Conference reports of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHTHANNUALCONFERENCEOF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRISTOF LATTER-DAY SAINTSHELD IN THE TABERNACLESALT LAKE CITY, UTAHAPRIL 5, 6, 7, 1968WITH REPORT OF DISCOURSESPublished byThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsSalt Lake City, Utah

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OFFICIAL REPORTof theOHE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHTHANNUAL CONFERENCEoffTHE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRISTOF LATTER-DAY SAINTSheld in theTabernacle on Temple SquareinSalt Lake City, UtahApril 5, 6, 7, 1968Published byThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The One Hundred Thirty-Eighth AnnualConference of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day SaintsThe One Hundred Thirty-eighthAnnual Conference of The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convenedin the Tabernacle on TempleSquare in Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday,April 5, 1968, at 10:00 a.m.The general sessions of the conferencewere held at 10:00 a.m. and2:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, Saturday,April 6, and Sunday, April 7. TheGeneral Priesthood meeting was heldSaturday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m.President David O. McKay waspresent in person at the opening sessionon Friday morning and at the10:00 a.m. session on Saturday, butunder orders of his doctors remainedat home during the other sessions,where he listened to and witnessedthe other sessions by direct wire bytelevision. President McKay presidedat all sessions. Under his direction hiscounselors. Presidents Hugh B. Brown,N. Eldon Tanner, and Joseph FieldingSmith, conducted the services assignedto each of them.ElderDavid Lawrence McKay, sonof President McKay, read the President'saddresses to the conference inthe opening session, the GeneralPriesthood meeting on Saturdayevening, and in the closing session onSunday afternoon.The proceedings of all sessions ofthe conference were given extensivecoverage in the United States andCanada over radio and televisionstations, originating with KSL in SaltLake City. Countries in Europe, Asia,Africa, and Latin America receivedbroadcasts of the conference over theChurch owned international shortwave radio station WNYW in NewYork. Audio and film recordings ofthe conference, translated into elevenlanguages, were sent to Japan, France,Germany, Italy, Scandinavia and LatinAmericem countries. Rebroadcasts ofall sessions of the conference weresent over KSL, Salt Lake City, KIROat Seattle, KMBC at Kansas City, aswell as WRFM at New York, beginningat midnight, Friday, and on Sundayand Monday to many parts of theUnited States, and of the world, includingAlaska, Canada, Mexico, andthe islands of the Pacific.The General Priesthood conferenceSaturday evening was transmitted byclosed circuit direct wire from the SaltLake Tabernacle to approximately95,000 men of the priesthood assembledin 500 buildings throughout theUnited States and Canada. In addition,the proceedings of the Priesthoodsession were broadcast publicly throughKSL radio and television and werereceived throughout a wide area ofUtah and adjacent states.General Authorities of the ChurchPresentThe First Presidency: David O. Mc-Kay (first and third sessions only),Hugh B. Brown, Nathan Eldon Tanner,Joseph Fielding Smith, Thorpe B.Isaacson, and Alvin R. Dyer.*The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee,Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson,Mark E. Petersen, Delbert L.Stapley, Marion G. Romney, LeGrandRichards, Richard L. Evans, HowardW. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley,Thomas S. Monson.Patriarch to the Church: Eldred G.Smith.

GENERAL CONFERENCEAssktants to the Twelve Apostles:Alma Sonne, ElRay L. Christiansen,John Longden, Sterling W. Sill, HenryD. Taylor, William J. Critchlow, Jr.,Franklin D. Richards, Theodore M.Burton, Boyd K. Packer, Bernard P.Brockbank, James A. Cullimore,Marion D. Hanks.**The First Council of the Seventy:Seymour Dilworth Young, Milton R.Hunter, Bruce R. McConkie, A. TheodoreTuttle, Paul H. Dunn, HartmanRector, Jr., Loren C. Dunn.***The Presiding Bishopric: John H.Vandenberg, Robert L. Simpson, VictorL. Brown.General Ofhcers and OtherAuthorities PresentChurch Historian and Recorder:Joseph Fielding Smith, with A. WilliamLund and Earl E. Olson, assistants.Members of the Church Board ofEducation, Church educational authoritiesand supervisors.Presidents of Stakes and theirCounselors, Presidents of Temples,Patriarchs, bishoprics of wards andpresidencies of branches, quorumpresidencies and members of theMelchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood.Auxiliary Officers, General, Stakeand Ward, from all parts of theChurch.*Elder Alvin R. Dyer was sustained at this conferenceas counselor in the First Presidency.•Elder Mari»n D. Hanks was sustained at thisconference as an Assistant to the TwelveApostles.***Elders Hartman Rector, Jr. and Loren C. Dunnwere sustained at this conference as membersof the First Council of the Seventy.

FIRST DAYMORNING MEETINGFIRST SESSIONThe opening session of the conferenceconvened in the Tabernacle onTemple Square in Salt Lake City onFriday morning, April 5, 1968, at 10o'clock a.m., with President David O.McKay present and presiding. PresidentHugh B. Brown, first counselorin the First Presidency, conducted theservices.The Ck)mbined Brigham YoungUniversity Choruses, under the directionof Ralph Woodward, furnishedthe choral music for this session.Robert Cundick was at the organconsole.President Brown extended the followinggreeting to the conference:President Hugh B. BrownWe extend to all a hearty and cordialgreeting as we assemble in theopening session of the 138th AnnualConference of The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints. We areconvened in the historic Salt LakeTabernacle on Temple Square.We are happy to announce thatPresident David O. McKay is with usthis morning, and he will preside atall sessions of this conference. He hasasked me to conduct this session. Weare thankful that he has been blessedwith renewed health during the pastsix months, and is still able to carryon the heavy responsibilities of hishigh office.At this time we express deep sorrowand shock at the news of the passingof a man (Dr. Martin Luther King)who dedicated his life to what hebelieved to be the welfare of his people.It is a shocking thing that in this agesuch a thing could happen. We prayGod's blessings upon his family, hisfriends, and those associated with him.During the past two days, the officersand teachers of the Primary Associationof the Church have been in conference.We commend and congratulate thesesisters for their loyalty and devotionto the children of the Church. MayGod bless them in the great work theyare doing.All of the General Authorities ofthe Church are in attendance at thisconference.We miss the presence of ElderAntoine R. Ivins of the First Councilof Seventy, who passed away on October18, 1967. He rendered a long andfaithful service to the Church.We are pleased to announce thatthe proceedings of this General Conferencewill again be given extensivecoverage, originating with KSL Radioand Television in Salt Lake City.Through the generous cooperation oftheir owners and managers, over 300television and radio stations will carryto practically every state in the Union,and to many foreign countries, theproceedings of some of the sessions ofthis conference. The names of thestations carrying the proceedings ofthis session were announced to thetelevision and radio audience justprior to the opening of this meeting.For the second time, the sessions ofthis conference are being televised incolor, and may be received by manyin the United States and in Canadaover most of the television stationscooperating to provide the extensivecoverage of thisconference.Countries in Europe, Asia, Africa,and Latin America, totaling nearlytwo-thirds of the world, can receivebroadcasts of these proceedings overthe Church-owned international shortwaveradio station WNYW, withstudios in New York.Audio tape and sound on film recordsof the conference will be translatedinto eleven languages and sentto Japan, France, Germany, Italy,Scandinavian and Latin Americancountries.Re-broadcasts of all sessions of theConference will be received over KSLRadio, KIRO Radio at Seattle, WRFM

4Friday, April 5in New York, and KMBC at KansasCity, beginning at midnight tonight,and on Sunday, and Monday, and canbe heard in many parts of the UnitedStates and the world, including Alaska,Canada, Mexico, and the islands ofthe Pacific.The General Priesthood Conference,to be held Saturday night, will betransmitted by closed-circuit wirefrom the Salt Lake Tabernacle to over95,000 men of the priesthood assembledin parts of other adjoining states.We wish to express heartfelt thanksand appreciation to the owners andoperators of the radio and televisionstations for their cooperation in makingpossible such an extensive coverageof the proceedings of this conference.To all assembled here in this historicTabernacle, and to the vast radio andtelevision audience, we extend a cordialand hearty welcome.We should like to express ourappreciation for the lovely flowerswhich decorate the rostrum. TheTacoma Stake made arrangementswith the Puyallup Valley DaffodilFestival for 3,000 King Alfred daffodils.The beautiful calla lilies were sent tous by the Oakland-Berkeley Stake HighPriests quorum. This is a wonderfulcontribution to the atmosphere of thisconference, and we express deepappreciation to these brethren andsistersfor their kindness.GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDoyWe are pleased to welcome here thismorning the Combined BrighamYoung University Choruses. RalphWoodward will conduct these youngstudents, and Brother Robert Cundickis at the organ.We shall begin this session by thechorus rendering, "The MorningBreaks, the Shadows Flee," followingwhich the invocation will be offeredby Elder Wayne B. Hales, presidentof the Brigham Young Universityin approximately 500 buildings Sixth Stake.throughout the United States andCanada.In addition, the proceedings of the As the opening musical number,priesthood session will be broadcast the Brigham Young University CombinedC3ioruses sang the anthem, "Thepublicly over KSL Radio and Television,and will be received by many Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee."throughout a wide area of Utah andElder Wayne B. Hales, president ofthe Brigham Young University SixthStake, offered the invocation.President Hugh B. BrownThe Combined Choruses of theBrigham Young University will nowsing, "Behold, the Lamb of God."The Combined Choruses of theBrigham Young University sang theanthem, "Behold, the Lamb of God."President Hugh B. BrownWe are all delighted with the presencehere of President David O. Mc-Kay. Upon the advice of his physicians,he has asked his son, David LawrenceMcKay, to read the message which hehas for this conference and for theworld.President David 0. IVIcKay(Read by his son,My dear brethren and sisters, andfriends of the radio and televisionaudience: At this moment there is justone supreme wish in my heart. It isthat the Spirit of the Lord and of thisgreat conference may be felt in everyhome and in every heart in the Church,as well as in the hearts and homesDavid Lawrence McKay)of all peoples everywhere who maycome within the radius of the broadcastsof the various sessions, whichwill be carried worldwide.Thanksgiving for blessingsIpray for the blessings of the Lord,not only during this session, but

PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAYthroughout all of the sessions of this138th annual conference of theChurch.My heart is filled with thanksgivingfor our blessings and for God's greatlove for his children. The older Igrow, the more grateful and impressedI am with the glorious truths andgreat possibilities and opportunities ofthe gospel of Jesus Christ.I appreciate the loyalty, faith,brotherly love, and prayers of themembership of this Churdi. Realizingthe great responsibility that rests uponme this morning in giving to theChurch a message at a general conference,I earnestly pray for his guidanceand for your faidi and prayers.I extend a hearty welcome to allpresent in this historic Tabernacle,erected on Temple Square by ourpioneers 100 years ago, and to all whomay be listening in, and pray thatGod's blessings may be with each ofyou in rich abundance.The greatest event of historyOn April 14, there will be celebratedthroughout Christendom thegreatest event of all history—the resurrectionof Jesus Christ. In speaking ofthat event,the Apostle Paul declared:". . . if Christ be not risen, then isour preaching vain. . . ."Yea, and we are found false wit-of God; because we have testifiednessesof God that he raisedupChrist " (1 Cor. 15:14-15.)He who can thus testify of theliving Redeemer has his soul anchoredin eternal truth. In our time, themost direct confirmation that Jesusrose from the grave is the appearanceof the Father and the Son to theProphet Joseph Smith, eighteen hundredyears after the event Christendomwill celebrate this Easter.That the spirit of man passestriumphantly through the portals ofdeath into everlasting life is one ofthe glorious messages given by Christ,our Redeemer. To him this earthlycareer is but a day, and its closing butthe setting of life's sun; death, but asleep, is followed by a glorious awakeningin the morning of an eternalWhen Mary and Martha sawrealm.their brother only as a corpse inthe dark and silent tomb, Christ sawhim still a living being. This facthe expressed in just two words:"Lazarus sleepeth." (See John 11:11.)Reality of the resurrectionIf everyone participating in Easterservices knew that the crucified Christactually rose on the third day from thetomb, that after having greeted othersand mingled with others in the spiritworld his spirit did again reanimatehis pierced body, and after sojourningamong men for the space of 40 dayshe ascended a glorified soul to hisFather, what benign peace wouldcome to souls now troubled with doubtand imcertaintylOn the reality of the resurrection inthe minds of the apostles, the beginningof early Christianity was founded.For over four thousand years man hadlooked into the grave and had seenonly the end of life. Of all the millionswho had entered therein, notone had ever returned.It was, therefore, a new and gloriousmessage that the angel gave to thewoman who, fearfully and lovingly,had approached the sepulcher in whichJesus had been buried: ". . . Ye seekJesus of Nazareth, which was crucified:he is risen; he is not here. . .(Mark 16:6.)A stupendous miracleIf a miracle is a supernatural eventwhose antecedent forces are beyondman's finite wisdom, then the resurrectionof Jesus Christ is the moststupendous miracle of all time. Init stand revealed the omnipotence ofGod and the immortality of man.The resurrection is a miracle, however,only in the sense that it is beyondman's comprehension and understanding.To all who accept it as afact, it is but a manifestation of auniform law of life. Because mandoes not understand the law, he callsit a miracle. Someday man's enlightenmentmay bring this momentousevent out of the dusk of mystery intothe broad day of understanding.."

—Friday, April SGENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayThat the literal resurrection fromthe grave was a reality to the discipleswho knew Christ intimately is a certainty.In their minds there wasabsolutely no doubt. They were witnessesof the fact. They knew, becausetheir eyes beheld, their earsheard, their hands felt the corporealpresence of the risen Redeemer.Gloom of death banishedAt Jesus' death, the apostles werestricken with gloom. When he laydead, their hopes all but died. Theirintense grief, the evident preparationfor a permanent burial, combined toillustrate the prevalence of a fear thatthe redemption of Israel had failed.Notwithstanding the often-repeatedassurances of Christ that he would returnto them afterdeath, the apostlesdid not seem fully to comprehend it.At the crucifixion, they were frightenedand discouraged. For two and onehalfyears they had been upheld andinspired by Christ's presence. But nowhe was gone. They were left alone, andthey seemed confused, fearful, helpless.The world would never have beenstirred by men with such wavering,doubting, despairing minds as theapostles possessed on the day of thecrucifixion.What was it that suddenly changedthese disciples to confident, fearless,heroic preachers of the gospel of JesusChrist? It w£is the revelation thatChrist had risen from the grave. Hispromises had been kept, his messianicmission fulfilled. In the words of aneminent writer, "The final and absoluteseal of genuineness has been puton all his claims, and the indeliblestamp of a divine authority upon allhis teachings. The gloom of death hadbeen banished by the glorious lightof the presence of their Risen, GlorifiedLord and Savior."Testimony of eyewitnessesOn the evidence and testimony ofthese unprejudiced, unexpectant, incredulouseyewitnesses of the risenChrist, faith in the resurrection has itsimpregnable foundation.The direct evidence that the tombdid not hold Jesus is threefold: (1) themarvelous transformation in the spiritand work of his disciples; (2) thepractically universal belief of the eeirlyChurch, as recorded in the Gospels;and (3) the direct testimony of Paul,the earliest New Testament writer.Latter-day witnessIn the very beginning of this dispensationof the fulness of times, the14-year-old Joseph Smith said:"... I saw two Personages, whosebrightness and glory defy all descriptionstanding above me in the air.One of them spake unto me, callingme by name and said, pointing to theother This is My Beloved Son. HearHtml" (Joseph Smith 2:17.)Later, speaking of the reality of thisvision, he testifies as follows:"... I had seen a vision; I knew it,and I knew that God knew it, and Icould not deny it, neither dared I doit; at least I laiew that by so doing Iwould offend God, and come undercondemnation." (Joseph Smith 2:25.)Confirming the irrefutable testimonyof Christ's early apostles. The Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsproclaims the glorious vision of theProphet Joseph Smith:"And now, after the many testimonieswhich have been given of him,this is the testimony, last of all, whichwe give of him: That he livesl"For we saw him, even on the righthand of God; and we heard the voicebearing record that he is the OnlyBegotten of the Father." (D&C 76:22-23.)In the light of such unimpeachabletestimony as given by the ancientapostles' testimony, dating from a fewyears subsequent to the event itself;in the light of that most marvelousrevelation in this age of the livingChrist, it seems difficult indeed toimderstand how men can still rejecthim and can doubt the immortality ofman.The way, the truth, and the life"How can we know the way?"sat asked Thomas, as he with hisfellow apostles and their Lord at the

—PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAYtable after the supper on the memorablenight of the betrayal; andChrist's divine answer was: "I am theway, the truth, and the life. .". .(John 14:5-6.) And so he is! He is thesource of our comfort, the inspirationof our life, the author of our salvation.If we want to know our relationshipto God, we go to Jesus Christ. Ifwe would know the truth of the immortalityof the soul, we have itexemplified in the Savior's resurrection.If we desire to learn the ideal lifeto lead among our fellowmen, we canfind a perfect example in the life ofJesus. Whatsoever our noble desires,our lofty aspirations, our ideals in anyphase of life, we can look to Christand find perfection. So, in seeking astandard for moral manhood, we needonly to go to the Man of Nazarethand in him find embodied all virtuesthat go to make the perfect man.Virtues of perfect characterThe virtues that combined to makethis perfect character are truth, justice,wisdom, benevolence, and self-control.His every thought, word, and deedwere in harmony with divine law and,therefore, true. The channel of communicationbetween him and theFather was constantly open, so thattruth, which rests upon revelation, wasalways known to him.His ideal of justice is summed up inthe admonition: "Do unto others asyou would have others do unto you."(See Matt. 7:12.) His wisdom was sobroad and deep that it comprehendedthe ways of men and the purposes ofGod. The apostles could not alwayscomprehend the significance anddepth of some of his simplest sayings;the lawyers could not entrap him, norget the better of him in a discussion orargument; the greatest teachers werebut pupils in his presence. Every actthat is recorded of his short, thougheventful, life was one of benevolencethat comprehends charity and love.His self-control, whether exemplifiedin his power over his appetites andpassions or his dignity and poise whenbefore his persecutors, was perfectwas divine.itNow, what are the teachings of theChurch regarding these virtues and allthey comprehend? If the Church failsto make men true, fails to foster moralmanhood, then there is no reason forits existence, and its pretension to beChrist's Church is a farce.Love of truthNo man can be a true member ofthis Church and not love truth. Beingtrue is a fundamental doctrine of theChurch. When we stop to considerwhat this means, we begin to realizewhat an important element in characterbuilding truth is. A man whois true is upright, is conscientious, ishonorable in all his dealings; he isfaithful in fulfilling his obligations;he is trustworthy and diligent in theperformance of duty; he is true to himselfand, therefore, to his fellowmenand to his God.JusticeAs for justice, all the teachings ofthe Church cry out against injustice,and its condemnation is most severeupon him who oppresses his brother.Members are admonished to use theirauthority justly, for "the powers ofheaven cannot be controlled norhandled only upon the principles ofrighteousness." (D&C 121:36.) Justiceis rendering to every man his due. Tobe just, one must of necessity be honest,fair, and impartial. He will berespectful and reverential. It is impossiblefor a man to be just and at thesame time be disrespectful or irreverent,for when disrespectful orirreverent, he is unjust in not givingrespect and reverence where they aremerited. True manhood possessesjustice and is an attribute of the divinenature.HonestyHonesty, as included in justice, is thefirst virtue mentioned in the Church'sthirteenth Article of Faith. It is impossibleto associate manhood with dishonesty.To be just with one's self,one must be honest with one's self andwith others. This means honesty inspeech as well as in actions. It meansto avoid telling half-truthsas well as

8Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayuntruths. It means that we are hon-to know how to use knowledge is tohave wisdom."BenevolenceBenevolence in its fullest sense is thesum of moral excellence, and comprehendsevery other virtue. It is themotive that prompts us to do good toothers and leads us to live our lifefor Christ's sake.of self-denial,All acts of kindness,of self-devotion, of forgiveness,of charity, of love, springfrom this divine attribute. So whenwe say "we believe in being benevolent,"we declare a belief in all thevirtues that go to make a Christ-likecharacter. A benevolent man is kindand true to his family, is active forgood in his city and state, and is afaithful worker in the Church.Virtue of self-controlest in our dealings—in our buying aswell as in our selling. It means that Great as are these virtues I havean honest debt can never be outlawed,named, they do not seem so practicaland that a man's word is better than and applicable to daily life as thehis bond. It means that we will be virtue of self-control. It is as impossiblehonest in our dealings with the Lord,to think of moral manhood apartfor "true honesty takes into account from self-control as to separate sunlightfrom the day. Self-controlthe claims of God as well as those ofman; it renders to God the things means the government and regulationthat are God's, as well as to man the of all our natural appetites, desires,things that are man's."passions, and affections; and there isnothing that gives a man such strengthWisdomof character as the sense of selfconquest,the realization that he canWisdom: ". . . seek ye diligently andmake his appetites and passions serveteach one another words of wisdom;him and that he is not a servant toyea, seek ye out of the best books wordsthem. This virtue includes temperance,of wisdom; seek learning, even byabstinence, bravery, fortitude, hopefulness,sobriety, chastity, independence,study and also by faith." (D&C88:118.) Such is the commandment oftolerance, patience, submission, continence,purity.the Lord given to this generationthrough the Prophet Joseph Smith, andthe full significance of it may be more One of the most practical teachingsfully realized when we know thatof the Church regarding this principleis man's eternal salvation—God's greatestgift to man—is dependent It upon histhe Word of Wisdom. It is true.deals principally with the appetite.knowledge; tor "it is impossible for a You show me a man who has completecontrol over his appetite, whoman to be saved in ignorance." (D&C131:6.) Wisdom is the right use of can resist all temptations to indulgeknowledge and comprehends judgment, in stimulants, liquor, tobacco, marijuana,and other vicious drugs, and Idiscrimination, prudence, discretion,and study. "To know is not to be will show you a youth or man whowise," says Spurgeon. "Many men has likewise developed power to controlhis passions and desires.know a great deal and are all thegreater fools for it. There is no foolLoss Through Indulgenceso great a fool as a knowing fool. ButAs I have read recently of theprevalent use of these drugs amongour high school and university studentsand others, I have becomegreatly aleirmed. With all my heartwarn the youth of our Church andIof this nation that they will lose theirmanhood and womanhood if theyyield to this enticement of Satan. Aperson who indulges his appetites,either secretly or otherwise, has acharacter that will not serve him whenhe is tempted to indulge his passions.The sexual impurity of the worldtoday is the result of the loss of truemanhood through indulgence. Unchastethoughts have bred unchastewords, and unchaste words, unchasteacts. In the teachings of the Church,next to the crime of murder comes that

PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY 9of adultery, and sexual unchastity. Ifthe members of the Church will remaintrue to their belief in chastity,and will develop true manhoodthrough practicing self-control in otherways, they will stand as beacon lightswhose rays will penetrate a sin-stainedworld.A Troublous AgeWe are indeed living in a troublousage, and many people in theChurch, as well as millions in theworld, are stirred with anxiety; heartsare heavy with feelings of foreboding.At the crucifixion of Christ, a littlegroup of men faced a future that wasjust as threatening and foreboding tothem as that which the world facestoday. Their future, so far as Christ'striumph on earth was concerned,all seemed but blighted. They hadbeen called and set apart to be "fishers"of men, and to Peter had been giventhe keys of the kingdom.Notwithstanding all this, in thathour of despondency, when the resurrectedChrist said to Peter, the discouragedleader of the Twelve, whohad turned to his old vocation of fishing:"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thoume more than these?" Peter answered,"Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I lovethee."Said the Lord, "Feed my sheep."(John 21:15-16.) On that occasionPeter became conscious of his responsibility,not only as a fisher ofmen, but also as a shepherd of theflock. It was then that he sensedfinally and completely the full meaningof the divine injunction, "Followme." (John 21:19.) With that neverfailinglight, those 12 humble mensucceeded in changing the course ofhuman relations.True guide to mankindJesus' teachings may be applied justas efficaciously to social groups andnational problems as to individuals, ifmen would only give them a trial. Inour efforts to develop true manhood,we must accept Christ as the Way, theTruth, and the Life. He is the Lightof Humanity. In that light man seeshis way clearly. When it is rejected,the soul of man stumbles in darkness.It is a sad thing when individuals andnations extinguish that light—^whenChrist and his gospel are supplantedby the law of the jungle and thestrength of the sword. The chieftragedy in the world at the presenttime is its disbelief in God and hisgoodness.The gospel, the glad tidings of greatjoy, is the true guide to mankind; andthat man or woman is happiest andmost content who lives nearest to itsteachings, which are the antitheses ofhatred, persecution, tyranny, domination,injustice—things which fostertribulation, destruction, and deaththroughout the world. What the sunin the heavenly blue is to the earthstruggling to get free from winter'sgrip, so the gospel of Jesus Christ isto the sorrowing souls yearning forsomething higher and better than mankindhas yet found on earth.What a glorious condition will be inthis old world when it can truthfullybe said to Christ, the Redeemer ofmankind, "All men seek for thee."(Mark 1:37.) Selfishness, envy, hatred,lying, stealing, cheating, disobedience,quarreling, and fightingamong nations will then be no more!Testimony of risen LordBrethren and sisters, I have cherishedfrom childhood the truth thatGod is a personal being and is, indeed,our Father whom we can approach inprayer and receive answers thereto.My testimony of the risen Lord is justas real as Thomas', who said to theresurrected Christ when he appearedto his disciples: "My Lord and myGod." (John 20:28.) I know that helives. He is God made manifest in theflesh; and I know that "there is noneother name under heaven given amongmen, whereby we must be saved."(Acts 4:12.)I know that he will confer with hisservants who seek him in humility andin righteousness. I know because Ihave heard his voice, and I have receivedhis guidance in matters pertainingto his kingdom here on earth.Divinity of restoredchurchI know that his Father, our Creator,

10Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDaylives. I know that they appeared tothe Prophet Joseph Smith and revealedto him the revelations which we nowhave recorded in the Doctrine andCovenants and in other Church works.This knowledge is as real to me asthat which occurs in our daily lives.When we lay our bodies down atnight, we know—^we have an assurance—thatthe sun will rise in themorning and shed its glory over allthe CEirth. So near to me is the knowledgeof Christ's existence and divinityof this restored Church.Members of The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints are underobligation to make the sinless Son ofMan their ideal—the One PerfectBeing who ever walked the earth.God bless the Church, particularlyour young people who are going tomaintain its standards. God blessfathers and mothers and teachers whoinstill this faith in the hearts of theyouth and proclaim it throughout theworld, I pray in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownI am sure that the profound andinspiring message from our Presidentwill find an echo in the hearts of allof us. It is a fitting and inspiringkeynote to this great conference.President Joseph Fielding Smith,president of the Quorum of the TwelveApostles, will now address us.President Joseph Fielding SmithPresident of the Council of the Twelve and Counselor inMy dear brothers and sisters, it is apleasure to me to have the privilegeof being here with you in this conference.We as Latter-day Saints have a greatmany duties to perform. I wonder ifwe do not sometimes get a little careless,a little thoughtless, a little neglectful;and we do not pay attentionto the simple things that belong to thegospel.Reasons for prayerI wonder if we ever stop to thinkwhy the Lord has asked us to pray.Did he ask us to pray because he wantsus to bow down and worship him?that the main reason? I don't think itis. He is our Heavenly Father, and wehave been commanded to worship himand pray to him in the name of hisBeloved Son, Jesus Christ. But the Lordcan get along without our prayers. Hiswork will go on just the same, whetherwe pray or whether we do not. Heknows the end from the begirming.There are many worlds that havepassed through the same experiencethat we are going through. He hashad sons and daughters on otherearths, where they have had the sameprivileges and the same opportunitiesIsthe First Presidencyto serve him and the same commandmentsthat we have had given to us.Prayer is something that we need, notthat the Lord needs. He knows justhow to conduct his affairs and how totake care of them without any helpfrom us. Our prayers are not for thepurpose of telling him how to run hisbusiness. If we have any such idea asthat, then of course we have the wrongidea. Our prayers are uttered more forour sakes, to build us up and give usstrength and courage, and to increaseour faith in him.Prayer is something that humblesthe soul. It broadens our comprehension;it quickens the mind. It drawsus nearer to our Father in heaven. Weneed his help; there is no questionabout that. We need the guidance ofhis Holy Spirit. We need to knowwhat principles have been given to usby which we may come back into hispresence. We need to have our mindsquickened by the inspiration thatcomes from him; and for these reasonswe pray to him, that he may help usto live so that we will know his truthand be able to walk in its light, thatwe may, through our faithfulness andour obedience, come back again intohispresence.

PRESIDENT JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH 11Segregation afterresurrectionIf we will just be true and faithfulto every covenant, to every principle oftruth that he has given us, then afterthe resurrection we will come backinto his presence and we will be justlike he is; we will have bodies diatwill shine like the sun. Moreover, ifwe are faithful and true while we arehere, we will be his sons and hisdaughters.But the Lord is going to make agreat segregation after the resurrectionof mankind, and many—in fact, thegreater part of the inhabitants of thisearth—^will not be called the sons anddaughters of God, but they will go intothe next world to be servants. TheLord said in that wonderful sermonwe call the Sermon on the Mount:"Enter ye in at the strait gate: forwide is the gate, and broad is the way,that leadeth to destruction, and manythere be which go in thereat:"Because strait is the gate, and narrowis the way, which leadeth untolife, and few there be that find it."(Matt. 7:13-14.)Gift of eternallifeEternal life is the great gift held inreserve for all those who are willingto keep the commandments of theLord.All will receive the resurrection.WeIs that eternal life? No, not in thewords of our Father in heaven.call that immortality, the right to liveforever. But the Lord has put his owninterpretation upon eternal life. Eternallife is to have the same kind oflife that our Father in heaven has, andto be crowned with the same blessingsand glories and privileges that he possesses,that we might become sons anddaughters of God, members of hishousehold.To become sons and daughters ofGod, we have to keep all of the covenantsthat belong to the gospel and betrue to them to the end of our lives.Then we will inherit; we will becalled heirs. We will be joint heirswith Jesus Christ—to inherit what?Not that he is going to step down fromhis throne that we may ascend. Notthat, but we will inherit the sameblessings and privileges, opportunitiesof advancement that he possesses, sothat in course—I may say of time, butI will say of eternity—^we may becomelike him, having ourselves kingdomsand thrones.Freedom to obeyIfany of you who are here presentprefer, when you get on the other side,to be a servant and perhaps go intothe terrestrial kingdom, you will havethat privilege. You do not have to keepother commandments. You do notneed to pay your tithing; you do noteven have to be baptized for the remissionof your sins, if you want to gointo those other kingdoms. But if youwant to go into the presence of Godand dwell in the celestial kingdom andsee the glories of exaltation, then youmust live by every word that proceedsforth from the mouth of God. Wemust pray to keep humble, to drawnearer to our Father in heaven, thatwe might be in closer communionwith him.We must learn to be truthful,obedient, sincere, having the willingnessto walk by every commandmentthe Lord has given.Habits easily formedWhen a man confesses that it ishard to keep the commandments ofthe Lord, he is making a sad confession:that he is a violator of thegospel law. Habits are easily formed.It is just as easy to form good habits asit is to form evil ones. Of course, it isnot easy to tell the truth if you havebeen a confirmed liar. It is not easyto be honest if you have formed habitsof dishonesty. A man finds it verydifficult to pray if he has neverprayed.On the other hand, when a man hasalways been truthful, it is a hard thingfor him to lie. If he has alwa3rs beenhonest and he does some dishonestthing, his conscience protests veryloudly. He will find no peace, exceptin repentance. If a man has the spiritof prayer, he delights in prayer. It iseasy for him to approach the Lord withassurance that his petitions will be

12Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayanswered. The paying of tithing isnot hard for the person fully convertedto the gospel, who pays histenth on all that he receives. The Lordhas given us a great truth: his yoke iseasy, his burden is light, if we love todo his will! The Lord has said:"Therefore, O ye that embark inthe service of God, see that ye servehim with all your heart, might, mindand strength, that ye may stand blamelessbefore God at the last day."(D&G 4:2.)If we will all serve him in this way,we will have plenty to do. The Fatherasks nothing inconsistent with reasonbut that which is in harmony with hislaw, and which he himself obeys. Canyou imagine our Eternal Fadier andSavior doing nothing?Work forman's benefitSo we see that the great work of theFather, and of the Son, is not for selfalone. They work, as they haveworked hitherto, for the benefit ofman. When a man joins the Church,it is on the principle of faith in theFather and in the Son and in the Holyis Ghost. It on the principle that heaccepts all that pertains to the gospel.These requirements are made of allmen who seek repentance and a placein the kingdom of God. If a man triesto get in by some other way, he isclassed as a thief and a robber. Why?Because he is trying to obtain eternallife by fraud! He is trying to obtaina reward of exaltation by counterfeitcoin, and this cannot be done.Importance of serviceObedience to the gospel ordinancesis required of all men, and they cannotenter into the kingdom withoutcomplying with the law the Lord hasgiven.Our Savior came into the worldto teach us love for each other, andas that great lesson was made manifestthrough his great suffering and deaththat we might live, should we notexpress our love for our fellowmen byservice rendered in their behalf?Should we not show our appreciationfor the infinite service he rendered us,by giving service in his cause?The man who does only those thingsin the Church which concern himselfalone will never reach exaltation.Forinstance, the man who is willing topray, to pay his tithes and offerings,and to attend to the ordinary dutieswhich concern his own personal life,and nothing more, will never reach thegoal of perfection.Service must be given in behalf ofothers. We must extend the helpinghand to the unfortunate, to those whohave not heard the truth and are inspiritual darkness, to the needy, theoppressed. Are you failing? Let usthink of the words of the poet. Will L.Thompson, as we think about beingsaviors on Mount Zion. The poemstarts this way:"Have Idone any good in the worldtoday?Have I helped anyone in need?Have I cheered up the sad.And made someone feel glad?If not I have failed indeed."(Hymns, 58.)I hope and pray that none of usfail in our service to our Father inheaven. May the Lord continue tobless us one and all and keep us in thepath of truth and righteousness, Ihumbly pray, in the name of the LordJesus Christ. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownThe chorus and congregation willnow join, upon an indication from thechorister, in singing, "We Thank Thee,O God, for a Prophet." After the singing.Elder Franklin D. Richards, Assistantto the Twelve, willaddress us.The Brigham Young UniversityCombined Choruses and the congregationjoined in singing the hymn, "WeThank Thee, O God, for a Prophet."After Elder Franklin D. Richardsspeaks to us, we shall hear from ElderSterling W. Sill, also an Assistant tothe Twelve.

ELDER FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS 13Elder Franklin D. RichardsAssistant to the Council of the TwelvePresident McKay, my dear brothersand sisters: President McKay, welove you. We have been blessed andinspired this morning as we havereceived the great messages from youand President Smith. And now, mybrothers and sisters, I pray thatthe Lord will bless me with his Spiritas I speak to you this morning.As the foundations of the Churchwere being laid in this dispensation,many wonderful revelations were givenfor the guidance of those engaged inthe great work.Although some revelations weregiven to particular persons, we knowthat they were generally for the edificationand direction of all who wouldheed them, whether at that time or ata later date.Qualities necessary for successOne of the great revelations wasgiven in February 1829 through theProphet Joseph Smith to his father,and is recorded in Section 4 of theDoctrine and Covenants.The revelation commences with thedeclaration that a marvelous work isabout to come forth among the childrenof men.Qualities necessary for success in hisservice are then given and include:". . . faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance,patience. . . ." (D&C 4:6.)In today's world of uncertainty,pressures, strains, and tribulations, patienceis a very essential virtue.The dictionary definition of patienceis: to be undisturbed by obstacles,delays, or failures, to be able to bearstrain and stress, to be persevering,and the ability to exercise forbearanceunder provocation.The apostle Paul, in writing to theRoman saints, said, ". . . we glory intribulations . . . knowing that tribulationworketh patience; And patience,experience; and experience, hope."(Rom. 5:3-4.)Experiences develop patienceAnd so our trials and tribulations.as we meet them with patience, giveus valuable experiences and prepare usfor challenges that lieahead.Likewise, it is possible to glory inhealth, prosperity, and happiness, aswell as in tribulations. All of life'sexperiences provide us with opportunitiesto develop patience.In periods of health, prosperity,andwell-being, we are inclined to overlookthe importance of patience andare apt to become impatient. It iswell to remember, however, that thereare many hazards connected with impatience.One of the greatest is thatof overextending one's self— physically,mentally, financially, or inmany ways.In 1828 the Lord, in a revelation tothe Prophet Joseph Smith, said, "Donot run faster or labor more than youhave strength. ." . . (D&C 10:4.)By exercising patience, we will notbe inclined to run faster or labor morethan our strength justifies.In this regard, an adage that hasbeen particularly helpful and inspirationalto me is: "Survey large fields,but cultivate small ones." Often wewant to cultivate large fields before weare properly prepared and equipped todo so.Concentrating on an immediatetask while envisioning and planningfor extensive growth requires genuinepatience, and patience is very essentialto sound growth and development.A stabilizing influenceSome might construe patience to bea negative force, resulting in resignationand discouragement. However,patience is a great stabilizing influencein our lives, while impatiencefrequently brings fear, tensions, discouragement,and failure.In a revelation given through theProphet Joseph Smith to his brotherHyrum in May 1829, the Lord counseledHyrum in regard to his assignment,saying, ". . . be patient untilyou shall accomplish it." (D&C 11:19.)Here patience is identified as a posi-

14Friday^ April Stive force and as a requisite to accomplishment.It is important to realizethat patience can be a tremendouspositive force when combined withprayer, faith, and works. In this lightletus further consider the great valueof patience and how it can bedeveloped.Ways to develop patienceOne way to develop patience andto make it a positive force is to carefullyrealisticset plan our activities andobjectives and goals. Sound planningrequires meditation, patience, andprayer. President McKay has frequentlyreferred to the great benefitsto be derived from meditation.Frequently, patience is developedwhen coupled with repentance: achanging of one's attitude, a controllingof one's temper, or some othercorrective action. But patience combinedwith prayer, repentance, faith,and works will overcome obstacles ofevery nature.Patience means persevering, andpersevering means work—^mental andphysical.President Grant used to quote RalphWaldo Emerson: "That which we persistin doing becomes easy to do, notthat the nature of the thing haschanged, but that our power to doithas increased."It is not unusual for one to developthe idea that the grass on the otherside of the fence is greener. But inevery aspect of life we should realizethat " a rolling stone gathers no moss."Assuming that moss in this axiommeans the better things of life, thenpatience or staying on the job ormagnifying one's calling will bringAese better things to us. Then todevelop patience, "don't expect toomuch too soon." Make the most ofwhat you have.Need for patient preparationExercise patience in the matter ofbuying a new home, a new car, furniture,or other important things. Getout of debt and stay out of debt; herepatience will reward you with peace ofmind, happiness, and success.GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayA young person should plan andpatiently prepare for a mission yearsahead of the time he leaves, providinghe wants to perform an outstandingmission.The planning and obtaining of one'seducation is especially important inthis day and age, and, of course,planning and preparing for one's vocationbecome a significant part ofplanning and obtaining one's education.Faith and patience are vitalto accomplish these desired objectives.Hasty courtships tend to create unhappymarriages and often result indivorce. Be patient in the selection ofa husband or wife. Be patient andtake sufficient time to prepare for atemple marriage. Here is one placewhere your patience will be rewardedwith eternal blessings.Patience infamily lifeOur need for continual patience isgreatest with our loved ones, our family.Here is where we may be themost impatient, but here is where patiencepays the greatest dividends.Nothing is sweeter than to watch aloving parent patiently teach his childthe right way. A father stood by hissmall son in a swimming pool. Theboy wanted so much to learn to swim.The father patiently showed him how.Day after day they returned to thepool, the father always evidencingpatience and appreciation for the boy'sefforts. This same method is used bytruly successful parents in teachingtheir children the lessons of life—social,moral, intellectual, and spiritualas well as physical: telling, showing,over and over, until the lesson islearned, always with patience, love,and appreciation of every evidence ofprogress, no matter how small.Patience in church workPatience and perseverance in Churchwork also pay tremendous dividends,as in all other areas of life's activities.As early as 1831 the Lord, in arevelation given to the Prophet JosephSmith, counseled the elders of theChurch to "be not weary in well-doing,for ye are laying the foundation of a

ELDER STERLING W. SILL 15great work. And out of small thingsproceedeth that which is great."(D&C 64:33.)How important this counsel is to ustoday: "Be not weary in well-doing."Be patient in your home teaching andother teaching assignments, in yourhome evenings, and in all relationshipswith one anodier.I recall that in our stake mission ourmissionaries called on one nonmemberfamily at least once everythree months, covering a period oftwo and a half years, but were neverinvited into the home. Then on thenext visit they were invited in. Thisfamily was then taught the gospel.As they studied, prayed, and attendedChurch, they received testimonies andwere baptized.The reward of patiently perseveringin this case was the bringing of anentire family into the kingdom of God.A mighty wtueAs one reviews the variousareas oflife's activities and appreciates themany human inadequacies, the greatvalue of patience becomes more andmore evident.Sometimes we are misunderstood,us.even by those who are closest toUnder such circumstances, patiencewill develop within us the capacityto accept criticism and censure,whether we feel such criticism is warrantedor not. This ability to exerciseforbearance under provocation meansthat we are following the Savior'steachings, to do good to those whodespitefully use us and to turn theothercheek.Patience is truly a mighty virtue,and can be developed as we recognizeits importance and make up our mindsto be patient in our own life as wellas with others.Iencourage you to develop patiencein your daily lives and enjoy thesatisfaction of accomplishment, freefrom many of the customary pressuresand strains incident to modem living.Gospel incorporates patienceI am grateful for my knowledge ofthe gospel and that the gospel incorporatesthe remarkable principleof patience. I am most thankful forthe patience my Father in heaven hasevidenced with me in my life.I am grateful for my testimony thatGod lives and that Jesus Christ is ourSavior and Redeemer. I thank Godfor the Prophet Joseph Smith and forour present President and Prophet,David O. McKay, both of whom haveexemplified in their lives this greatquality of patience.And may I close with the words ofthe apostle Paul to the Hebrew saints,". . . let us run with patience the racethat is set before us." (Heb. 12:1.)In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownisHe to whom you have just listenedElder Franklin D. Richards.Elder Sterling W. Sill,an Assistantto the Twelve, will now address us.He will be followed by Elder Bruce R.McConkie, of the First Council ofSeventy.Elder Sterling W. SillAssistant to the Council of the TwelveMy brothers and sisters, I would liketo recall to your minds one of the greatscenes of the holy scriptures. It hasbeen referred to as the Lord's triimiphalentry into Jerusalem. After along absence, Jesus and his discipleswere making their way toward thetemple for what was to be the lastthree days of the Lord's public ministry.As he came near the historiccity, he wept because of the wickednessof its people.The feast of the passover was athand, and as he approached the city,other travelers, Jerusalem bound,merged with his party at the cross-

16Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayroads. Soon there was an imposingprocession, with Jesus as the centralfigure, riding upon a colt, in fulfillmentof an ancient prophecy. As theyentered the Holy City, the people castbranches of palm trees in his path,thus carpeting his way as for the passageof a king. And for the time beinghe was their king, and the voices ofthe multitude sounded in reverberatingharmony, saying, "Hosanna to theson of David: Blessed is [the King ofthat cometh in the name of theIsrael,]Lord " (Matt. 21:9.)This picturesque scene might wellsymbolize another coming, as thescripture projects our minds ahead tothat time when with holy angels hewill appear in flaming fire to cleansethe earth of sin and to inaugurate themillennial era ofa thousand years ofpeace, during which he will reign personallyas King of kings.We would see JesusAmong those attending this particularpassover were certain Greeks whosought a conference with the Master.In making their request through Philip,they said, "Sir, we would see Jesus."(John 12:21.) In these five words theywere also voicing an idea that has thegreatest significance for every age.That is, what could be more helpfulin our own days of miracles, atheism,and crime than for everyone to havean unshakable testimony of, and aninspiring personal relationship with,the divine Ruler of thisearth.Since that long ago day, some nineteenwide centuries have come andgone. And we now have the judgmentof time shining upon the life of Christ,enabling us to see itin clearer perspective.We are now aware that he ismuch more than a prophet fromNazareth. He is also the Son of God,the Savior of the world, the Author oflife, the Redeemer of men, and thegiver of all good things. By our absorbingthe spirit of his life, understandinghis doctrines, and followinghis example, this ancient Grecian requestto see Jesus might well begranted in our own behalf. Certainlythis request should represent the uni-versal desire of all people, for as thesun is the center of the solar system,so is the Redeemer the center of ourlives. Without the sun our solar systemwould fly apart, and without Godthe greatest values in our lives wouldbe lost. As the apostle Peter said,"Neither is there salvation in anyother: for there is none other nameunder heaven given among men,whereby we must be saved." (Acts4:12.)This is life eternalThe prophets have looked forwardto his coming since time began, andeven as Jesus was being born, wisemen from the east were asking:"Where is he [who] is bom King ofthe Jews? for we have seen his star inthe east, and are come to worshiphim." (Matt. 2:2.) And that is whatwise men have been asking and doingever since. The Master himself said,". . . this is life eternal, that theymight know thee the only true God,and Jesus Christ, whom thou hastsent." (John 17:3.)After the people had listened to thepreaching of the gospel at Pentecost,they were pricked in their hearts; anddesiring the better way of life thathad been recommended, they cried outto the apostles: ". . . Men and brethren,what shall we do?" And Peteranswered: "Repent, and be baptizedevery one of you in the name of JesusChrist for the remission of sins, andye shall receive the gift of the HolyGhost." (Acts 2:37-38.)Jesus found indifferent waysPeople have found Jesus in differentways. The Greeks found himthrough Philip; the wise men fromthe east were led to Bethlehem by hisstar; Peter was taken to Jesus by hisbrother Andrew; and Paul found himthrough a miracle on the Damascusroad. Jesus gave his own formula fordiscovery when he said, "If any manwill do his will, he shall know of thedoctrine. . . ." (John 7:17.) He said,". . . seek me diligently and ye shallfind me. . . ." (D&C 88:63.) However,the greatest tragedy of our world

ELDER STERLING W. SILL 17remains the fact that so many neverattain this all-important objective.And yet only he who fails to seekfails to find.Emerson pointed out the consequencesof failure in this importantquest when he said, "On the brink ofem ocean of life and truth we aremiserably dying. Sometimes we arefurtherest away when we are closestby." So frequently that is true. Thinkhow near they were who lived contemporaneouslywith Jesus. He walkedamong them; they heard him speak;they knew of his miracles; and yetthey were so far away that they said,"His blood be on us, and on ourchildren" (Matt. 27:25), and so it hasbeen, and so it may be with us. Weare so near and yet we may be sofar away. We are standing on thebrink of an eternal life, and yet eachmust take the steps that will bringhim there.A well of living waterJesus gave us the best approach forthis accomplishment when, on thelast day of the passover feast, he stoodup and cried, "If any man thirst, lethim come unto me, and drink. Hethat believeth on me, . . . out of hisbelly shall flow rivers of living water."(John 7:37-38.) That is, our eternalsuccess is not like pouring water intoa cistern; rather it is like opening aliving spring within ourselves. Throughthe Prophet Jeremiah the Lord said,"For my people have committed twoevils; they have forsaken me the fountainof living waters, and hewed themout . . . broken cisterns, that can holdno water." (Jer. 2:13.) And Jesuselaborated upon this idea by saying,". . . unto him that keepeth mycommandments I will give the mysteriesof my kingdom, and the sameshall be in him a well of living water,springing up unto everlasting life."(D&C 63:23.) What a tremendouspossibility for us!As Jesus was passing throughSamaria on his way to Jerusalem, hestopped to rest at Jacob's well nearthe ancient city of Sheckem and requesteda drink from the woman ofSychar. He said to her, "If thouknewest the gift of God, and who itis that saith to thee, Give me a drink;thou wouldst have asked of him, andhe would have given thee living water."But whosoever drinketh of thewater that I shall give him shall neverthirst; but [it] shall be in him a wellof living water springing up into everlastinglife." (John 4:10, 14.)The greatest enrichmentWater is the universal element, andit is the symbol of life. Jesus used itto describe a personal testimony of hisdivinity. Pure water will also be oneof the secrets of the earth's regenerationin preparation for its millennium.The Lord said, "And in the barren . . .ground shall no longer be a thirstyland." (D&C 133:29.) However, therichest treasures do not come fromwater breaking forth in the wastelandsof the desert.The greatest enrichment comes whenwe acquire a personal testimony ofthe divine mission of the Savior of theworld and a firm determination tomake our lives productive in godliness.Dr. Henry C. Link once saidthat nothing puts so much order intohuman life as to live by a good set ofsound principles. And the soundestprinciples are the principles of thegospel of Jesus Christ. Water is alsoa symbol of cleanliness, and Jesusindicated that after cleansing ourselveswith the soap and water of repentance,we should be baptized andhave our sins washed away by hisatoning sacrifice.Black nightof apostasyFive days after the Greeks soughttheir interview, Jesus was crucified. Inthe following years his apostles wereslain, his doctrines were changed, andthe long black night of apostasy settledupon the world. In foretellingthis event, the Lord again used wateras a figure of speech about obtainingthe word of the Lord. Throughthe Prophet Amos he said, "Behold,the days come, saith the Lord God, thatI will send a famine in the land,not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for

—18Friday^ April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirst Daywater, but of hearing the words ofthe Lord:"And [men] shall wander from seato sea, and from the north even to theeast, they shall run to and fro to seekthe word of the Lord, and shall notfind it." And the Lord added, "In thatday shall [they] faint for thirst."(Amos 8:11-13.)Gospel shall be preachedBut God alwajfs provides the remedybefore the plague. On the Tuesdaybefore his crucifixion on Friday, theLord sat on the Mount of Olives andforetold the wars and troubles thatwould immediately precede his glorioussecond coming to the earth. And hehimself made a solemn promise, saying,"And this gospel of the kingdomshall be preached in all the world fora witness unto all nations; and thenshall the end come." (Matt. 24:14.)In the early spring of 1820 in upperNew York State, in fulfillment of thispromise, God the Father and his SonJesus Clirist reappeeured upon thisearth to reestablish among men a beliefin the God of Genesis, the God ofCalvary, and the God of the latterdays. The eternal springs were reopened;divine revelation was againestablished from heaven. And the gospelof Jesus Christ was restored to theearth in a fullness never known beforein the world. The universalthirst is now being relieved for all ofthose who effectively seek their Redeemer.By divine order the worldhas now been given three great volumesof new scripture, outlining inevery detail those simple principles onwhich the exaltation and eternal happinessof every human life depend. Onevery fundamental point of doctrinewe again have an authorative "Thussaith the Lord." We also have thetestimony of many new witnesses supportingthose of old that God lives,that the gospel is true, and that manyof the great events spoken of in thescriptures are about to be fulfilled.Testimony of modem prophetIn our own day another prophet hasknown God as Moses did, face to face.and in bearing his certain witness hehas said to us, "And now, after themany testimonies which have beengiven of him, this is the testimony,last of all, which we give of him: thathe lives 1"For we saw him, even on the righthand of God; and we heard the voicebearing record that he is the OnlyBegotten of the Father"That by him, and through him,and of him, the worlds are and werecreated, and the inhabitants thereofare begotten sons and daughters untoGod." {D&C 76:22-24.)The greatest opportunity of our livesis found in following the spirit of thisancient Grecian request, saying, "Sir,we would see Jesus" (John 12:21);and in consequence of our faithful,righteous search, we may have aninspiring personal testimony of hisdivinity springing up in our ownhearts.Unseen spiritual powersModem travelers to that ancient cityof Sheckem near the site of Jacob'swell tell us that there are rivers ofwater flowing beneath the streets.During the daylight hours they cannotbe heard. But when eveningcomes and the clamor dies out of thestreets, when kindly sleep rests uponthe city, then quite audibly in the hushof the night you can hear the music ofthese buried streams.God has provided our earth withgreat underground reservoirs andburied rivers that may be brought tothe surface to keep our earth productiveand beautiful. Likewise, thereare some great unseen spiritual powersthat can be used to vitalize our spiritsand make our lives beautiful andhappy.And in the quiet obedience of ourfaith and love of righteousness, GJodmay touch these hidden abilities implantedin the depths of our soulsand release great spiritual strength topurify our lives and bring about oureternal exaltation in his presence.As someone has said, "What coolsparkling pure water isto the welfare

ELDER BRUCE R. MtiCONKIE 19of the rose, so is the spirit of Christto my life." That we may drink freelyfrom those living waters that evennow are springing up imto eternal lifeI humbly pray in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownFollowing Elder Bruce R. McConkie,Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of theCouncil of the Twelve will be ourconcluding speaker.Elder Bruce R. McConkieOf the First Council of the SeventyWe have a volume of sacred scriptureknown as the Book of Mormon,which contains the mind and willand voice of God to the world today.Like the Bible, with which it is incomplete conformity, it contains arecord of God's dealings with a peoplewho had the fullness of the everlastinggospel. Thus, both the Book of Mormonand the Bible present a summaryof the doctrines of salvation, of thetruths men must accept and live byto gain the celestial heaven, and bothrecord the wondrous blessings pouredout by Deity upon those in formerdays who walked in the light of theLord and who kept his commandments.The Book of Mormon is a record ofGod's dealings with his ancient Americansaints; the Bible is a similar andparallel record of his dealings withthe saints in the Old World. Bothshed forth a flood of light and knowledgeabout those truths that must bebelieved and obeyed to gain salvation,to gain peace in this life and eternallife in the world to come. And nonenow living can gain that salvation,which is the greatest of all the gifts ofGod, without conforming to thosetruths of which both books testify.Salvation in ChristBut salvation isnot found in a book,any book, neither the Book of Mormonnor the Bible. Salvation is inChrist; it comes because of his atoningsacrifice; his is the only namegiven under heaven whereby man canbe saved. Salvation comes by thegrace of God, through the shedding ofthe blood of his Son. As a Book ofMormon prophet said, ". . . salvationwas, and is, and is to come, in andthrough the atoning blood of Christ,the Lord Omnipotent." (Mosiah 3:18.)However, salvation is made availableto men because the Lord calls prophetsand apostles to testify of Christ and toteach the true doctrines of his gospel.Salvation is available only when thereare legal administrators who can teachthe truth and who have power to performthe ordinances of salvation sothey will be binding and will haveefficacy, virtue, and force on earthand in heaven.Record of American prophetsNow this book, the Book of Mormon,was brought forth in our day by sucha legal administrator, one JosephSmith by name. This man was calledof God by his own voice and by angelicministration. To him was given theancient record whereon were inscribedthe words of prophets and seers whodwelt on the American continent inages past, holy men who ministeredamong the land's inhabitants in muchthe same way that biblical prophetsrepresented the Lord in the lands oftheir labors.Having received the ancient recordfrom a heavenly messenger—from anangel named Moroni, who himself wasone of the ancient American prophets—^Joseph Smith then translated thebook by the gift and power of God.The translated account is the Book ofMormon, a volume of holy writ ofsome 522 pages. Thereafter JosephSmith, endowed with the spirit ofprophecy and acting pursuant to revelationand at the direct command ofGod, organized The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints, sometimescalled the Mormon Church because ofits acceptance of this Book of Mormon.

—20Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayRestoration of gospelWith the setting up on earth of thetrue Church, there came once again arestoration of the fullness of the everlastinggospel, a restoration of themessage would be saved, while thosewho rejected it would be damned. Hefullness of those truths, keys, powers,has done precisely the same thing inand authorities which again enablethis final gospel dispensation. By hismen to gain a fullness of salvation inown voice he appointed Joseph Smiththe heaven of God our Father.to be the first and foremost of hisThus, the coming forth of the Booklatter-day prophets. Those who haveof Mormon, the call of Joseph Smithsince built on the foundation revealedto represent God as a prophet on earth,to Joseph Smith have worn the samethe restoration of the gospel of salvation,and the setting up anew of theprophetic mantle and have and dostand as witnesses to the world of theearthly Church and kingdom of Godtruth of God's great plan of salvationall these are tied together; they arein this day.all woven into one pattern; either allof them are realities or none of them An added witnessare.We testify that Joseph Smith But in his manifold grace and goodness,God has given an added witnessreceivedthe Book of Mormon recordfrom a resurrected personage and that in this day of the eternal verity of hishe translated it by the power ofwork. Men in this day are as muchobligated as men have been in anyrevelation.age to hearken to the voice of theConfirms divinity of workprophets, to lend a listening ear to theirsayings, toNow if the Book of Mormon open their hearts to theis atruthstrue account of God's dealings withof heaven which fall from theirlips.ancient inhabitants of the American But today we also have the Bookofcontinent, if it contains, as we solemnlyaffirm, the fullness of the everlastingMormon to bear record of the truthof the message that has come from agospel, then Joseph Smith was aprophet, a legal administrator, whodid in fact restore the gospel and setup the true Church again on earth.In other words, if the Book of Mormonis true. The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints is God's kingdom onearth, the only true and living Churchupon the face of the whole earth, theonly place where salvation may befound.It thus becomes a matter of transcendentimport for every truth seekerto learn of the truth and divinity ofthis volume of sacred scripture—thisvolume which will open the door tothe knowledge of God and his laws;this volume which will introduce thetruth seeker to those legal administratorswho can, for instance, performbaptisms that will admit penitent persons,not alone to any earthly organization,but to that celestial realm whichis God's eternal kingdom.In all dispensations past the Lordhas called prophets and commissionedthem to teach and testify to the people,with the provision that all who believedand obeyed the heaven-sentloving Heavenly Father to us, hiserring earthly children.Joseph Smith said that the Book ofMormon was "the keystone of ourreligion." {Documentary History of theChurch, Vol. 4, p. 461), meaning thatthe whole structure of restored truthstands or falls, depending on its truthor falsity.Joseph Smith also wrote, "by thespirit of prophecy and revelation," thatthe Book of Mormon came forth toprove "to the world that the holyscriptures are true, and that God doesinspire men and call them to his holywork in this age and generation, aswell as in generations of old; Therebyshowing that he is the same Godyesterday, today, and forever. . .(D&C 20:11-12.)In the Book of Mormon is found theLord's promise to all men that if theywill read the record and ponder it intheir hearts and then ask the Father inthe name of Christ if it is true—asking."

ELDER GORDON B. HINCKLEY 21with a sincere heart, with real intent,having faith in Christ—^he will manifestthe truth of it unto them by thepower of the Holy Ghost. (See Moro.10:4.)Book of Mormon is trueNow I am one who knows by thepower of the Spirit that this book istrue, and as a consequence I also know,both by reason and by revelation fromthe Spirit, of the truth and divinity ofall the great spiritual verities of thisdispensation. For instance:I know that the Father and the Sonappeared to Joseph Smith—because theBook of Mormon is true.I know that the gospel has beenrestored and that God has establishedhis Church again on earth—becausethe Book of Mormon is true.I know that Joseph Smith is aprophet, that he communed with God,entertained angels, received revelations,saw visions, and has gone on toeternal glory—because the Book ofMormon is true.I know that the Bible is the wordof God as far as it is translated correctly—becausethe Book of Mormonistrue.I know that The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints is the kingdomof God on earth, the one kingdomwith legal administrators who can sealmen up unto eternal life—because theBook of Mormon is true.To my testimony of the Book ofMormon I add that of the Lord Godhimself, who said Joseph Smith "hastranslated the book, . . . and as yourLord and your God liveth it is true."(D&C 17:6.)In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownElder Gordon B. Hinckley of theCouncil of the Twelve will nowaddress us.Elder Gordon B. HinckleyOf the Council of the Twelve ApostlesMy beloved brethren and sisters: Myheart was touched and my soul thrilledby the stirring testimony of the risenLord given by President McKay thismorning. I hope that no man orwoman here will ever forget that testimonyof our Prophet.I was grateful the choir sang as anopening number the words ofP. Pratt:Parley"The morning breaks; the shadowsflee;Lo, Zion's standard is unfurled!The dawning of a brighter day,Majestic rises on the world."(Hymns, 269.)If the Lord will inspire me, I wouldlike to use that as something of atheme.War in VietnamI have spoken previously from thispulpit about the war in Vietnam. Withyour indulgence Ishould like again tosay a few words on this, because Iknow that it is a subject on the mindsand in the hearts of thousands of ourpeople who have sons there. The welfareof their loved ones is the constantburden of their thoughts and prayers.Even for those of other nations, thewar is a matter of deep concern.One cannot have been to Vietnamas I have on a number of occasions,and felt in some small measure thedreadful sorrow of the land, withoutmaking a plea for peace a part of hisdaily prayers. This war, like others,is fraught with terrible evil and unspeakabletragedy. I minimize noneof these.But notwithstanding the evil andthe tragedy, I see a silver thread shiningthrough the dark and bloodytapestry of conflict. I see the fingerof the Lord plucking some good fromthe evil designs of the adversary. Isee coming out of this conflict, as Ihave witnessed in other conflicts in

22Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirst DanAsia, an enlargement of the Lord's on the roof of the Caravelle Hotel inprogram.the heart of Saigon. We had an inspirationalmeeting, with talks byDesire to teach gospelElder Marion D. Hanks, PresidentNot long ago I weis in Saigon. Our Keith E. Gamer, and others. At thetired little taxi took us down the conclusion of that service, while speakingI felt impressed to dedicate themuddy street to the meeting place ofthe Saigon Branch. It was night, the land for the preaching of the gospelpower had failed in the city, as it frequentlydoes, and the darkness in the by President McKay.under authorization previously givenheavy rain was oppressive.Since that prayer of dedication wasThe narrow lane leading to our part of a public meeting, I feel it notmeeting place was a river of running inappropriate to repeat here some ofwater. Skirting this on ground slightly the words I felt impressed to give onhigher, I noticed a thin little figure that occasion. I quote:with an umbrella coming out to meet "O God, our Eternal Father, withus. himible hearts we meet before theeWhen we opened the taxi door, this day in this land of South Vietnam,I recognized Brother Minh, an elder in a land which presently is torn by war,The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterdaySaints, the first Vietnamese to in the name of thy Son, the Lord,destruction, and dissension. We meetreceive the Melchizedek Priesthood. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, toWe stood under the porch of the invoke thy special blessing. . . .building while he pleaded that he be "We have seen in other parts ofgiven opportunity to translate the Book Asia the manner in which thou hastof Mormon into his native tongue. Iturned the hand and the work of theasked how he could find time to do adversary to the good and the blessingthis work. He has a job that requiresof many of thy children. And now welong hours and tedious labor. He repliedthat the gospel must someday wilt similarly pour out thy spirit uponcall upon thee at this time that thoucome to his people and that they willthis land. We plead with thee, ourneed the testimony of the Book ofFather and our God, that thou wiltMormon. He said that somehow hetouch the hearts of the leaders of thosewould find time. He understandspeople who war one against another,English. He had read the Book ofwitla a spirit of understanding, a recognitionof the fact that all men are sonsMormon. He had felt of its spirit,and he knew that others would beof thine and therefca-e brothers, andsimilarly touched as they read it inimplant in each a desire to labor fortheir own tongue.a settlement of the great conflict whichLike Brother Minh, I am convinced rages over this land, a settlement whichthat there are many and will be many will be honorable, and one which willin that land who someday will respond promote the cause of liberty and justiceand which will guarantee theto the message of the restored gospel.I do not know when that day will agency of those who love freedom. . . .come, but I am confident that it will "Holy Father, many good men holdingthy priesthood have come to thiscome, and that the efforts of your sonswho are there in military service will land incident to the war. While heremake that day possible. Without they have sought to establish thy divinework in this part of the world.their presence, I would see small prospectshort of half a century.They have shared the gospel of thySon with their associates, their fellowPrayer of dedicationAmericans, and with the VietnameseMay I share with you something of people. With gratitude we have witnessedthe baptism of a number ofa sacred and inspiring experience? OnSunday, October 30, 1966, more than these people. And so we feel it expedientat this time, imder the 200 members of the Church gatheredauthor-

ity given us by thy Prophet, he whomthou hast anointed and appointed tostand at the head of thy work in thisday, to dedicate this land and invokethy blessings upon it."We accordingly come before theein the exercise of the holy priesthood,and in the authority of the holy apostleshipin us vested we dedicate andconsecrate this land of South Vietnamfor the preaching of the gospel of theLord Jesus Christ as restored throughthe Prophet Joseph Smith. May therefrom this time forward, Father, comeupon this land an added measure ofthy Holy Spirit to touch the hearts ofthe people and the rulers thereof. Maythey open their hearts toELDER GORDON B. HINCKLEY 23the teachingof the truth and be receptive to thegospel of thy Son. May those whohave these blessings feel a new urgein their hearts to share with othersthe great gifts and powers and authoritywhich are theirs, which have comefrom thee. . . ."Open the way for the coming ofmissionaries, and make their laborsfruitful of great and everlasting good inthe lives of the people."To this end we seek thy blessingthis holy day as we bow before theeand acknowledge with thankful heartsthy goodness unto us ... in the nameof our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.Amen."Church being establishedWe do not have regular missionariesthere yet. I do not know when we shallbe able to send them. But I am confidentthat day will come. In themeantime there are those, both civilianand military, who are sharing the gospel,not in contravention of any officialregulations, not through regularproselyting, but they have taught whenothers have come seeking.Through their efforts the work of theChurch is now established in a numberof areas, including legal registrationof the Church in Thailand. Idoubt that this would have been possiblehad there not been able anddevoted members of the Church thereincident to the war. The Lord blessthese men for their goodness in themidst of evil. The Lord bless themfor their faith in the midst of overwhelmingobstacles. The Lord blessthem for their desires to share theprecious gifts of the gospel.Houses of worship constructedI have been impressed with the sacrificesof our people to construct housesof worship in many parts of the world,but I think I have never been so deeplytouched as in witnessing the responseto a suggestion made two years ago byour Vietnam zone president, a militaryofficer. He suggested that our brethren,who were already paying theirtithing, contribute their combat paydifferential to a building fund. Thisrepresents the extra amount given menfor battle duty. More than $3,000 wascontributed by men of the SaigonBranch on a single Sunday, and morethan $18,000 was given throughoutVietnam in 30 days. Where in allthe world would you find a better expressionof faith than that of thesesoldiers, airmen, and marines, whohave given to the cause of peace thatmoney paid them for the risks ofbattle?They gave it for the constructionof buildings they will never use oreven see, but which will somedaybless the people whose liberty theyhave fought to preserve.The Lord bless them for theirgenerosity, and may the peace of theLord comfort the hearts of their worriedfathers and anxious mothers, whoimplanted and cultivated in their sonsa faith that today quietly shines in thedark, embattled area in which theyfindthemselves.Missionary labors ofservicemenI hope that some of you parents whogrieve over your sons who could notgo on missions because of the demandsof the draft will derive some smallmeasure of comfort from the assurancethat your sons may perform an effectivemissionary labor through theirexamples, and that they may assistlifting the veil in lands of darknessin which the gospel must someday betaught.in

