 99; Keys of the king- dom, 99.

Smith, President Joseph Fielding 163 Thankfulness for blessings, 163; Prayer for saints, 163.

Statistical Report 1971 5

Summary of Conference Music 166

Sustaining of General Authorities and Officers 8

T

Tabernacle Choir and Organ Broadcast 164

Tanner, President N. Eldon 8, 12, 30, 34, 37, 41, 44, 48, 52, 74, 75, 79, 81, 84, 87, 91, 94, 95, 96, 119, 125, 130, 133, 135, 139

Tanner, President N. Eldon 54 ." Judging others, 54; Unjust criticism, 54; Prejudment, 55; "Judge not. . 55; Samuel's experience, 55; Judging fairly, 55; Looking for weaknesses, 56; Suspending judgment, 56; Improving ourselves, 56; Gossip, 57; The golden rule, 57; Forgiving one another, 57; Political campaigns, 57; Influence of the home, 58; A witness and a challenge, 58; A prophet of God, 58.

Tanner, President N. Eldon (Priesthood Meeting) 113

A peculiar people, 113; Priesthood a plus, 113; Humbly proud of priesthood, 113; Cause of interest in Church, 114; Offer of position, 114; Visit of Jaycee President, 114, Testimony, 115.

Taylor, Elder Henry D. 79

Your brother's keeper, 79; Opportunities to serve, 79; Teachings of Jesus, 80; Scene in Carthage jail, 80; Brotherhood of man, 81. 174 INDEX Page

Third Day—Afternoon Meeting 140

Third Day—Morning Meeting 119

Third Session 53

Tuttle, Elder A. Theodore 148 Revelation on priesthood, 148; Three presiding quorums, 149; The government of God, 149; Responsibility of high priests, 149; Labor of seventies, 149; Place of elders, 150; Strengthening the home, 150; The Aaronic Priesthood, 150; Priesthood leadership, 150; Clarion call to go forward, 151; Testimony, 151.

V

Vandenberg, Elder John H. 159 Experience in Bishopric, 159; Interest in peace, 159; Enemy of peace, 160; Rich toward God, 160; Ambitious men, 161; Universal search, 161; Period of peace, 161; Peace through the gospel, 162; Peace in our hands, 162.

Y

Young, Elder S. Dilworth 81

Early mission preparations, 82; Stories of missionary work, 82; Physical stamina, 82; Learning truth, 82; Study of great literature, 82; Application of truth, 83; Training from mother, 83; Spiritual growth, 83; Training opportunities, 84; Joys of missionary service, 84.

LITHOGRAPHED BY

THC UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

PBCT 026 9/72 9710