24Vriday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayI read for the first time this pastweek an interesting statement by BrighamYoung. Said he:"I shall be very happy when I canknow that the people of the East Indianarchipelago [which I take tomean the lands of Southeast Asia] andthe people of every island and continent,both the high and the low, theignorant and intelligent, have receivedthe words of eternal life, and have hadbestowed upon them the power of theeternal Priesthood of the Son ofGod. ." . . (Journal of Discourses, Vol.8, p. 7.)Silver thread in tapestrymake no defense of the war fromIthis pulpit. There is no simple answer.The problems are complexalmost beyond comprehension. I seekonly to call your attention to thatsilver thread, small but radiant withhope,shining through the dark tapestryof war—namely, the establishmentof a bridgehead, small and frail now;but which somehow, under the mysteriousways of God, will be strengthened,and from which someday shallspring forth a great work affecting forgood the lives of large numbers of ourFather's children who live in thatpart of the world. Of that I have acertainfaith.I have seen a prototype of what willhappen as I have witnessed the developmentof this work in others of theancient nations of Asia—in Korea, inTaiwan, in Okinawa, in the Philippines,and in Japan, where altogetherwe now have more than 25,000 LatterdaySaints.This marvelous membership is thesweet fruit of seed once planted indark years of war and in the troubleddays immediately following, whengood men of the priesthood, bothcivilian and military, through theexample of their lives and the inspirationof their precepts, laid a foundationon which a great work has beenestablished.Letter from VietnamMay I read from a letter just receivedfrom one of our brethren in Vietnam:"The other day in Phu Bai I saw ayoung member of the Church readingthe paperback of A Marvelous Workand a Wonder (so that he would bequalified to teach any who might askabout the Church). The book wasfilthy, his hands were filthy, but hedidn't see the dirt because he wasreading so intently."As I pictured that young infantrymanin dirty battle dress, just returnedfrom a dangerous jungle patrol, studyingthe gospel, two other pictures cameto mind—the first, of the home inwhich he grew up, where there is constantprayer for his safety; the second,of the day when the clouds of warshall have lifted, when peace shall bein the land, and when there shall becongregations of the Church built uponfoundations laid by such of our brethrenthere now.That day will come. Of that I amconfident."God moves in a mysterious way. . . .His purposes will ripen fast.Unfolding every hour;The bud may have a bitter taste,But sweet will be the flower."(William Cowper, Hymns, 48.)May the Lord bless our faithfulbrethren in Asia, and may he give usthe vision to look beyond this dark dayto a time when, because of their greatservice, his latter-day kingdom shallencompass many souls in that part ofthe earth, I humbly pray in the nameof Jesus Christ. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownElder Gordon B. Hinckley of theCouncil of the Twelve has been ourconcluding speaker.The Combined Brigham YoungUniversity Choruses will now favor uswith "I Know That My RedeemerLives," conducted by Ralph Woodward,with Robert Cundick at theorgan.Following the singing, the benedictionwill be offered by Elder Don VanSlooten, formerly president of theNetherlands Mission, after which this

FIRST DAY 25conference will be adjourned until 2o'clock this afternoon.The Combined Brigham YoungUniversity Choruses sang as the closingnumber, "I Know That My RedeemerLives," following which Elder DonVan Slooten offered the closingprayer.Conference adjourned until 2 p.m.FIRST DAYAFTERNOON MEETINGSECOND SESSIONThe second session of the conferenceconvened at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 5,1968.President N. Eldon Tanner, secondcounselor in the First Presidency,conducted the services.The Combined Brigham YoungUniversity Choruses furnished thechoral music for this session of theconference. Roy M. Darley was atthe organ console.President Tanner made the followingintroductory remarks:Brigham Young University Choruses,with Brother Ralph Woodward conductingand Brother Roy M. Darleyat the organ.We shall now begin these servicesby the Chorus singing: "A Canticle ofPeace."The invocation will be offered byElder Arthur H. Strong, formerlypresident of the Argentine Mission.The Combined Brigham Young UniversityChoruses sang as the openingnumber "A Canticle of Peace," followingwhich the opening prayer wasoffered by Elder Arthur H. Strong.President N. Eldon TannerMembers of the Church are convenedin the Tabernacle on TempleSquare in Salt Lake City in the secondgeneral session of the One Hundredand Thirty-eighth Annual Conferenceof The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints.President McKay, on the advice ofhis doctors is remaining home today.He is watching the proceedings bytelevision. He is presiding at all ofthe conference sessions. His spirit andhis blessingsare with us.President N. Eldon TannerThe invocation was just offered byElder Arthur H. Strong, formerlypresident of the Argentine Mission.The Combined Choruses will nowfavor us with "Guide Me to Thee,"after which Elder Delbert L. Stapleyof the Council of the Twelve willspeak to us.The Combined Choruses sang thehymn, "Guide Me to Thee."We extend a hearty welcome to alltelevision and radio audiences, and toall who are gathered in this historicTabernacle.We are favored again this afternoonby the presence of the CombinedPresident N. Eldon TannerElder Delbert L. Stapley of theCouncil of the Twelve will be ourfirst speaker this afternoon. He willbe followed by Elder Henry D. Taylor,Assistant to the Twelve.

26Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEElder Delbert L. StapleyOf the Council of the Twelve ApostlesFirstDayQuoting the apostle Paul, "Brethren,"and may I add sisters and friends,"my heart's desire and prayer to Godfor Israel is, that they might be saved."For I bear them record that theyhave a zeal of God, but not accordingto knowledge."For they being ignorant of God'srighteousness, and going about toestablish their own righteousness, havenot submitted themselves unto therighteousness of God."For Christ is the end of the lavv' forrighteousness to every one that believeth."(Rom. 10:1-4.)Voice to all menMany people profess a zeal for God,but their lives do not always harmonizefully with spiritual knowledge.Those who sincerely believe will followand do the works of Christ; otherwise,in their pursuit of eternal glory, theywill fall short of their heavenly goal.In this dispensation of the gospel theLord gave this admonition: "Hearken,O ye people of my church, . . . [and]ye people from afar; and . . . listentogether."For verily the voice of the Lord isunto all men, and there is none toescape; and there is no eye that shallnot see, neither ear that shall nothear, neither heart that shall not bepenetrated."And the rebellious shall be piercedwith much sorrow. ." . . (D&C 1:1-3.)Thus we see that the voice of theLord is to all men everywhere, andnone can escape the judgment forviolating his laws and commandments.Light and truth forsake evilPerhaps there is no better scriptureknown and quoted by members of theChurch than this: "The glory of Godis intelligence " (D&C 93:36.)We should also understand theverse that follows this profound statement:"The glory of God is intelligence,or, in other words, light andtruth."Light and truth forsake that evilone." (D8fC 93:36-37.)The glory of God being intelligence,then the glory of man, the spirit offspringof Deity, must also be intelligence,for man is God's greatest andmost important creation. Our HeavenlyFather is concerned about theeternal welfare and happiness of hischildren. He has, however, given themtheir free agency to choose for themselves.President George Q. Cannon hassaid: "I thank God for giving us our[free] agency, because I think thisearth will be a furnace to cleanse meand prepare me for a better conditionof affairs and a better life, and I believethis of all of us. . . . These bodiesof ours are naturally rebellious [and]full of strange appetites. We are hereto conquer these desires. . . . [and]bring this earthly substance in subjectionto the will of God.". . . It is true that some have greaterpower of resistance than others, buteveryone has the power to close hisheart against doubt, against darkness,against unbelief, against depression,against anger, against hatred, againstjealousy, against malice, against envy.. . . whenever deu-kness fills our minds,we may know that we are not possessedof the Spirit of God, and wemust get rid of it. When we are filledwith the Spirit of God, we arefilled with joy, with peace and withhappiness. . . ." (Gospel Truths, Vol. 1,pp. 15, 19-20.)Teach children light and truthWhen our God defines intelligenceas light and truth, he is not contemplatingjust secular and worldlyknowledge, but the spiritual and eternalverities and realities of life.The Lord has directed parents tobring up their children in light andtruth. He accused some of the brethrenwho failed in this responsibilityby admonishing them:"You have not taught your children

—ELDER DELBERT L. STAPLEY 27light and truth, according to the commandments;and that widêd one hathpower, as yet, over you, and this isthe cause of your affliction."And now a commandment I giveunto you—if you will he deliveredyou shall set in order your own house,for there are many things that are notright in your house." (D&C 93:42-43.)We cannot afford to permit oursense of eternal values to become distortedand corrupt our lives or thoseof our loved ones, thus destroyingopportunities for eternal glory.Example in lifeof JesusSince the cloak of glory isthe mantleof responsibility, it behooves us notonly to obtain all the light and truthwe can, but to use the intelligence wehave to alter our lives to conform moreclosely to the example so beautifullyportrayed in the lifeof Jesus.Christ is referred to by John theBeloved asthe "Word" and appropriatelyso, because he was and is themessenger of salvation to all nationsand peoples. (See John 1:1, 4, andD&C 93:8-9.)He is the light and life of men. Noone can come into the eternal presenceof God the Father except through hisbeloved Son, our Savior, who is thelight and Redeemer of the world. Todefine light and truth further, I quotefrom another revelation wherein theLord commands his people "to givediligent heed to the words of eternallife," and to "live by every word thatproceedeth forth from the mouth ofGod."For the word of the Lord is truth,and whatsoever is truth is light, andwhatsoever is light is Spirit, even theSpirit of Jesus Christ."And the Spirit giveth light to everyman that cometh into the world; andthe Spirit enlighteneth every manthrough the world, that hearkenethto the voice of the Spirit."And every one that hearkeneth tothe voice of the Spirit cometh untoGod, even the Father." (D&C 84:43-47.)The bondage of sinThe Lord further adds: "For whosocometh not unto me is under thebondage of sin."And whoso receiveth not my voiceis not acquainted with my voice, andis not of me."And by this you may know therighteous from the wicked. ." . . (D&C84:51-53.)Hearkening unto the voice of theSpirit is the key and the challengewhich leads to God's eternal mansions.Hear this warning: "Every spirit ofman was irmocent in the beginning.. . ."And that wicked one cometh andtaketh away light and truth, throughdisobedience, from the children ofmen " (D&C 93:38-39.)It is through disobedience and man'sfailure to hearken unto the voice ofthe Spirit and the counsels of Godthat Satan is able to come and takeaway from man the light and truthof the gospel. When the light withinus begins to dim, Satan moves in.When the light within us goes out, weare in his power and under his control.When Saul, who failed to followthe instructions of the Lord, tried tojustify his disobedience for doing so,the ancient prophet Samuel said: ". . .Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,and to hearken than the fat of rams."(1 Sam. 15:22.)In latter-day scriptures the Lord usesaction words in the first sentence tointroduce many of his revelations. Itis interesting to note that "hearken"was used 23 times. We are admonishedby the Lord through the ProphetJoseph Smith to behold, to hearken,to listen, and to hear, in over 60revelations.Obedience brings blessingsThe following scriptural statementsrepresent warnings and counsel thatare significant guidelines to our behaviorin this mortal existence: "Thereis a law, irrevocably decreed in heavenbefore the foundations of this world,upon which all blessings are predicated"And when we obtain any blessingfrom God, it is by obedience to that

28Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirst Daylaw upon which it is predicated."(D&C 130:20-21.)Also: "For all who will have ablessing at my hands shall abide thelaw which was appointed for thatblessing, and the conditions thereof,as were instituted from before thefoundation of the world." (D&C132:5.)". . . unto every law there are certainbounds also and conditions."All beings who abide not in thoseconditions are not justified."For," said the Lord, "intelligencecleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receivethwisdom; truth embracethtruth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleavethunto light; mercy hath compassionon mercy and claimeth her own; justicecontinueth itscourse and claimethits own: judgment goeth before theface of him who sitteth upon thethrone and govemeth and executethall things." (D&C 88:38-40.)These scriptural quotations teach usthe importance of bounds and limitations,and also the conditions we mustmeet to attain eternal peace and happiness.Only obedience to God's commandmentswill bring us, his children,the blessings of heaven. If we will butheed the words of eternal life andput our "trust in that Spirit whichleadeth to do good — yea, to do justly,to walk humbly, to judge righteously,"our salvation and glory can be assured.(See D&C 11:12.)God is lightJohn the Beloved gave this witnessand testimony of the Christ and histeachings: "This then is the messagewhich we have heard of him, anddeclare unto you, that God is light,and in him is no darkness at all."If we say that we have fellowshipwith him, and walk in darkness, welie, and do not the truth:"But if we walk in the light, as heis in the light, we have fellowshipone with another, and the blood ofJesus Christ his Son cleanseth us fromall sin." (1 John 1:5-7.)As a people we must stand firm,steadfast, and immovable in avoidingthe evils of the world, and sustainwith all the fervor of our being thetruths, standards, principles, andideals of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Satan is a formidable opponent, andit will take extraordinary toughnessto subdue him and his agents.The Lord has never promised thatthe overcoming of evil would be easy,but everyone can, if he wills, win thebattle against the power of Satan.The gospel of Christ is a lamp inour hands to guide us in righteouspaths. Light can always dissipatedarkness, but darkness can never replacelight. It is only when the lightof the Spirit within us is dimmed orgoes out that the darkness of temptationand sin enters in, and Satan takesover.Unfruitful works of darknessThe apostle Paul, in his Epistlesto the Ephesians, admonished, ". . .have no fellowship with the unfruitfulworks of darkness, but rather reprovethem." (Eph. 5:11.)Some of the unfruitful works ofdarkness as enumerated by Paul are:". . . walk not ... in the vanity oftheir mind,"Having the understanding darkened,being alienated from the life ofGod. . . ."Who being past feeling have giventhemselves over unto lasciviousness, towork all uncleanness with greediness."(Eph. 4:17-19.)"[Put] away lying. ." . . (Eph.4:25.)"Let no corrupt communication proceedout of your mouth. . . .". . . grieve not the holy Spirit ofGod. . . ."Let all bitterness, and wrath, andanger, and clamour, and evil speaking,be put away from you. . . ." (Eph.4:29-31.)"But fornication, and all uncleanness,or covetousness, let it not be oncenamed among you, as becomethsaints;"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking,nor jesting, which are not convenient.. . ."For this ye know, that no whoremonger,nor unclean person, nor

—ELDER DELBERT L. STAPLEY 29covetous man, who is an idolater,hath any inheritance in the kingdom ofChrist and of God." (Eph. 5:3-5.)The counsel of God is clear: avoidthese "unfruitful works of darkness"walk in light and truth."And be renewed in the spirit ofyour mind;". . . put on the new man, whichafter God is created in righteousnessand true holiness.". . . speak every man truth with hisneighbour. . . .". . . let not the sun go down uponyour wrath:"Neither give place to the devil."(Eph. 4:23-27.)Thus has the apostle Paul designatedsome of the things we mustavoid asthe unfruitful works of darknessand some of the positive thingswe ought to do to walk in the lightof the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thereare two powerful forces operative in theworld today: one is the powerful influenceof God; the other emanatesfrom Satan. Even though evil is inconstant competition with the good, thenoble, and the beautiful in life, weshould remember Joshua's declaration:". . . but as for me and my house,we will serve the Lord." (Josh. 24:15.)Opposing forcesin lifeThe opposing forces in life are essentialfor our growth and development.It is required of us to recognize thepowers that lead us away from theSpirit of the Lord, and to choose thepath of righteousness, which will leadus back into the presence of God. Aswe succeed in this "tug-of-war" betweenthe opposing forces of good andevil, we will bring joy into otir liveshere and earn rewards and exaltationin the life to come.Perhaps never before in our historyhas the need been greater for membersof the Church to understand theopposing forces confronting them andto muster sufficient strength to resistthe forces of evil and embrace theforces of good. An ancient Americanprophet said: "And to bring about hiseternal purposes in the end of man . . .it must needs be that there was anopposition. . . ."Wherefore, the Lord God gaveunto man that he should act for himself.Wherefore, man could not actfor himself save it should be that hewas enticed by the one or the other."(2 Ne. 2:15-16.)Opposition seems to be as extensiveand pervasive as the familiar wordswhich signify it. It would be manifestin all other basic ideas that comein contrasting pairs: that is, good andevil, life and death, war and peace,pleasure and pain, necessity and contingency,virtue and vice. There areother terms that stand opposed one toanother, such as, chance to fate,liberty to slavery, time to eternity,knowledge to opinion, and matter toform.Still other terms carmot be discussedwithout reference to theiropposites, such as, truth and falsehood,love and hate, justice and injustice,wealth and poverty.Life made up of choicesThe choice is up to us as we exerciseour free agency. Consider thepreacher who summed up this matterof opposition when he stated his feelingsas follows: "There is an electiongoing on all the time. The Lord votesfor you, and the devil votes againstyou, but you cast the deciding vote.""Life is made up of choices. Thereaxe two ways of doing things, theright way and the wrong way. Everyresponsible individual stands almostdaily at the crossroads and mustchoose which way he will travel. Hecan take the road that leads to theheights where the good and great ofthe earth assemble, or he can take theroad that leads to the depths wherethe victims of remorse and despondencygo. Life calls for almost constant decisionsand the decisions which wemake reflect with accuracy our thinkingand our tastes.". . . it is the development ofethical and spiritual standards whichwill make the right choice clear andeasy. . . . What we are and what weachieve is largely a result of what wechoose." (Bryant S. Hinckley, Not byBread Alone, p. 39.)

30Friday^ April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDai/King Benjamin's messageKing Benjamin, a beloved Book ofMormon prophet, exhorted his peopleto "open your ears that ye may hear,and your hearts that ye may understand,and your minds tfiat themysteries of God may be unfolded toyour view."And then he reminded them of histeachings, saying: "Neither have Isuffered . . . that ye should murder,or plunder, or steal, or commitadultery; nor even have I suffered thatye should commit any maimer ofwickedness, and have taught you thatye should keep the cormnandments ofthe Lord, in all things which he hathcommanded you." (Mosiah 2:9, 13.)King Benjamin's message to hispeople was given from a tower in contrastwith today's worldwide communicationlis-system, where manytening ears are tuned in to hear thesermons of this conference.Easier to walk in the lightThe purpose of these messages is thesame now as it was then: to encouragepeople to accept and live the gospel ofJesus Christ as revealed by God for thebenefit and blessing of his children.The sufferings and sorrows resultingfrom disobedience are extremely difficultto bear. It is far easier to walkin the paths of righteousness and thelight of gospel truths than to fallintothe sorrow of disobedience and evildoing. If we walk in the light asChrist is in the light, peace of mind,happiness, and joy will be our lotforever.I close with another statement of theNephite prophet, King Benjamin:"And moreover, I would desire thatye should consider on the blessed andhappy state of those that keep thecommandments of God. For behold,they are blessed in all things, bothtemporal and spiritual; and if theyhold out faithful to the end they arereceived into heaven, that thereby theymay dwell with God in a state ofnever-ending happiness. ." . . (Mosiah2:41.)My brothers and sisters, I bear humblewitness to the truth of theseteachings. That we will all so livethat we may enjoy eternal happinessand peace in our personal lives, Ihumbly pray in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerElder Delbert L. Stapley of theCoimcil of the Twelve has just spokento us.Elder Henry D. Taylor, Assistant tothe Twelve, will now address us. Hewill be followed by Elder Boyd K.Packer, Assistant to the Twelve.Elder Henry D. TaylorAssistant to the Council of the TwelveAs the psalmist contemplated withawe the beauties of the Lord's creation,with man as the crowning achievement,he exclaimed in wonderment:"When I consider thy heavens, thework of thy fingers, the moon and thestars, whidh thou hast ordained;"What is man, that thou art mindfulof him? and the son of man, thatthou visitest him?"For thou hast made him a littlelower than the angels, and hastcrowned him with glory and honour."Thou madest him to have dominionover the works of thy hands; thou hastput all things under his feet. . . ."O Lord our Lord, how excellent isthy name in all the earth!" (Ps.8:3-6, 9.)Many have described man in glowingterms. This is Shakespeare'sanalysis: "What a piece of work isman! how noble in reason! how infinitein faculty! in form and movinghow express and admirable! in actionhow like an angel! in apprehensionhow like a god! the beauty of theworld! the paragon of animals! .". .(Hamlet, Act 2.)

What is manWell might we ask the same question,"What is man?" and well mightthe answer be: Man is the spiritualoffspring of heavenly parents, privilegedthrough righteous living to cometo this world, to be bom of earthlyparents, and to be blessed with amortal body.The possession of this wonderfulbody is a sacred trust. PresidentJoseph Fielding Smith has declared:"The importance of these mortal tabernaclesis apparent from the knowledgewe have of eternal life. Spiritscannot be made perfect without thebody of flesh and bones. This bodyand its spirit are brought to immortalityand blessings of salvation throughthe resurrection. After the resurrectionthere can be no separation again, bodyand spirit become inseparably connectedthat man may receive a fullnessof joy. In no other way, other thanbirth into this life and the resurrection,can spirits become like our eternalFather." {Era, Vol. 34 [September1931], p. 643.)Mission of Adam and EveWhen Adam was placed here uponthe earth, our Heavenly Father indicatedthat by himself, Adam nevercould people the earth or subdue it."It is not good," the Lord said, "thatthe man should be alone; I will makehim an help meet for him." (Gen.2:18.) So Eve was created and givento Adam in the bonds of eternal marriage,to continue with him, and to behis loving wife and companion.This noble couple were given thecommandment to perpetuate themselves:"And God blessed them, andGod said unto them. Be fruitful,and multiply, and replenish the earth,and subdue it: and have dominionover the fish of the sea, and over thefowl of the air, and over every livingthing that moveth upon the earth."(Gen. 1:28.) These objectives could notbe achieved without effort, and so theFather fiulher admonished Adam: "Inthe sweat of thy face shalt thou eatbread. ." . . (Gen. 3:19.) He was tolabor and struggle for a living. Then,ELDER HENRY D. TAYLOR 31so that the man and wife would beunited in their journey through life,the Lord added: "Therefore shall aman leave his father and his mother,and shall cleave unto his wife: andthey shall be one flesh." (Gen. 2:24.)That is, one in unity, purpose, andharmony, to bring to life in mortalitythe spiritual offspring of Deity, tofximish mortal bodies for others, andto "replenish" or "fill" the earth. Nolife's purpose such as this could everbe devised by finite mind. It is trulydivine.Ideal home environmentWhat a glorious thing it would beif each child bom into this worldcould have the assiu-ance of thesethings:1. To be bom into a home whereparents enjoy a respected and honorablename. In other words, "to be bomof goodly parents."2. To be bom into homes wherethey are wanted: a place in which theyare loved; a place where proper examplesare manifest. One father said:"I am not trying to be a model father.All I am trying to do is to live so thatwhen someone says to my son, 'Youremind me of your father,' he can stickout his chest and not his tongue."3. A place where the children areencouraged to prepare themselves forlife, both here and hereafter, to live upto their full potential; a home wherethey are instructed to stand on theirown feet, to be independent and selfsupporting;a home where they aretaught to prepare to establish homesof their own through proper trainingand securing an adequate education.Security never grantedTo "subdue the earth," a personmust look mainly to himself and notto others, except as others might offergood counsel or set a good example.Most persons are striving to find whatthey consider security. It has beenpointed out:"People who look to goverrmient for'security' are seeking that which hasnever been granted to human kind.Man was promised his living by the

32Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDaysweat of his brow, and where hewastes his substance he will want inspite of all human devices to renderit otherwise. Nowhere in her systemdoes nature offer security to anyoneor anything. Nature's way is the lawof change and succession, or replacementand fulfillment; but never theunalterable, the fixed or the guaranteed.It is defeatism in the individualsto seek security in living, a misunderstandingof the function of life itself.It was not so that the pioneers of thisland lived, when there were few governmentsto do things for them. Theymet the wilderness on its own terms,and pushed it back. Men and womenworked together to found their homes,raise their children, and wrest acompetence from what the land hadto offer them. They helped one another.They had time for worship,and they knew that over man therewas God. Our age is a pioneeringone, and to each are offered wideningchances of development. It is a neglectof self-improvement to seek securitywithout having earned it, to attemptto reap without having sown. Nogovernment can produce what peopledon't in themselves create."("Security—Â Mirage!" Life Line, October 31,1964.)A prominent American, in contemplatingthe subject, gave this adviceto young people: "Don't dream aboutsecurity; make it for yourself, out ofyourself." He then concluded histhoughts on self-reliance with thesewords: "Dare to believe in yourself. . . and act accordingly. If you do,both your present and your future aresecure.""Men are that they might have joy"While man is struggling to achievesecurity and independence, he shouldalso realize that happiness and joy canbe his. The Prophet Lehi, speakingunder the inspiration of the Lord,taught his sons that "men are, thatthey might have joy." (2 Ne. 2:25.)This joy could come from performingunselfish acts for others, a life filledwith love for fellowmen, the rewardsthat come from honest toil, from ahome where love and kindness abide,the peace and tranquility that comefrom observing the commandments ofthe Lord.There are many today who are seekingfor thrills and so-called pleasure.These things are but momentary andfleeting. Happiness and joy comefrom more enduring and lasting acts.The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that"happiness is the object and design ofour existence; and will be the endthereof, if we pursue the path thatleads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness,faithfulness, holiness, andkeeping all the commandments ofGod." (Joseph Fielding Smith, Teachingsof255-56.)the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp.Rewards of lifeEven though this life is real andearnest, it is possible to receive manyrewards and satisfactions.I have notedserene joy in the face of a mother asshe gazed with tenderness at her newlyborn child. I have viewed the pride,happiness, and joy in the expressions ofparents as they watched and listened tothe report of their son or daughter whohad just returned from completing anhonorable and successful mission, orother righteousachievements.It is a humbling and warming experienceto be present in the templewith the parents, friends, and familiesas a young couple is married andsealed for time and for all eternity.Certainly there is joy and happinessthere.I am confident that each of us haspersonally experienced the warm glowof happiness that comes from performingan unselfish act or rendering aservice for someone else.The Prophet Joseph Smith has said:"If a man gets a fullness of the Priesthoodof God he has to get it in thesame way that Jesus Christ obtained it,and that was by keeping all the commandmentsand obeying all theordinances of the House of theLord. . . ." (Ibid., page 308.)Greater blessings promisedWhile joy and happiness are pos-

—ELDER BOYD K. PACKER 33sible in life here upon the earth,greater rewards and blessings havebeen promised and will come followingthe time of the resurrection, after wehave left this frail existence. At thattime those who have been faithfulwill not only be reunited with theirfamilies and loved ones of mortality,but they will also be privileged todwell in the glorious celestial worldwhere God the Father and Jesus Christ,the Son, dwell.Surely, this will be joy supreme. Andit is possible to every one of us if wekeep the faith and endure in righteousnessto the end.For this I humbly pray, in the nameof the Lord, Jesus Qirist. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerElder Henry D. Taylor, Assistant tothe Twelve, has just spoken to us.We shall now hear from Elder BoydK. Packer, Assistant to the Twelve, andpresident of the New England Mission.Elder Boyd K. PackerAssistant to the Council of the TwelveI feel subdued in spirit this afternoon,my brethren and sisters, incoming from the mission field again togeneral conference, to hear the testimoniesof our beloved Prophet and ofthe brethren. Particularly was myheart touched by the message of ElderGordon B. Hinckley as he spoke to ourservicemen, for in my life that silverthread of testimony, drawn from thedark tapestry of armed conflict, hasbeen a guiding beacon.Call to military serviceMany yoimg men listening to theconference are serving in the armedforces, or they face a call to military Strangely, it is a pursuit to which mankindhas turned again and again andservice. To answer the call, one mustsuspend many things dear and sacred. again. The wicked have generated it,Military service requires a severance and the innocent have ultimately beenhopefully a temporary one—from intimateand sacred ties that bind a young The Lord said: "Therefore, renounceprovoked by it.man to his family and from those war and proclaim peace. . . ." (D&Crelationships to which young manhood 98:16.) I would that all men wouldis so very responsive. Interruptioncomes likewise to schooling, and life'swork is delayed. And, as always, itcarries with it the threat of jeopardyto life and limb.It is to you, our brethren in thearmed forces, that I speak. Nor is theman who serves the only one concerned.There are wives and there areparents who never, never cease to lovetheir children or fear for them.Repudiation of responsibilitiesA man answering the call now isnot left in total comfort that all willsustain him. There have emerged inour society groups composed mostly ofrestless, imchallenged young people.In the name of peace and love andbrotherhood, they criticize those who,obedient to the laws of the land, haveanswered the call to military duty. Itis puzzling to see them renoimcingtheir obligation, repudiating theircitizenship responsibilities. They declareon moral grounds, as an act ofvirtue, that they will not serve. Onecan be sensitive, even sympathetic, totheir feelings, for war is an ugly thing—a heinous, hideous, ugly thing!remain at peace."We love peace," said PresidentDavid O. McKay, "but not peace atany price. There is a peace moredestructive of the manhood of livingman than war is destructive of thebody. 'Chains are worse than bayonets.'"(The Improvement Era, Jxme1955, p. 395.)Recently a college student about tograduate, and under notice from theselective service, came to my office.Confused and worried, he told me ofthe pressure from fellow students and

34Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirst Dayfrom faculty members to refuse induction,to leave the country, if necessary.When the issues are so confusing—andthey are confusing—^what can a mando? How can he know which way toturn?to their danger;"And also, that God would makeit known unto them whither theyshould go to defend themselves againsttheir enemies and by so doing, theLord would deliver them. ." . . (Al.48:14-16.)These Nephites faced not only thehostility of invading enemies, but alsoindifference, dissension, and corruptionin their own land. But the recordconfirms that "they were doing thatwhich they felt was the duty whichthey owed to their God; for the Lordhad said unto them and also imto theirfathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are notguilty of the first offense, neither thesecond, ye shall not suffer yourselvesto be slain by the hand of yourenemies."And again, the Lord had said that:Ye shall defend your families evenimto bloodshed. Therefore for thisNephites taught defensecause were the Nephites contendingFirst, the scriptures are not silent on with the Lamanites, to defend themselves,and their families, and theirthe subject. These are not new issues;75 years B.C. , the Nephites faced lands, their country, and their rights,such a challenge. There encircled and their religion." (Al. 43:46-47.)them an ominous threat to liberty, thehome, the family, andMessagetheirof First Presidencyrights ofworship. While our present dilemma More was said anciently, but weis not quite like theirs, all too soon the turn to modern prophets, for they havevery circumstances they faced could spoken and touched on the deepercome upon us. We would do well at issues involved. A message of the Firstleast to ponder the words of their Presidency dated April 6, 1942, states:prophets: "Behold," said Moroni, ". . . the Church is and must be against"could ye suppose that ye could sit war. ... It cannot regard war as aupon your thrones, and because of the righteous means of settling internationaldisputes; these should and couldexceeding goodness of God ye coulddo nothing and he would deliver you? be settled—the nations agreeing—byBehold, if ye have supposed this ye peaceful negotiations and adjustments.have supposed in vain." (Al. 60:11.) "But the Church membership areThe Book of Mormon records that citizens or subjects of sovereignties over"the Nephites were taught to defend which the Chiu-ch has no control. Thethemselves against their enemies, even Lord himself has told us to 'befriendto the shedding of blood if it were that law which is the constitutionalnecessary; yea, and they were also law of the land': . . .taught never to give an offense, yea, ". . . When, therefore, constitutionaland never to raise the sword except it law, obedient to these principles, callswere against an enemy, except it were the manhood of the Church into theto preserve their lives.armed service of any country to which"And this was their faith ... if they they owe allegiance, their highest civicwere faithful in keeping the commandmentsof God that he would prosper If, barkening to that call and obeyingduty requires that they meet that call.them in the land; yea, warn them to those in command over them, theyflee, or to prepare for war, according shall take the lives of those whofight against them, that will notmake of them murderers, nor subjectthem to the penalty that God hasprescribed for those who kill. . .Surely no individual will be excusedfor any wanton act of brutality,wickedness, or destruction. Nevertheless,this statement confirms: ". . . Hewill not hold the innocent instrumentalitiesof the war, our brethren inarms, responsible for the conflict. Thisis a major crisis in the world-life ofman. God is at the helm."A man does not necessarily have tovolunteer. In fact, it would be hopedthat young members of the Church."

"ELDER BOYD K. PACKER 35would have the strengthening, stabilizingdevelopment of missionary service,and perhaps some schooling, beforethey enter the service, if indeed theyare required to do so at all. Andsometimes they are required to serve. Ifso, the brethren have said: ". . . themembers of the Church have alwaysfelt under obligation to come to thedefense of their country when a call toarms was made. ." . . {The ImprovementEm. May 1942, pp. 346, 348-49.)Citizenship responsibilityThough all the issues of the conflictare anything but clear, the matterof citizenship responsibility is perfectlyclear. Our brethren, we know somethingof what you face and sense,something of what you feel.I have worn the uniform of my nativeland in the time of total conflict.I have smelled the stench of humandead and wept tears for slaughteredcomrades. I have climbed amid therubble of ravaged cities and contemplatedin horror the ashes of a civilizationsacrificed to Moloch; yet knowingthis, with the issues as they are, were Icalled again to military service, I couldnot conscientiously objectiTo you who have answered that call,we say: Serve honorably and well.Keep your faith, your character, yourvirtue.Exemplars of righteousnessWhile war permits stomping out ofa man's heart the reverent and tendervirtues that exemplify true manhood,military services does not require it.You can serve and yet be exemplars ofrighteousness."It is a disgraceful thought," saidPresident Joseph F. Smith, "that aman to become a soldier should becomea rake and abandon himself tocrime and wickedness. Let the soldiersthat go out ... be and remain men ofhonor. And when they are called,obey the call, and manfully meet theduty, the dangers, or the labor, thatmay be required of them, or that theymay be set to do; but do it with aneye single to the accomplishment ofthe good that is aimed to be accomplished,and not with the blood-thirstydesire to kill and to destroy." {ConferenceReport, April 1917, p. 4.)Righteous not lostIn armed conflicts there are casualties.Sometimes clean, worthy men,innocent of any desire to kill, devoidof any aggressive will to own thatwhich belongs to someone else, fallvictims of the confused, wicked uglinessof war."For," the prophet Moroni said, "theLord suffereth the righteous to beslain that his justice and judgmentmay come upon the wicked; therefore,ye need not suppose that the righteouswill be lost because they are slain;but behold they do enter into the restof their God." (Al. 60:13.) There arehomes among us now where thisheartbreak is known.Iread somewhere some simple linesof verse about a mother—and a telegram.Deep within lies a seed ofstrength and consolation—understood,perhaps, only by those who have faith.I can read but a few lines."'Killed in action ... in the line ofduty.'Blind went her eyes with pain. . . .A moan of mortal agony.Then all became still again." 'Oh God! ... my God! . . . wherewere youWhen my son was being slain?'And the scalding tears of bitternessDrenched her cheeks like the summerrain."But a soft voice seemed to whisperIn the twilight's afterglow,'I had a son ... at Calvary . . .Two thousand years ago.'Stay close to ChurchGod bless you, our brethren. Welove you. We sustain you. There is nodishonor in your service.Stay close to the Church, to thebranches and wards near your post, toour chaplains and servicemen's groups.Carry your servicemen's kit; read fromit. Live worthily.

36Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayWe pray God that he will protectyou—that you will not fall a mortalnor a moral casualty of war. I testifyto you that "this is a major crisisin the world-life of man. God is atthe helm." {The Improvement Era,May 1942, p. 349.)I bear witness that he lives andthat he guides the destiny of man andof this Church, in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerHe to whom we have just listenedis Elder Boyd K. Packer, Assistant tothe Twelve.The congregation and chorus willnow join in singing: "O Say, What IsTruth?", after which Elder James A.Cullimore, Assistant to the Twelve,will speak to us.The congregation and the CombinedChoruses joined in singing the hymn,"O Say, What Is Truth?".President N. Eldon TannerElder James A. Cullimore, Assistantto the Twelve, will now address us,and he will be followed by Elder AlmaSonne, Assistant tothe Twelve.Since next Sunday is Easter Sunday,I want to direct my remarks to thisimportant day and the circumstancessurrounding it.There are two great festal days inthe Christian year: one is Christmasand the other is Easter. The first isin honor of the Lord's coming intoEider James A. Cullimorethe world. It is a glorious occasion.Wherever there are a home andchildren, in every quarter of the world,there is joy on this great occasion. Oldas well never have sung 'Glory toGod in the Highest' in the midnightsky, and the wise men from the eastneed not have taken their journey tofind the babe in the manger. Wemight have wept over our crucifiedking if he had never risen from theAssistant to the Council of the Twelvedead, but we sound his praises nowbecause he lives and reigns foreverand ever." (Author unknown.)The story is told of a man walkingdown a street in Chicago who came toa store window where there was displayeda beautiful picture of thecrucifixion. As he stood gazing spellboundat the vivid picture story, hesuddenly became conscious that at hisside stood a little boy. The boy toowas gazing at the picture, and hisgrudges disappear, feuds are forgotten, tense expression made the man knowand love flows from heart to heart that the crucifixion had really grippedat Christmastime.the eager little soul. Touching the boyon the shoulder, theTheman said, "Sonny,Lord is risenwhat does it mean?"Yet Christmas is less a day of victory"Don'cha know?" he answered, histhan Easter, for the story that beginsface full of the marvel of the man'sthen is incomplete until it is crownedignorance. "That there man is Jesus,by the announcement, "The Lord isand them others is Roman soldiers,risen." Someone has so beautifullyand the woman crying is his mother,said: "If the Savior, having breathedand," he added, "they killed him."his last on the cross, had never comeback to the world in life as he promised,then the Star of Bethlehem might window, but he could not tarry ahvaysThe man was loath to leave theas well never have flamed, the angelsat the tragic scene, so he turned awayand walked down the street. In afew moments he heard pattering footsteps,and there came rushing towardhim the little boy."Say, mister!" he exclaimed breathlessly."I forgot to tell you, but heroseagain!"

——ELDER JAMES A. CULLIMORE 37The conquest ofdeathYes, he rose again. The advent onearth of the Redeemer is of less importancethan the conquest of deathand the grave, for it was only byrising from the grave that he couldredeem the world. Hence, his resurrectionsignalizes the redemption ofmankind and becomes one of thegreatest of all occasions for everychild of God.Our author continues: "It requiredthe resurrection to complete the workof redemption. The marvel of themanger birth attracted little attentionfrom an ancient people, accustomedto accept the marvelous. Themiracle of Galilee failed to astound aworld that treated miracles as a matterof course. The martyrdom of Calvarywas not in itself sufficient to provethat Jesus was the Savior of the world;but when the angel of the resurrectionshowed the weeping followers of Jesusan empty tomb on the morning of thefirst resurrection, no one who acceptedthe story with a saving faith coulddeny that the Nazarene was theworld's Savior and the conqueror ofdeath."Yes, he rose again, for you and mefor all the children of God—that wemight not be lost but that we mightlive again and have immortality andeternal life. Unto every man, woman,and child he brought immortality. Listento the words of Alma: "Now, thereis a death which is called a temporaldeath; and the death of Christ shallloose the bands of this temporal death,that all shall be raised from thistemporal death."The spirit and the body shall bereunited again in its perfect form. . . ."Now, this restoration shall cometo all, both old and young, both bondand free, both male and female, boththe wicked and the righteous. . .(Al. 11:42-44.)Paul said:.""For since by man camedeath, by man came also the resurrectionof the dead."For as in Adam all die, even so inChrist shall all be made alive." ( 1 Cor.15:21-22.)Gift of eternal lifeAll this comes without effort on ourpart through the grace of our LordJesus Christ. Unto those who believeon him, repent of their sins, and keephis commandments and prove faithfulto the end shall come the greatest giftof all in the atonement, not only immortality,but eternal life also, for theLord has said, "And, if you keep mycommandments and endure to the endyou shall have eternal life, which giftis the greatest of all the gifts of God."(D&C 14:7.) In the words of Nephi:". . . Wherefore, if ye shall press forward,feasting upon the word of Christ,and endure to the end, behold, thussaith the Father: Ye shall have eternallife." (2 Ne. 31:20.)Died for men's sinsYes, he rose again, for the Fathergave him to have "life in himself,"because he had strength to suffer,bleed, and die for our sins individually,and for the transgression of Adam, thatwe might not have to suffer ourselvesif we keep his commandments.The Savior himself said: "For behold,I, God, have suffered these thingsfor all, that they might not suffer ifthey would repent;"But if they would not repent theymust suffer even as I;"Which suffering caused myself,even God, the greatest of all, to tremblebecause of pain, and to bleed at everypore, and to suffer both body andspirit—and would that I might notdrink the bitter cup, and shrink"Nevertheless, glory be to theFather, and I partook and finished mypreparations unto the children of men."(D&C 19:16-19.)Amulek understood this as heprophesied of the coming of theSavior: "And he shall come into theworld to redeem his people; and heshall take upon him the transgressionsof those who believe on his name; andthese are they that shall have eternallife, and salvation cometh to noneelse."Therefore the wicked remain asthough there had been no redemption

38Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDaymade, except it be the loosing of thebands of death " (Al. 11:40-41.)Story of the resurrectioninto Galilee: there shall ye see him,as he said unto you." (Mark 16:1-7.)Actuality of resurrectionListen to the story of the resurrectionas related by James E. Talmage:"Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, hadpassed, and the night preceding thedawn of the most memorable Sundayin history was well nigh spent, whilethe Roman guard kept watch overthe sealed sepulchre wherein lay thebody of the Lord Jesus. While it wasyet dark, the earth began to quake;an angel of the Lord descended inglory, rolled back the massive stonefrom the portal of the tomb, and satupon it. His countenance was brilliantas the lightning, and his raimentwas as the driven snow for whiteness.The soldiers, paralyzed with fear, fellto the earth as dead men. When theypartially recovered from their fright,they fled from the place in terror. Eventhe rigor of Roman discipline, whichdecreed summary death to everysoldier who deserted his post, could notdeter them. Moreover, there wasleft nothing for them to guard; theseal of authority had been broken, thesepulchre was open, and empty."(James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ,p. 678.) The Lord had risen.". . . Mary Magdalene, and Marythe mother of James, and Salome hadbought sweet spices, that they mightcome and anoint him."And very early in the morning thefirst day of the week, they came untothe sepulchre at the rising of the sun."And they said among themselves.Who shall roll us away the stonefrom the door of the sepulchre?"And when they looked, they sawthat the stone was rolled away: . . ."And entering into the sepulchre,they saw a young man sitting on theright side, clothed in a long whitegarment; and they were affrighted."And he saith unto them. Be notaffrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth,which was crucified: he is risen; he isnot here: behold the place where theylaid him."But go your way, tell his disciplesand Peter that he goeth before youThe actuality of the resurrection isattested to by many imto whom theresurrected Lord showed himself.As some of the disciples went toEmmaus, Jesus walked with them, buttheir "eyes were holden that theyshould not know him." After muchconversation and visiting, their eyeswere opened, and they knew him; andhe vanished out of their sight."And they said one to another. Didnot our heart biun within us, while hetalked with us by the way, and whilehe opened to us the scriptures?"And as they thus spake, Jesus himselfstood in the midst of them, andsaith unto them, Peace be unto you."But they were terrified and affrighted,and supposed that they hadseen a spirit."And he said imto them. Why are yetroubled? and why do thoughts arisein your hearts?"Behold my hands and my feet, thatit is I myself: handle me, and see; fora spirit hath not flesh and bones, asye see me have." (Luke 24:16, 32,36-39.)He then showed them his hands andhis feet, and asked them to bring meat,and he took it and did eat it beforethem.Evidence of Christ'sdivinityThe miracle of the resurrection isone of the greatest evidences of Christ'sdivinity. No fact in ancient historyis better attested to than that Jesuslived, that he was crucified, and thathe was resurrected from the dead andadministered in hishis disciples.immortal body toJesus proclaimed himself "the resurrection,and the life." (John 11:25.)He declared that he would lay hisbody down and take it up again, andadded, "I have power to lay it down,and I have power to take it up again."And this he did.More and more, men are doubtingthat Jesus was resurrected and that he

ELDER ]AMES A. CULLIMORE 39is now the living Christ, the Only BegottenSon of God in the flesh.But he proclaimed himself a God,even the Son of God, and that allthings were created by him. "In thebeginning was the Word, and theWord was with God, and the Wordwas God."The same was in the beginningwith God."All things were made by him; andwithout him was not anything madethat was made."In him was life; and the life wasthe light of men." (John 1:1-4.)"Destroy this temple," he said, "andin three days I will raise it up." (John2:19.) He spoke of the temple as hisbody. Pilate also doubted Christ'swords, that he would rise again, andhe placed guards by the sepulcher.Yet, Jesus came out of the tomb, theconqueror of death, hell, and thegrave."And that he was seen of Cephas,then of the twelve:"After that, he was seen of aboutfive hundred brethren at once; ofwhom the greater part remain untothis present, but some are fallenasleep."After that, he was seen of James;then of all the apostles."And last of all he was seen of mealso, as of one born out of due time."For I am the least of the apostles,that am not meet to be called anapostle, because I persecuted thechurch of God." (1 Cor. 15:3-9.)Scriptures testify of immortalityThe scriptures testify that, as Christwas resurrected, so shall all be resurrectedand have immortality.The Savior said: "Verily, verily, Isay unto you, He that heareth myword, and believeth on him that sentme, hath everlasting life, and shallWitness of apostlesMany of the apostles of the Saviorwitnessed his crucifixion and were alsowitnesses of his resurrection. Fromthe testimony of many of them wehave some of the strongest assurancesof the reality of the resurrection. Therewas no doubt in the mind of Peter asto the reality of the resurrection whenhe spoke to the very men who hadbeen witnesses to his death:"Ye men of Israel, hear these words;Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved ofGod among you by miracles and wondersand signs, which God did by himin the midst of you, as ye yourselvesalso know:"Him, being delivered ... by wickedhands have crucified and slain:"Whom God hath raised up, havingloosed the pains of death. ." . . (Acts2:22-24.)Paul is one of the greatest witnessesto the literal resurrection of the Lord:"For I delivered unto you first of allthat which I also received, how thatChrist died for our sins according tothe scriptures;"And that he was buried, and thathe rose again the third day accordingtothe scriptures:not come into condemnation; but ispassed from death unto life."Verily, verily, I say unto you. Thehour is coming, and now is, when thedead shall hear the voice of the Son ofGod: and they that hear shall live."For as the father hath life in himself;so hath he given to the Son tohave life in himself;"And hath given him authority toexecute judgment also, because he isthe Son of Man."Marvel not at this: for the houris coming, in the which all that arein the graves shall hear his voice,"And shall come forth; they thathave done good, unto the resurrectionof life; and they that have done evil,unto the resurrection of damnation."(John 5:24-29.)Paul reasoned with the unbelieverswith sound logic as to the actuality ofthe resurrection. "But if there be noresurrection of the dead, then isChristnot risen:"And if Christ be not risen, then isour preaching vain, and your faith,also vain. . . ."If in this life only we have hope inChrist, we are of all men mostmiserable."But now is Christ risen from the

40Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDaydead, and become the firstfruits ofthem that slept." (1 Cor. 15:13-14,19-20.)A fulness of joyYes, he rose again; and as he brokethe bands of death, he made it possiblefor all to be resurrected and, ifobedient, to have eternal life. He madeit possible for us to have an immortalbody by which we could receive a"fulness of joy."The Lord revealed to the ProphetJoseph Smith that only as the bodyand spirit are inseparably connectedcould we receive a "fulness of joy." Hesaid:"For man is spirit. The elementsare eternal, and spirit and element, inseparablyconnected, receive a fulnessof joy;"And when separated, man cannotreceive a fulness of joy."The elements are the tabernacle ofGod; yea, man is the tabernacle ofGod, even temples; and whatsoevertemple is defiled, God shall destroythat temple." (D&C 93:33-35.)This inseparable union can onlycome about through birth into mor-tality; death of the body, which isseparation of body and spirit; and theresurrection, which is the reunion ofbody and spirit. In the resurrected,glorified, immortalized body we cango on into eternal life with God.The atonement of the Savior—hisdeath and resurrection—^made possiblethe fulfillment of the purpose of Godin the creation of man. ThroughMoses he declared that purpose: "Forbehold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality andeternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.)I leave you my witness that this isthe work of the Lord, that Jesuslives,that he came to earth and by hisatoning sacrifice all shall live again,that he atoned for our individual sinson condition of our repentance. Byvirtue of our faithfulness we too canhave eternal life. In the name ofJesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerWe have just listened to Elder JamesA. CuUimore, Assistant to the Twelve.We shall now hear from Elder AlmaSonne, also an Assistant to the Twelve.ElderAlma SonneAssistant to the Council of the TwelveMy brethren and sisters, the gospelof Jesus Christ has been restored inits fullness. It has no substitute. Itis God's plan to save humanity andto bring his children back to him. Inmodem times it began to function onthe 6th day of April 1830, when theChurch was organized. Christ's Churchwill grow and flourish in the futureas it has in the past; I quote frommodem revelation: ". . . the glory ofthe Lord shall be upon her;". . . and there shall come unto herout of every nation under heaven."(D&C 64:41-42.)These prophetic words, given onSeptember 11, 1831, are being fulfilled.The Church has reached ajuncture where it has an opportunityto be heard. Many barriers and muchprejudice have been removed, andprominent men in the world are makingtheir own investigations.Formula for peaceThe gospel message is before theworld. It is being studied and investigatedby thinkers and scholars. Booksand magazines dealing with the revealedword are being read. Eventually,wise men will come to know that theonly formula for peace is containedin the gospel of Jesus Christ.Hatred, malice, and vindictivenessmust give way to the love advocatedand exemplified by the Lord JesusChrist. Tliere is no other effectiveway, for in his gospel is the power tosave.Plan for man's redemptionPaul, the apostle to the Gentiles,

ELDER ALMA SONNE 41followers to "beware of false prophets,"who would come to them in sheep'sclothing. (Matt. 7:15.)There was to be no deviation fromthe outlined plan for the redemptionof mankind. It is definite and specificin all of its requirements. Obedienceisthe price of salvation.Mission of the ChurchThe mission of the Church is toestablish God's kingdom upon theearth, to safeguard it from error andfalsehood, and to promote righteousliving among its membership. Tocarry forward its program, organizationshave been perfected, missionarywork instituted, and foundations securelylaid.The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints proclaims a restorationof the gospel with all the gifts,keys, powers, and authority. It functionsas it did anciently, with"apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers,evangelists, etc." (Article of Faith 6.)"Ye must be bom again," said Jesusto Nicodemus, who had confessed hisfaith and manifested his desire to investigatethe teachings of the Master.(See John 3:7.) In his interview withthe Jewish ruler, Jesus referred to theChurch as the kingdom of God, anrealized that the gospel is the covenantwhich the Lord has made with of regeneration should be accom-organization through which the workmen for their salvation and exaltation.It embraces all the rights, power, Nicodemus was impressed but notplished.and authority to save and exalt the converted, even though the first principlesof the gospel were explained tohuman family. It is definite in allof its commitments. It must not be him by the Master Teacher. "Manyperverted or modified to suit the convenience,or to satisfy the whims and D&C 121:34.)are called but few are chosen." (Seethe sophistries of false teachers andothers who seek to evade its responsibilities.The restored gospel is identical inThe gospel planI quote Paul's words to the Galatians:"But though we, or an angel the Savior and his apostles. The re-all respects to the gospel taught byfrom heaven, preach any other gospel quirements, the principles, and theunto you than that which we have ordinances are the same. There is nopreached unto you, let him be accursed."(Gal. 1:8.)ings, no departure from the highdeviation in the fundamental teach-Jesus was similarly positive when standards demanded, and no modificationsin the authorized procedures.he said: ". . . strait is the gate, andnarrow is the way, which leadeth unto The law of health, for instance,life, and few there be that find it." known as the Word of Wisdom, is a(Matt. 7:14.) He also cautioned his part of the gospel plan. Its observancemakes for physical fitness, mental proficiency,moral soundness, and spiritualdevelopment.The law of tithing is the Lord'smethod of providing the necessaryrevenues for the operation of theChurch in its far-reaching ramifications.It too is a part of the restoredgospel.Mission of the Holy GhostWhen the Prophet Joseph Smithwas asked to point out a distinctivefeature of the Church, he replied:"We have the Holy Ghost."The Holy Ghost, the third personagein the Godhead, is the spirit ofrevelation upon which the true Churchis founded. He is the Comforter andthe "abiding witness" referred to bythe Lord Jesus, and he is conferred bythe laying on of hands.He testifies to the repentant, baptizedbelievers that Jesus is the Christand clothes them with conviction thatthe_ restored gospel istrue and divineIhis conviction is a sacred and personaltestimony that is the strengthof the Church and accounts for itswonderful achievements and the steadfastnessand loyalty of its membersIt is the mission of the Holy Ghostto inspire the Latter-day Saints in

42Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirst Daytheir efforts to build God's kingdom,to enhance and strengthen the missionarysystem at home and abroad,and to enlighten the minds of thosewho are searching for the truth.Man, a child of GodThe restored gospel declares thatman is a child of God, and that helived before his advent upon the earth.A human being is therefore more thana physical creation; he is also aspiritual being endowed with theattributes of his Heavenly Father. Hemoves toward perfection as he honorsand obey? divine commandments,which is the only way to perfection.Life is full of purpose. Man'scareer on earth is an opportunity forgrowth and development, an opportunityfor him to acquire knowledge,power, and experience, and to preparehim for eternal life in God's kingdom.No substitute for God's planTeaching the principles of truth isan obligation resting upon the Church.There is no substitute tor the plan oflife taught by the Savior. This plandid not originate with man. It camefrom God through holy men, calledprophets. They were foreordained todo their work. Their object wasto bring sinners to repentance and toprovide safeguards against the destructiveinfluences rampant in theirday.Jesus and his apostles assailed thecorruption and hypocrisy existingamong the scribes and Pharisees, andrebuked sin in high places. His denunciationof the religious hypocriteshas no parallel in the world's literature.A modem prophetGod has spoken to the modem worldthrough Joseph Smith, a farmer's son.Through him a new dispensation ofrevealed knowledge has been usheredin. Prophecies concerning the latterdays are being fulfilled, and man'sresponsibility to God is clearly outlined.The mission of this modem prophetwas to set in order the things whichpertain to God's kingdom. He was ahimible man and came from the commonranks. He had no worldlybackground, no scholarly attainments,and no social standing to justify hisselection. His mind was free from thetraditions, superstitions, and fallaciesof the past.He had little to unlearn, few prejudicesto overcome, and no man-madetheories to lay aside. He was pliablein the hands of God and impressionableto the Spirit's promptings.He was chosen before he was bom,and came to the earth at the appointedtime. He was foreordained to do hiswork. His capabilities had been determinedbefore his earthly advent.He was the "chosen of God and thefriend of man." (John Taylor, "TheSeer, Joseph the Seer," Hymns, 296.)I so testify in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerWe have just listened to Elder AlmaSonne, Assistant to the Twelve.Elder Eldred G. Smith, Patriarch tothe Church, will now address us. Hewill be followed by Bishop John H.Vandenberg, Presiding Bishop.During this coming week. Christiansthroughout the world will be celebratingthe death, cracifixion, andresurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ.We in this Church at this conferencealso gather in remembrance of hisbirth.Elder Eldred G. SmithPatriarch to the ChurchMight we ask, "Who is he whomwe call Jesus the Christ, our Savior?"Let's reflect for a moment on thisquestion, and together call to mind afew known facts.Moses called upon God and wasshown in vision "many lands; and

ELDER ELDRED G. SMITH 43each land was called earth, and therewere inhabitants on the face thereof."(Moses 1:29.)JesusChrist the creatorThe word of God the Father, declaredto Moses: ". . . by the word ofmy power, have I created them, whichis mine Only Begotten Son, who isftJl of grace and truth."And worlds without nxmiber haveI created; and I also created them formine own purpose; and by the Son Icreated them, which is mine OnlyBegotten." (Moses 1:32-33.)Some astronomers now say that inthis galaxy of which we are a part,there are about one million worlds likethis one on which we live. PresidentJ. Reuben Clark, Jr., put it this way:". . . if you think of this galaxy ofours having within it from the beginningperhaps until now, one millionworlds, and multiply that by the numberof millions of galaxies, onehundred million galaxies, that surroimdus, you will then get some viewof who this Man whom we worshipis." (Behold the Lamb of God, p. 17.)He was no amateur, no novice inthe art and skill of a creator. "Worldswithout number" he has created.Literal Son of GodIn that great council in heavenwhen the creation of this earth wasplanned, it was he who answered tothe call of the Father: "Whom shall Isend? . . ." (Abr. 3:27.)It was he then who came to thisearth, in the meridian of time, bomof the virgin Mary. He was theliteral Son of God the Father, "theOnly Begotten Son."He declared who he was. Throughouthis life on earth, he repeatedlydeclared that he was the Son of God.At the age of 12, he was found in thetemple, conversing with the doctors.In answer to his mother's reproof, hesaid, ". . . wist ye not that I must beabout my Father's business?" (Luke2:49.)At the baptism of Jesus by John,as also at the transfiguration of Jesus,a voice from heaven declared: "Thisis my beloved Son, in whom I am wellpleased." (Matt 3:17; 17:5.)Before Abraham was I AmJesus was talking with the Jewsabout Abraham, and they said to him:"Art thou greater than our fatherAbraham, which is dead? and theprophets are dead: whom makest thouthyself?"Jesus answered, If I honour myself,my honour is nothing: it is lay Fatherthat honoureth me; of whom ye say,that he is your God:"Yet ye have not known him; butI know him: and if I should say, Iknow him not, I shall be a liar likeunto you: but I know him, and keephis saying."Your father Abraham rejoiced tosee my day: and he saw it, and wasglad."Then said the Jews unto him.Thou art not yet fifty years old, andhast thou seen Abraham?"Jesus said unto them. Verily, verily,I say unto you, Before Abraham was,I am." (John 8:53-58.)The resurrection and the lifeWhen Jesus was about to raiseLazarus from the dead, "Martha saithunto him, I know that he shall riseagain in the resurrection at the lastday."Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection,and the life: he that believethin me, though he were dead, yet shallhe live:"And whosoever liveth and believethin me shall never die. Believest thouthis?"She saith imto him, Yea, Lord: Ibelieve that thou art the Christ, theSon of God, which should come intothe world." (John 11:24-27.)Jesus asked a Samaritan woman todraw water for him, and a conversationfollowed. The Samaritan womanat the well said to Jesus, "I know thatMessias cometh, which is calledChrist: when he is come, he will tellus all things."Jesus saith unto her, I that speakunto thee am he." (John 4:25-26.)

—a44Friday, April SGENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDayThou art the Clirist"When Jesus came into the coastsof Caesarea Philippi, he asked hisdisciples, saying, Whom do men saythat I the Son of man am?"And they said. Some say that thouart John the Baptist: some, Elias; andothers, Jeremias, or one of theprophets."He saith unto them. But whom sayye that I am?"And Simon Peter answered andsaid, Thou art the Christ, the Son ofthe living God."And Jesus answered and said untohim. Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona:for flesh and blood hath not revealedit unto thee, but my Father which isin heaven." (Matt. 16:13-17.)Dominion over creationsOn numerous other occasions, hedeclared that he was the Son of God,the Christ. Is it any wonder then thatwhen the request came for him toprovide wine at the wedding feast,he, the great Creator, changed waterto wine?With a few loaves and fishes, hefed five thousand plus women andchildren on one occasion, and fourthousand plus women and children onanother. (See Matt. 14.) At his suggestion,the nets were cast into thesea where the disciples had had nosuccess, and the nets were filled tooverflowing.In the midst of storm, he commandedthe sea to be still, and therewas calm. (See Mark 4:37-41.)He cursed the fig tree that did notbear fruit, and it died. (See Matt.21:19.)He healed all manner of illnessand disease. At his command the evilspirits departed, they too declaringwho he was. He made the blind tosee, the lame to walk. Yes, he evencontrolled life itself, for he restoredto life Lazarus, who had been declareddead for four days. Therewere others too.Yes, "the earth is the Lord's, and thefulness thereof." (1 Cor. 10:26.) Hehad dominion over all the kingdomsof the earth—in the earth, on theearth, and in the heaven above theearth. All he did was for others—life of service. There was not oneselfish act.Christ's great missionApproaching the finish of his missionhere, he prayed to the Father: "Ihave glorified thee on the earth: Ihave finished the work which thougavest me to do."And now, O Father, glorify thoume with thine own self with the glorywhich I had with thee before theworld was." (John 17:4-5.)He took upon himself the sins ofall who shall repent, and gave hislife that all might live. He broughtabout the resurrection for all.Finally, in preparation for therestoration of his kingdom on theearth in these the last days, he said:"Therefore I command you to repentrepent, lest I smite you by the rod ofmy mouth, and by my wrath, and bymy anger, and your sufferings be sorehow sore you know not, how exquisiteyou know not, yea, how hard to bearyou know not."For behold, I, God, have sufferedthese things for all, that they mightnot suffer if they would repent;"But if they would not repent theymust suffer even as I;"Which suffering caused myself,even God, the greatest of all, totremble because of pain, and to bleedat every pore, and to suffer both bodyand spirit—and would that I mightnot drink the bitter cup, and shrink"Nevertheless, glory be to theFather, and I partook and finishedmy preparations unto the children ofmen."Wherefore, I command you againto repent, lest I himible you with myalmighty power. ." . . (D&C 19:15-20.)Our Savior and RedeemerDo you so think of him when partakingof the sacrament, and covenantto keep his commandments? To knowhim is to keep his commandments. Doyou know him who is called Jesus?Yes, this is he whom we worship.He is the Son of God, the Great

BISHOP JOHN H. VANDENBERG^Creator. He is our Savior and Redeemer.He is our advocate with theFather. It was he who made possibleuniversal resurrection. It was he,with his Father, who appeared toJoseph Smith in the Sacred Grove.I testify that God lives and thatJesus is tihe Christ, the Son of God,and that it was under his directionthat the gospel of Jesus Christ has beenrestored in this dispensation for thelast time, and that President David O.McKay is his living Prophet today. Iso testify these truths in the name ofJesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerWe have just listened to ElderEldred G. Smith, Patriarch to theChurch.Bishop John H. Vandenberg, PresidingBishop of the Church, will beour concluding speaker.Bishop John H. VandenbergPresiding Bishop of the ChurchA few years ago I read a story of amother who was running and playingwith her three-year-old daughter. Themother told her daughter that whenshe was a little girl her mother hadplayed with her in a very similarmanner.Upon hearing this, the little girllooked up with inquisitive eyes andsaid, "Mother, where was I when youwere a little girl?"From the lips of this small girlcomes a question that reaches beyondthe understanding of most of mankind.This touches on the questions of "Whoare we?" and "What are we doinghere?"William Wordsworth presents to ushis inspiration in this excerpt fromhis poem, "Intimations of Immortality":"Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:The soul that rises with us, our life'sstar.Hath had elsewhere its setting.And cometh from afar:Not in entire forgetfulness,And not in utter nakedness.But trailing clouds of glory do we comeFrom God who is our home:Heaven lies about us in our infancyl"Pre-existence of manThese thoughts reiterate what theprophets have told us in the scriptures.The Lord told Jeremiah, "BeforeI formed thee in the belly I knewthee; and before thou camest forth outof the womb I sanctified thee, and Iordained thee a prophet imto thenations." (Jer. 1:5.)The testimony of Abraham shedsfurther light on the questions, "Whoare we?" and "What are we doinghere?" He said:"Now the Lord had shown imto me,Abraham, the intelligences that wereorganized before the world was; andamong all these there were many ofthe noble and great ones;"And God saw these souls that theywere good, and he stood in the midstof them, and he said: These I willmake my rulers; for he stood amongthose that were spirits, and he sawthat they were good; and he said untome: Abraham, thou art one of them;thou wast chosen before thou wastbom."And there stood one among themthat was like unto God, and he saidunto those who were with him:Wewill go down, for there is space there,and we will take of these materials,and we will make an earth whereonthese may dwell." (Abr. 3:22-24.)This disclosure by the Lord givessignificant meaning and purpose tolife. Life, then, is not just a periodisolated between birth and death. TheLord further disclosed to Abraham:"And we will prove them herewith,to see if they will do all things whatsoeverthe Lord their God shall commandthem;

46Friday, April 5GENERAL CONFERENCEFirstDay". . . and they who keep their secondestate shall have glory added upontheir heads for ever and ever." (Abr.3:25-26.)Divine purpose tolifeFor those who are not aware of thisdivine purpose, life may seem to be amysterious journey with few landmarksand with no real objectives.They may seek only that which theireyes can see. Their only objectivemay be material wealth and the embracingof worldly pleasures. Moralstandards may be applied only whenit is convenient. In a sense, theyworship and make gods of the physical,whatever it may be.It is the prophets who are burdenedwith the charge of turning the heartsof the people from the worship offalse gods. In the wisdom of God,he has provided his children withspiritual leadership to keep the trueand real purpose of life uppermostin their minds and hearts, withoutwhich the people soon dwindle in unbeliefand aimless living. "Wherethere is no vision, the people perish" (Prov. 29:18.)Futility in false idolsThe prophet Elijah found hiscountrymen in just such put-state, ating their faith in various idolatrousgods, or Baal. They had their falsepriests, and each locality had its ownparticular idol. Such idols wereworshiped through burnt offerings,festivals, himian sacrifice, and grosssensuality.|Upon finding this condition amongthe people, Elijah took action. Heprevailed upon Ahab to gather all thepeople, including the priests of Baal,together unto Mount Carmel, andthen Elijah said to this assembly:"How long halt ye between two opinions?if the Lord be God, follow him:but if Baal, then follow him. .". .(1 Kings 18:21.)The failiu-e of the priests of Baal,as Elijah caused them to test theirgods, stands as a classic example ofdie futility of following or pursuingfalse idols. But the charge givenby Elijah to the people, "If the Lord beGod, follow him," has stood. Notin history has itIt stands even today.ever failed mankind.It might be asked, "If the Lord beGod, why should we follow him?"The most striking answer to this querylies in the lives of those who have"followed" him.Followers of ChristChrist the Lord said to Peter: "Followme, and I will make you fishers ofmen." Peter "straightway left [his]nets, and followed him." (Matt. 4:19-20.) What happened? From a simplefisherman, Peter was transformed intoa courageous leader. On one occasionhe was called before Jewish leadersand warned not to "teach in the nameof Jesus." With great courage, Peterdefied the order, and rebiJced therulers, saying: "Whether it be right inthe sight of God to hearken unto youmore than unto God, judge ye. Forwe cannot but speak the things whichwe have seen and heard." (Acts 4:18-20.)To the woman whom the scribesand Pharisees had found in sin, Christopened a whole new life by admonishingher to follow his counsel. Toher he said: "Go and sin no more."No longer would her conscience beburdened by her pursuing a life ofsin. She could face life anew—^with apurpose. Her whole life could now berefocused upon that which is nobleand uplifting. All this could be hersby "following him."Christ said: "If any man serve me,let him follow me; and where I am,there shall also my servant be. .". .(John 12:26.) Following him is aday-by-day process. It must be theconscious objective of every hour. Eventoday those who will serve the Masterand follow the directions of hisProphet can taste the joy of service.Appreciation forhome teacherJust the other day I received a writtentestimony from a mother expressingappreciation for a servant of the Lord.This servant, a home teacher, was

BISHOP ]OHN H. VANDENBERG 47simply following the Lord's assignmentto "watch over the Chxirchalways, and be with and strengthenthem." (D&C 20:53.) She writes:"My husband had taken someScouts to the Merit Badge Pow-Wowat B.y.U.It was a two-hundred miledrive so they had left at 4 o'clock inthe morning. When I awakened, mymain concern was for their safety asit was snowing and blowing. Myeight-year-old boy had already awakenedand left on his bicj'cle for thecorral, about a mile away, to dothe chores. Suddenly there he wasin the bedroom with a big tear in eacheye." 'Mama, we've got two little lambsout to the farm and they are wet andshaking, and I tried to call you fromthe service station but you had tohave a dime, so I just wrapped mycoataround them and rode home asfast as I could.'"My husband had acquired a smallherd of ewes only last fall as a fathersonproject, but my son and Iwere completely inexperienced in theprocess of 'lambing.' I knew that wehad to have help from someone. Whomcould we call? I don't recall whichone of us thought of it first but suddenlyboth of us knew it would be ourhome teacher."Within twenty minutes he was atthe corral with his eight-year-old boyand mine. He stayed for three hours,working with the lambs every minute.The sheep had not been sheared, asthe expected lambing date was stilla month away, but he understood anddid those things which needed to bedone. One lamb looked quite strong,but there was not much hope for thesecond. Just before dinner he returnedto the house with one of the lambsin a box. Would I try to get it warm?He was taking the other one to hishome to work with it. He would beback within two hours to take themboth back to their mother for nursing."I am certain that he spent over sixhours that Saturday at our farm workingwith our sheep and our boy. As aresult we now have two healthy lambsand an even more beloved hometeacher. I cannot tell you how muchour eight-year-old boy thinks of thehome teacher who worked side byside with him through one entire dayteaching by example the love thatour gospel."^Follow the LordNo better example could be givenof what it means to follow the Lord,for CJod has commanded that we shall"love the Lord thy God with all thyheart, and with all thy soul, and withall thy mind," and "love thy neighbouras thyself." (Matt. 22:37, 39.)William George Jordan said: "Manhas two creators, his God and himself.The first creator furnishes him the rawmaterials for his life—^the laws andconformity with which he can makethat life what he will. The secondcreator—^himself—^has marvelous powershe rarely realizes. It is what aman makes of himself that counts."To those who ask, "Where was Iwhen ?" . . . the answer is, "With God—^waiting to come to earth to proveyourself." The Lord is God; let usfollow him. I so testify in the nameof Jesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TatinerBishop John H. Vandenberg of thePresiding Bishopric has been our concludingspeaker.The Saturday morning session willbe broadcast direct by numerous radioand television stations, and recordedfor transmission on Sunday morningto many television stations in theeastern and central parts of the UnitedStates.A video tape of Saturday morning'ssession of Conference will be flownfrom the mainland and broadcastSunday morning in Hawaii and toAlaska, and broadcast at both Anchorageand Fairbanks.Morning sessions of Saturday andSunday will be carried from theTabernacle over direct oceanic cablesto a large number of members andfriends assembled in many chapelsthroughout Great Britain, Germany,^Letter from Mrs. Harl E. Judd, Cedar City, Utah.is

48Saturday^ April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DayAustria, Holland, Sweden and Norway In behalf of all who have listenedon Sunday.to the singing during these sessions ofBoth sessions of ouir conference the General Conference, we expresstoday, Saturday and Sunday, will be appreciation and thanks to these youngrebroadcast over KSL, KIRO (at students for their beautiful music. CJodSeattle), KMBC (at Kansas City), and bless you for the service you have renderedin these sessions.WRFM (New York Oty) the followingmorning beginning at midnight, and The Combined Choruses will nowwill be heard in many parts of the favor us with "Alleluia, Glorious IsUnited States and other countries. Thy Name."Under the direction of the First The benediction will then be offeredPresidency there will be a Welfare by Elder J.Edwin Baird, formerlyAgricultural meeting held in the president of the Southwest Indian Mission.The General Session of thisAssembly Hall tomorrow, Saturdaymorning, at 7:30 o'clock. Invited to conference will then be adjournedattend this special session are all stake until 10:00 tomorrow morning.presidencies, high councilors, bishoprics,agricultural operating committees,stake Relief Society presidents, and The anthem, "Alleluia, Glorious Isothers responsible for operating Welfareproduction projects.Thy Name," was sung by the CombinedBrigham Young UniversityThe singing for the sessions today Choruses.has been furnished by the CombinedBrigham YoungThe closing prayer was offered byUniversity chorusesElderunder the direction of Ralph Woodwardwith Robert Cundick and Roy Conference adjourned until SaturdayJ.Edwin Baird.M. Darley at the organ.morning, April 6, at 10 o'clockTfflRD SESSIONConference reconvened Saturdaymorning, April at 10 o'clock a.m.6,President David O. McKay was in attendanceand presided at this session.He asked President N. Eldon Tanner,second counselor in the First Presidency,to conduct the services.The music for this session was furnishedby the Salt Lake TabernacleChoir. Elder Richard P. Condie directedthe singing; Elder AlexanderSchreiner was at the organ. PresidentTanner made the following introductoryremarks:President N. Eldon TannerPresident McKay, who is presentand presiding at this conference, hasasked me to conduct this meeting. Hejoins in extending a hearty and cordialwelcome to all present this morningSECOND DAYMORNING MEETINGin this historic Tabernacle and in theAssembly Hall on Temple Square inSalt Lake City, Utah, and also to thevast television and radio audiencethroughout the world in this, the thirdsession of the One Hundred ThirtyeighthAnnual Conference of TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints.The Tabernacle Choir, under thedirection of Richard P. Condie, withAlexander Schreiner at the organ, willopen these services by singing "Praiseto the Lord," following which theinvocation will be offered by ElderHorace J. Ritchie, president of the SanJose Stake.The Tabernacle Choir sang as anopening number "Praise to the Lord,"following which the opening prayerwas offered by Elder Horace J. Ritchie.

—ELDER EZRA TAFT BENSON 49President N. Eldon TannerThe Tabernacle Choir will nowfavor us with "How Great the Wisdomand the Love."Following the singingElder Ezra Taft Benson of the CkDuncilof the Twelve will speak to us.The Tabernacle Choir sang thehymn, "How Great the Wisdom andthe Love."President N. Eldon TannerElder Ezra Taft Benson of theCouncil of the Twelve will now speakto us.Elder Ezra Taft BensonOf the CouncilWe live in a time of crisis. Neversince the period of the Civil War hasthis nation faced such critical days.Americans are destroying America.Members of The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints—^the MormonChtirch—believe— "that governments were institutedof God for the benefit of man; andthat he holds men accountable fortheir acts in relation to them, both inmaking laws and administering them,for the good and safety of society."— "that no government can exist inpeace, except such laws are framedand held inviolate as will secure toeach individual the free exercise ofconscience, the right and control ofproperty, and the protection of life."— "that all governments necessarilyrequire civil officers and magistratesto enforce the laws of the same; andthat such as will administer the lawin equity and justice should be soughtfor and upheld by the voice of thepeople. .". .— "that all men are bound to sustainand uphold the respective governmentsin which they reside, whileprotected in their inherent and inalienablerights by the laws of suchgovernments; and that sedition andrebellion are unbecoming every citizenthus protected, and should bepunished accordingly. ." . . (D&C134:1-3, 5.)No people can maintain freedomunless their political institutions arefounded upon faith in God and beliefin the existence of moral law. Godhas endowed men with certain inalienablerights, and no legislatureof the Twelve Apostlesand no majority, however great, maymorally limit or destroy these. Thefunction of government is to protectlife, liberty, and property, and anythingmore or less than this is usurpation£ind oppression.Breakdown of law and orderThe Constitution of the UnitedStates was prepared and adopted bycourageous men acting under inspirationfrom the Almighty. It is asolemn contract between the peoplesof the states of this nation that allofficers of government are under dutyto obey. The eternal moral laws expressedtherein must be adhered toindividual liberty will perish. It isthe responsibility of government topunish crime and provide for the administrationof justice and to protectthe right and control of property.But today these basic principlesorandconcepts are being flaunted, disregarded,and challenged, even by menin high places. Through the exerciseof political expediency, the governmentis condoning the breakdown oflaw and order.Law enforcement in America is atthe point of crisis. A recent Life Linebroadcast warned that "in Chicago,64 men quit the police force in onemonth. Baltimore has 360 policevacancies. Washington, D.C., is 230men short of its authorized complement.And cities all over the countryare desperately seeking recruits."Police aren't striking; they're quitting,and it is understandable. They'rebeing demoralized by the hostile attitudesof the politically minded

50Saturday^ April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DaySupreme Court. They're being demoralizedby a weird penal systemwhich frees hardened criminals almostas fast as they're arrested. . . . Policemenare demoralized by slanted newsreporting, distorted facts which showpolice activities from the criminal'sside. And they're being demoralizedby an avalanche of new laws, whichare making it even harder to convictthe guilty.cause of Americans. What's more, itwill probably not be only the work ofsubversive and criminal Americans.The Benedict Arnolds will not be theonly ones to forfeit our freedom."At what point, then, is the approachof danger to be expected?" askedAbraham Lincoln, and he answered,"If it ever reaches us, it must spring upamong us. It cannot come fromabroad. If destruction be our lot, we"San Diego Police Chief Wesley B. must ourselves be its author and finisher;as a nation of freemen, we mustSharp warns that: 'If there isn't achange, the increase in crime will lead live through all time or die byto anarchy and criminals will control suicide." (Springfield, Illinois, January27, 1837.)the nation.' " (Life Line Freedom TalkNo. 53, February 22, 1968.)If America is destroyed, it may beby Americans who salute the flag, singQualification for civil libertythe national anthem, march in patrioticparades, cheer Fourth of JulyEdmund Burke, the great Englishstatesman, explained that "men are speakers—^normally good Americans,qualified for civil liberty in exact proportionto their disposition to put what is required to keep our countrybut Americans who fail to comprehendmoral chains upon their own appetites,—inproportion as their love of been lulled away into a false security.strong and free—Âmericans who havejustice is above their rapacity,—inproportion as their soundness and Erosion of national moralitysobriety of understanding is above Great nations are never conqueredtheir vanity and presumption,—in proportionas they are more disposed tofrom outside unless they are rotteninside. Our greatest national problemlisten to the counsels of the wise and today is erosion, not the erosion of thegood, in preference to the flattery ofsoil, but erosion of the national morality—erosionof traditional enforcementknaves. Society cannot exist, unless acontrolling power upon will and appetitebe placed somewhere; and theof law and order.Theodore Roosevelt said: "Theless of it there is within, the morethings that will destroy America arethere must be without. It is ordainedprosperity at any price, peace at anyin the eternal constitution of things,price, safety first instead of duty first,that men of intemperate minds cannotand love of soft living and the getrich-quicktheory of life." (Quoted inbe free. Their passions forge theirfetters." (The Writings and Speechesof EdmundThe Red Carpet, p. 315.)Burke, Vol. 4, pp. 51-52.)In this blessed land we have exaltedGreatest threatsecurity, comfort, and ease above freedom.If we dwelled at length on theI do not believe the greatest threatto our future is from bombs or guided many things that are disturbing in thelifemissiles.ofI do not think ourAmerica today, we might wellcivilizationwill die that way. I think it will become discouraged. I mention onlydie when we no longer care, when thea few of the reported startling evidencesof our national illness, ourspiritual forces that make us wish tobe right and noble die in the hearts moral erosion.of men, when we disregard the importanceof law and order.and moral fiber, a turning to pleasure—^There is a decline of U.S. moralsIf American freedom is lost, if Americais destroyed, if our blood-bought standards of the past.and away from hard work and highfreedom is surrendered, it will be be- —^There is a growing worry in our

ELDER EZRA TAFT BENSON 51universities over cheating in examinations.—Nationwide juvenile delinquenciesshow an eight-fold increase since1950.—^There is a 500-million dollar smutindustry in this country causingyoungsters to wrestle with standardsof value.—Âmerica isthe higgest market fornarcotics.—Although we consider ourselvesa people who believe in law and order,we have seen much evidence of thepassion of the mob.—Riots have occurred in 137 differentcities and towns in 33 months,resulting in 120 deaths, including 12police officers slain; 3,623 other personsinjured; 28,932 arrested; andhundreds of millions of dollarsproperty damage.—Crime in the United States is up88 percent in seven years, rising nearlynine times faster than population, up16 percent per year, according to theFBI. Crime costs some $20 billion ayear, and less than 21 percent of reportedcrimes result in arrests and lessthan one-third of those in convictions.—In the midst of a cold war andpreparation for a possible shootingwar of survival, we have faced 651strikes at missile bases in six years.—^The United States government hasracked up a shameful record of 31treasury deficits in the past 35 years.—The sky-rocketing cost of the welfarestate increased in 8 years from 6.9billion to 20.3 billion dollars in 1961and stood at 87 billion 578 millionin 1966.—^There are over 7,700,000 peopleon relief in federal, state, and localprograms.—During the past 33 years ourbudget has increased 20 times over,and our national debt has increasedfrom $16 billion to an admitted $324billion; adding accrued liabilities payablein the future, our real indebtednessexceeds $1 trillion, or an averageindebtedness of $5,200 for every man,woman, and child in the UnitedStates.—Our present federal debt is equalto a first mortgage of $10,000 on allowned homes in the country and isreported to exceed the combined debtof all countries of the world. Annualinterest on the soaring national debtis over $15 billion—only defense andwelfare are higher.—Âmerican currencies are weakerthan those of Germany and Japan,who were defeated in World War 11.—Inflation has struck a serious blowto the value of the American dollar.—^We continue to move in the directionof more federal intervention, moreconcentration of power, more spending,more taxing, more paternalism, morestate-ism.The present shocking situation wassummed up succinctly by J. EdgarHoover in the April 1967 FBI Law EnforcementBulletin in these words:"Morality, integrity, law and orderand other cherished principles of ourgreat heritage are battling for survivalin many communities today. They areunder constant attack from degradingand corrupting influences which, ifnot halted, will sweep away everyvestige of decency and order remainingin our society."Responsibility for chaosA recent issue of the well-known andhighly respected Bahson's WashingtonForecast Letter carried a four-pagespecial supplement, which concludedas follows:"Who are we to indict for sparkingthis chaos in America? Are the primedefendants the Stokely Carmichaels,the H. Rap Browns, the hippies, thedraftcard burners, the peaceniks, thejuvenile delinquents, the rabblerousers,the Commies who have gainedrespectability as honest dissenters?Certainly, most of these could bebrought before the bar of justice to. . .answer charges of law violationsand they should be."However, there a stronger, truerisbill of indictment which may bedrawn against those who have invitedthe bloody blackmail of America bypermitting, even encouraging, mountingcivil disobedience. .". ,And then the article names names of

52Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Daymen of national prominence and continues:"These men of power, prestige,and great influence in the politicalstructure of America have permitted theconcept of 'freedom of speech' to beexpanded to include subversion, intimidation,sedition, and incitement toriot; they have condoned the distortionof 'academic freedom' to encompassthe adulteration of young mindswith Communist doctrine and thedisintegration of a well-disciplinededucational system; they have allowed'freedom of assembly' to mushroominto disruption of peaceful activity,mob rule, riot, and insurrection."Unless those in authority in theUnited States can be influenced toabandon the suicidal course on whichthey have embarked—or unless theycan be replaced by men who will—^wecannot hope to restore in our nationthe kind of domestic peace and orderwhich has made our many generationsproud to be Americans . . . livingin a land of freedom, security,opportunity,and justice under law."The crisis we now face is themost serious, the most dangerous, inthe history of our country. Each ofus must diligently employ our influenceand our effort—in speech, letters,and at the ballot box—to help setstraight the way."Gradual encroachinentsThe facts are clear. Our problemcenters in Washington, D.C. And thisapplies to the administration of bothpolitical parties. In the words ofJames Madison, "Since the generalcivilization of mankind, I believe thereare more instances of the abridgmentof freedom of the people by gradualand silent encroachments of those inpower, than by violent and suddenusurpations." (Elliot's Debates, Vol. 3,p. 87.)If America isto withstand these influencesand trends, there must be arenewal of the spirit of our forefathers,an appreciation of the American wayof life, a strengthening of muscle andsinew and the character of the nation.America needs guts as well as guns.National character is the core of nationaldefense.Appreciation forAmerican systemCould many of our ills today haveresulted from our failure to train astrong citizenry from the only sourcewe have—the boys and girls of eachcommunity? Have they grown up tobelieve in politics without principle,pleasure without conscience, knowledgewithout effort, wealth withoutwork, business without morality, sciencewithout humanity, worship withoutsacrifice?In recent months a nationwide surveyof high school and college studentshas been conducted. The U.S. JtmiorChamber of Commerce reveals that41 percent believe that freedom of thepress should be cancelled; 53 percentbelieve in government ownership ofbanks, railroads, and steel companies;62 percent said that the governmenthad the responsibility to provide jobs;62 percent thought a worker shouldnot produce all that he can; 61 percentrejected the profit incentive asnecessary to the survival of free enterprise;84 percent denied that patriotismis vital and plays an important partin our lives.(Bookmailer News, Vol.10, Nov. 1, 1965.)Letters that come to my desk fromworried parents deeply concerned bywhat is being taught to their childrenin the schools are shocking, to say theleast.We can never survive unless ouryoung people understand and appreciateour American system, which hasgiven more of the good things of lifethan any other system in the world—unless they have a dedication thatexceeds the dedication of the enemy.Character must become important inthis country again. The old essentialsof honesty, self-respect, loyalty, andsupport for law and order must betaught the younger generation.Right tobe uncommonI appeal to people everywhere, youngand old, to heed these words of DeanAlfange:"I do not choose to be a commonman. It is my right to be uncommon.I seek opportunity to develop whatevertalents God gave me—not security. I

ELDER EZRA TAFT BENSON 53do not wish to be a kept citizen,humbled and dulled by having thestate look after me. I want to take thecalculated risk; to dream and to build,to fail and to succeed. I refuse tobarter incentive for a dole. I preferthe challenges of life to the guaranteedexistence; the thrill of fulfillment tothe stale calm of Utopia. I will nottrade freedom for beneficence nor mydignity for a handout. I will nevercower before any earthly master norbend to any threat. It is my heritageto stand erect, proud and unafraid; tothink and act myself, enjoy the benefitof my creations and — to face theworld boldly and say 'This, withGod's help, I have done.' All this iswhat it means to be an American."Those of us conscious of the seriousnessof the situation must act, and actnow. It has been said that it takessomething spectacular to get folks excited,like a burning house. Nobodynotices one that is simply decaying.But in America today we not onlyhave decaying but burning before ourvery eyes. How much we need heartstoday who will respond to the inspiringwords of the poet, John GreenleafWhittier:"Where's the manly spiritOf the true-hearted and the unshackledgone?Sons of old freemen, do we inherittheir name alone?"Is the old Pilgrim spirit quenchedwithin us?Stoops the proud manhood of our soulsso low,That Mammon's lure or Party's wilecan win us to silence now?"Now, when our land to ruin's brink isverging,In God's name let us speak whilethere is time;Now, when the padlocks for our lipsare forging.Silence iscrime."Heritage threatenedOur priceless heritage is threatenedtoday as never before in our lifetime:from without by the forces of GodlessCommunism, and at home by ourcomplacency and by the insidiousforces of the Socialist-Coramunist conspiracy,with the help of those whowould abandon the ancient landmarksset by our fathers and take us down theroad to destruction. It was AlexanderHamilton who warned that "nothingis more common than for a free people,in times of heat and violence, togratify momentary passions, by lettinginto the government, principles andprecedents which afterwards provefatal to themselves." (Alexander Hamiltonand the Founding of the Nation,p. 462.)Serious and concerned citizenseverywhere are asking, "Can we copewith these threatening realities?" Yes,we can; if we would allow the localpolice to do their job, they couldhandle the rioting and looting. Yes,we can, if we have the courage andwisdom to return to basic concepts, torecall the spirit of the foundingfathers and accept wholeheartedlythese words of Thomas Paine, whosewritings helped so much to stir peopleto action during the days of the AmericanRevolution when he said:"These are the times that try men'ssouls. The summer soldier and thesimshine patriot will in this crisis,shrink from the service of his country;but he that stands it NOW, deservesthe love and thanks of man andwoman. Tyranny, like hell, is noteasily conquered; yet we have thisconsolation with tis, that the harderthe conflict, the more glorious thetriumph. What we obtain too cheap,we esteem too lightly; 'tis deamessonly that gives everjîng its value.Heaven knows how to put a properprice upon its goods; and it would bestrange indeed, if so celestial an articleasFREEDOM should not be highlyrated." (The Political Works ofThomas Paine, p. 55.)The way of safetyAs American citizens who lovefreedom, we must return to a respectfor national morality—^respect for lawand order. There is no other way of

—54Saturday^ April 6safety for us and our posterity. Thehour is late; the time is short. Wemust begin now, in earnest, and inviteGod's blessings on our efforts.The United States should be abastion of real freedom. should Wenot support the world's greatest evil,the Godless, Socialist-Communist conspiracythat seeks to destroy all wehold dear as a great Christian nationand to promote insidiously the breakdownof law and order and the erosionof our morality.With God's help we must return tothose basic concepts, those eternalverities, the rule of law and orderupon which this nation was established.With an aroused citizenryand the help of Almighty God it canbe accomplished. God grant it maybe so, I humbly pray in the name ofJesus Christ, iknen.GENERAL CONFERENCEPresident N. Eldon TannerSecond DayElder Ezra Taft Benson of theCouncil of the Twelve has just spokento us.The Tabernacle Choir will sing"God of Our Fathers." After the singingElder Marion D. Hanks of theFirst Council of the Seventy will speaktous.Selection by the Choir, "God of OurFathers."President N. Eldon TannerTo those who have just tuned in onthis conference, we wish to extend ahearty welcome.Elder Marion D. Hanks of the FirstCouncil of the Seventy will nowaddress us.Elder Marion D. HanksAssistant to the Council of tiieTwelveGreat emphasis isbeing given thesedays to programs designed to preserveand develop physical fitness. Thismorning my wife read to me a quotationthat emphasizes other aspects offitness even more important: "Thereis no exercise better for the heart thanreaching down and lifting people up."I pray for that spirit of uplift in thesefew moments.Where are you in your worldIn the writings of a great modemreligious figure is the story of a conversationbetween a persecuted saintlyrabbi of the late eighteenth centuryand his jailer in Petersburg. Thejailer asked, "How are we to understandthat God, the all-knowing, said toAdam: 'Where art thou?'"Having obtained from the jailer hisassent that "the scriptures are eternaland that every era, every generationand every man is included in them,"the rabbi said, ". . . in every era, Godcalls to every man: 'Where are you inyour world? So many years and daysof those allotted to you have passed.and how far have you gotten in yourworld? . . . How far along are you?'"(Buber, The Way of Man.)Says Buber: "In so asking, God doesnot expect to learn something he doesnot know; what he wants is to producean effect in man which can only beproduced by just such a question,provided that it reaches man's heartthat man allows it to reach his heart."We know that much that demeansman and keeps him from finding himselfand his place, and from developinghis great potential, comes from hisefforts to hide himself from his Fatheras Adam did, and from the love, therelationships, the service, and thevicissitudes that the Father has senthim to this earth to experience.Human potential elusiveA thoughtful editor has recentlyVTritten these words: "The humanpotential is the most magical but alsothe most elusive fact of life. Mensuffer less from hunger or dread thanfrom, living under their moral capacity.The atrophy of spirit that most men

ELDER MARION D. HANKS 55know and all men fear is tied not somuch to deprivation or abuse as it isto their inability to make real thebest that lies within them. Defeatbegins more with a blur in the visionof what is humanly possible than withthe appearance of ogres in the path ora hell beyond the next turning."(Norman Cousins, Saturday Review,February 6, 1965, p. 18.)We know well that character is anachievement, not a gift, yet all mento some measure, most of us to someconsiderable measure, and too manyof us to a tragic measure live belowoxir moral capacity, are willing toaccept a plausible lower view of mankindand of ourselves than we shouldor need to, and fail to "make real thebest that lies within" us.The Lord wants us to be our best;he wants us to achieve our highestpossibilities. This is the purpose ofthe gospel. He died to give us thatopportunity. What principles areinvolved in our succeeding? Whatproblems keep us from it?University survey resultsRecently I read a brief newspaperaccount of a survey made at a greatAmerican university among manythousands of students over a periodof several years. With access onlyto the article and not to the studyitself, let me briefly paraphrase, tosome measure quote, and add some ofmy own words to the four conclusionsthat came out of that study, whichcoincide with what I also have observedand experienced in some yearsof working with youth. While thisstudy dealt basically with college-agestudents in our current generation,what it notes is significantly applicableto our culture in general:1. They are looking for a faith, butare skeptical of all faiths, being disposedand encouraged to questioneverything and to doubt the establishedways.2. They are looking for a communityto which they can belong—for a family,a group, a society—but they areskeptical of all organization. Theysee institutions as authoritarian,threatening their identity and individuality.Many feel that the familyhas failed them. Disorganization andresistance give them a chance forpreservation as persons, so they sometimesfavor chaos over order.3. They know they need to thinkbeyond themselves and to give service,but they are frightened by the commitmentservice requires.4. They want to love and be loved,but their image of self is poor, andthey are not sure they are capable oflove or worthy of being loved.In summary, the problems revealedby the survey are in believing, belonging,giving, and loving. These happento be the basic ingredients essentialin the development of the human potential.They are pivotal principlesof the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let mespeak of them briefly, primarily inillustration.BelievingWhat does it matter to our happinessor to the development of our characterwhether or what we believe?Before Joan of Arc was burned atthe stake, not yet 19 years of age,having saved her country, she wasoffered her freedom if she would repudiateher vision and her faith.Maxwell Anderson's great play Joanof Lorraine has her answering:"Every man gives his life for whatbelieves. he Every woman gives herlife for what she believes. Sometimespeople believe in little or nothing. . . .One life is all we have, and we live itas we believe in living it, and thenit's gone. But to surrender what youare, and live without belief—^that'smore terrible than dying—more terriblethan dying young."The apostle Paul spoke of "faith unfeigned."(1 Tim. 1:5.) It is not, ofcourse, lip service or eye pleasing ofwhich he spoke. It is not to knoweverything, or toimderstand perfectly.Recall the wonderful answer of a lovingfather who sought the help of theMaster for his afflicted son. Jesusasked him if he believed, and theagonized father, his son's life in thebalance, was supremely honest: 'Xord,

56Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DayI believe; help thou my unbelief."(Mark 9:24.)Motivation of faithFaith is not rooted in perfect behavior,though it inspires us to desireit, to seek for it. Consider the parableof the Pharisee and the publican. ThePharisee boasted of his righteousness;the publican (who the Savior saidwent down to his house justified, ratherthan the other) "would not lift up somuch as his eyes unto heaven, butsmote upon his breast, saying, Godbe merciful to me a sinner." (See Luke18:10-14.)Faith is to know that he will notreject us. From the Book of Mormon:"And now, my beloved brethren, seeingthat our merciful God has given us sogreat knowledge ... let us rememberhim, and lay aside our sins, and nothang down our heads, for we are notcast off." (2 Ne. 10:20.) From theBible: ". . . therefore will the Lordwait, that he may be gracious untoyou, and therefore will he be exalted,."that he may have mercy upon you. . .(Isa. 30:18.)Faith motivates us to yield our heartsto him, truly yield our hearts. Itmotivates honesty to acknowledge limitationsand vulnerability, willingnessto learn, humility to seek help, courageto act, simplicity to trust. It is tohave confidence in the presence ofGod. Faith is, as it has been well said,"... a condition bom [of the Spirit]in a mind that has looked at all of theavailable evidence and discovered init a meaning with which the soul canlive at peace. It is not appalled by aninvitation to think. ." . . (Guy C.Wilson.)The need tobelieveRecently in Vietnam I learned againof the need for men to believe. Achoice friend was serving as the commanderof a helicopter gunship unit.They had suffered many casualties andmuch damage, but miraculously nodeaths in their highly dangerous work.The morning before I talked with himin Da Nang my friend, a wonderfulservant of the Lord, was standing byhis ship preparing to lead his groupon another difficult mission. Theblades of the whirlybirds were rotatingwhen the major was approached somewhathesitantly by a yoimg enlistedman from one of the aircraft. Thecommander impatiently asked the boywhat he wanted."Some of us were wondering, sir,"he said earnestly, "whether you've hadtime to say your prayers this morning."Humbled by the nature and spiritof the question, the commanding officerreplied that he had had time totalk with the Lord."Thank you, sir," said the youngman, smiling, relieved. "The guys andI didn't want to take off on this missionuntil you'd had time to pray."(See Era of Youth, Improvement Era,May 1968, p. 39.)There had been no overt prayers beforethe group and no sermon or lessonon the subject, but somehow the wordwas out among the men that theiroutfit had something special going forthem because their commanding officerwas a man who prayed.Application of spiritualtruthsThe most urgent need of our time isto understand spiritual truths andapply them to our lives. It has beensaid—and I think well said—that "ourage has tried sophistication and intellectualism,but these have given nopeace. Psychology and sociology, humanismand rationalism, have givenus not a fraction of the abiding joyand calm our fathers knew throughtheir faith. For still, there is thedevastation of doubt and fear and envyand greed and guilt." (Rev. Massey M.Heltzel.)We have learned again in this conferencethat the most significant confrontationto be experienced in thisworld is with Jesus Christ, and yetmany still turn from him withoutknowing him or opening their heartsto him.A marine in Vietnam said it impressivelyfor his generation in a poempublished recently in the Era of Youth:

"—SOUL SURVIVOR"Last night, on our perimeter,A man fell in the barbed wire coilsAnd, in his delirium,Sobbed these words;'Oh, dear Christ!'"I thought with him: the blood wasflowing;Far away from homeland, injured,Tired from the all-night guarding,Weary from the sandbag filling;Emptiness walked all around him.Caused by missing many loved ones.Caused by worried fears of dying.Worrying more about worrying them."Yet, in his one time of trial,Still, the mighty hope remainedThe faith in higher strength, in mercy;Then I thought, 'Just how can I,Even at my most contented.Ever turn my back on Jesus?'ELDER MARION D. HANKS 57(John Blosser, Era of Youth,March 1968, p. 53.)Importance of belongingHe who believes knows that he belongs.But he also needs to feel himselfan important and accepted partof a group. Young people want anddeserve parents and a family theycan be proud of. Their capacity tobecome worthwhile persons is stronglyaffected by the absence or presence ofsuch a family and by their own acceptanceof the challenge to be acontributing, responsible member ofit. The influence of a good family iswell-captured by this account from anunknown source:"It was a gorgeous October day. Myhusband Art and I were down at theboat landing helping our friend Dondrag his skiff up on the beach. Artremarked wistfully that it would bea long time before next summer, whenwe could all start sailing again. 'Youfolks ought to take up skiing like ourfamily and have fun the year round,'Don said." 'Doesn't that get pretty expensive?'I asked."Don straightened up and smiled.'It's funny,' he said. 'We live in anold-fashioned house—legs on the tub.that sort of thing. For years we'vebeen saving up to have the bathroomdone over. But every winter we takethe money out of the bank and go ona couple of family skiing trips. Ouroldest boy is in the army now, and heoften mentions in his letters what agreat time we had on those trips. Youknow, I can't imagine his writinghome, "Boy, we really have a swellbathroom, haven't we?"'"Climate forgrowthIn the love of such a family is theclimate most suitable for the growthof quality and character and moralcapacity. If there is added to this thestrengths of good companionships,commitment in a truly living church,involvement in a community of enlightenedand mutually concernedpersons, responsible citizenship in agreat country, young people will havethe ideal atmosphere for growth. Whenthey do not have, or could have but donot choose or appreciate these blessings,they are suitable subjects forsmall vision, inadequate self-discipline,and a deteriorated sense of responsibility.The strengths and problems of ouryouth were illustrated in an experienceour teen-age daughter had recently.Backing from a driveway ontoan unlighted street, she dented thefender of an automobile parked acrossthe narrow road. Flustered and upsetby the incident, she yet took time toleave a note on the car identifyingherself and accepting responsibilityfor the damage. She then came homeand acquired a parent and the tworeturned and knocked on the door ofthe home of the owner of the car andmade arrangements with him. Shedirect was praised for her and uncompromisinghonesty.That very night while leaving thepublic library she and a friend saw afur-coated lady in an expensive carseriously damage a parked automobileand then speed away without a glanceor effort to make the thing rightFeeling at home in a society includingthis kind of experience is understandablydifficultfor some young people.

a58Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecoTid DayGiving and servingWith believing and belonging, weneed to leani to give and to serve ifwe are to live up to our moral capacity.I have referred before to the developmentof "breeder reactors"—variety of machine that will produce generation is their poor self-image, avast amounts of power at a low cost, conviction that they are worthless. Toand in the process will actually create be able to truly love God and hismore nuclear fuel than it bums. A neighbor, one must esteem himself.life patterned on the way of Christ Everyone needs to love and to havewould be like that, and every life the assurance that he is worth lovingshould be. It is our blessing to use, and that he is loved, beyond "demandor reciprocity, praise or blame."thoughtfully and thankfully, all thatis provided for us from the past, and to No mere tolerance or indulgence canleave behind us more and better take the place of such love, whichmaterials with which the generations does not come from sermons or resolutions,but only from persons who canahead can work. In faith, freedom,wisdom, beauty, in material blessings, give it, and from God.we should add to and not consume our It is written: "You cannot love anotherperson—that is, behave towardheritage.Recently I learned of a meeting at him so as to foster his happiness andthe University of Pittsburgh where growth unless you know what he2,500 senior honor students from the needs. And you cannot know what hehigh schools of Pennsylvania gathered. needs unless he tells you—and youAt the podium was a man who stood hear him."in braces, on crutches. He was amedical researcher who had worked onthe polio vaccine project. He leftmany of those bright shining faceswet with tears when he said to them,"Our generation couldn't find the answersin time to save itself. ThankGod we found them in time to saveyou."What a significant challenge toyouth to make real the best that lieswithin theml Yet someone has calledours the "age of the shrug." I hope andbelieve this is not so. Do you recall thewords of Marshal Petain after the fallof France? Sobering words:"Our spirit of enjoyment wasstronger than our spirit of sacrifice.We wanted to have more than wewanted to give. We tried to spareeffort and we met disaster."Contrasting this is the statement ofa noble man near the end of a richlife of contribution. Asked how hecould account for his wide acquaintancewith and memory of the poets,the philosophers, and the prophets, hesmiled and said, "Well, I had to workhard to learn it, and then I gave it andgave it and gave it until it was mine."(Attributed to Dr. Howard R. Driggs.)Loving and being lovedWhat of loving and being loved?Perhaps the most serious problem ofmany young people and of their adultEvidences of loveSo much that is spurious and counterfeitis spoken and done in the nameof love. Hear the word of the Lord:"By this we know that we love thechildren of God, when we love God,and keep his commandments." ( 1 John5:2.) That charity which is definedby the prophet as "the pure love ofChrist" (Moro. 7:47) is describedclearly by the Apostle Paul: It "sufferethlong, and is kind; . . . enviethnot; . . . vaunteth not itself, is notpuffed up."Doth not behave itself unseemly,seeketh not her own, is not easilyprovoked, thinketh no evil;"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, . . . rejoicethin the truth."Such love, said the apostle, "neverfaileth." (See 1 Cor. 13:4-6, 8.)The major source of our self-imageshould be our Heavenly Father, whosechildren we are, in whose image weare made, whose attributes and qualitieswe have within us in embryo. Heit is who loved us so much that hesent his Only Begotten Son to showus the way and to die for us. We are

his children, worthy of love, and wehave in us the capacity to love. Wemust learn to love even as we areloved by him.Let me conclude with this prayerand earnest hope: God help us, andhelp us to help younger generations,to make the choices that will qualifyus as worthwhile people, to make realthe best that lies within us, to liveup to our moral capacity, and to accomplishwhat is humanly possible,through believing, belonging, serving,and loving, even as the Son of Godhas taught us. God help us to beable to answer in good consciencewhen he asks: "Where art thou?"In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.The Tabernacle Choir sang, "LovelyAppear."President N. Eldon TannerElder Marion D. Hanks of the FirstCouncil of Seventy has just spoken toELDER MARK E. PETERSEN 59us. He was followed by the singing,"Lovely Appear."We shall now have a brief interludewith the Tabernacle Choir singing,"Father Omnipotent." The congregationand Choir will then join in singing,"Come, Come, Ye Saints."The Tabernacle Choir sang theanthem, "Father Omnipotent."The Choir and the congregationthen joined in singing the hymn,"Come, Come, Ye Saints."President N. Eldon TannerWe wish to welcome the televisionand radio audiences who have justjoined us, and again we announce thatwe are gathered in the historic Tabernacleon Temple Square in Salt LakeCity, Utah, in the third session of theOne Hundred Thirty-eighth AnnualConference of the Church.Elder Mark E. Petersen of theCouncil of the Twelve will nowaddress us.Elder Mark E. PetersenOf the Councilof the Twelve ApostlesI would like to talk with you todayabout the United States and its relationshipto God.Most people do not realize it, butthis nation is different from all othernations. It has a divine destiny notshared by other countries, and was setup as an independent power by a deliberateact of God to fulfill thatdestiny.America's divine destinyBecause our nation is a creation ofheaven, and because it has a divinedestiny, we Americans must learn thatit can continue to exist only as italigns itself with the powers of heaveruIf we turn our bade upon the Almighty,even by ignoring him, we jeopardizeour national future. If wedeliberately oppose his purposes, weplace ourselves in danger of destruction.These stem facts have been taughtto Americans from the beginning ofour national history, starting with ourfirst President, George Washington.He realized and he publicly announcedthat we obtained our independencethrough an act of Providence, since wewere far too weak to gain it byourselves. Knowing this, he warnedthat if we are to survive as a free andindependent nation, we must obey theAlmighty God who brought us intobeing.Abraham Lincoln, another inspiredPresident, said virtually the samething, warning that if we fail to obeythe commandments of God, we shallgo down to ruin.A crudal timeWe have reached a point in ournational history as crucial as the timeof the Civil War. Our present dangersare quite as great Threats to our

—60Satwdayt April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Dayfuture seem even greater. And yet,as a people, we have failed to turnto the divine power that created us.It is true that public surveys indicatean increase in church membershipand attendance, but that is no measureof the depth of conversion necessaryto bring the principles of Christ intoour daily lives.Because of our love of wealth andprestige and our insatiable passion forease and pleasure, we fail to take theessential spiritual steps which couldand would preserve us.Everyone—every man on the streetknows that we cannot continue withpresent conditions as they are, andyet we seem not to have the desireor the courage toNeed divine helpalter our course.Whether we are willing to admit itor not, our one great need is to turnto God. Our human efforts have failedand seem almost to lead us into evermore difficult entanglements. Weneed more than human wisdom. Weneed divine help. We need to be savedfrom war and criminal elements, fromanarchy and from riots.We need ashield against the devious schemes ofenemies abroad. We need to be savedfrom corrosion within—from theravages of immorality, dishonesty,drunkenness, broken homes, delinquentparents, and undisciplined children.We need protection from atheism, forit can destroy our way of life.Do you doubt that atheism is athreat to America?Threat ofatheismAtheism is the cause of most of ourills. If we were realistic about ourpresent plight, we would admit thatatheism in its many forms is our greatestenemy, whether it be in abandoningGod for pleasure and money, orin yielding to philosophical meanderings,or in surrendering to those forceswhich break down family life, destroyfree government, seduce the masses,and spawn hate and war.Are we not intelligent enough toperceive that shocking fact?Are we not sufficiently alert to seeour desperate need of an infinite powerwho can rescue us in this present hour?Are we forever to be so obtuse thatwe confine God to a remote past andan uncertain hereafter?Can we never learn that he is aGod of the present day—of the hereand now?In the midst of the Civil War, AbrahamLincoln said something thatshould frighten present-day Americans.He was very realistic when our coimtrywas being split asunder by the warbetween the states. He knew very wellthat the preservation of the nationcould be achieved in only one way. Itwas not through our frowning battlementsnor our bristling seacoasts, ashe expressed it.Lincoln said that if we as a peopledo not turn to God and serve him, ournation will drift into destruction. Heexpressed his meaning in these words:"If we do not do right, God will letus go our own way to ruin. If we doright, he will lead us safely out ofthis wilderness and crown our armswith victory." Thereupon he summonedAmerica to turn to God as theonly means of survival.J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI,stated it this way: "What we need inAmerica is a return to the CJod of ourFathers and a most vigorous defenseagainst the minions of Godlessnessand atheism."Warning of wise menWhy do we not heed these warnings?Similar counsel has been given bynearly every President of the UnitedStates in his time, and by economists,educators, jurists, and statesmen.Let us consider a few of their warnings:As we have indicated, George Washingtonsaid that this nation cannotendure apart from the God of heaven.Woodrow Wilson said: "The sum ofthe whole matter is this: Our civilizationcannot survive materially unlessit be redeemed spiritually. It can besaved only by becoming permeatedwith the Spirit of Christ"Calvin Coolidge said: "The strength

—ELDER MARK E. PETERSEN 61of our country is the strength of itsreligious convictions."Franklin D. Roosevelt said: "Nogreater thing could come to our landthan a revival of the spirit of religionto stir the hearts of men and womenof all faiths to a reassertion of theirbelief in God and their dedication tohis will. I doubt if there is any problem—social,political, or economicthat would not melt away before thefire of such a spiritual reawakening."President Eisenhower constantly remindedus of our spiritual obligation.Roger W. Babson, great economistof his day, said: "In the last analysis,our national future depends uponwhether it is spiritually or materiallyminded. Only the Golden Rule willsave this country—not the rule ofgold."James Rowland Angell, formerpresident of Yale University, said: "Itis my considered conviction that therecan be no enduring alleviation of thesocial and political ills which plagueus unless and until there is an essentialchange in the ethical and spiritualattitude of the rank and file of men."Editorial urgesactionBut as mentioned in an editorialin the U. S. News and World Report,"With so many champions of thedoctrine, why are there so few readyto practice the preachment?"Large numbers of people faithfullyfollow their creeds, and yet in the grimbusiness of everyday life, do we perceivea fundamental change? Do wesee men on every side ready to surrendertheir enormous power or theirpossessions or even their pride, to theservice of God?"A spiritual revival would wakenAmerica and purify her whole nationallife. It is not, however, to be attainedby mere expression of purpose," theeditorialcontinues."It requires action throughout ourwaking hours. Not until each andevery one of us feels the impact ofspiritual achievement, not until theeagerness to serve God is stronger thanthe eagerness to serve ourselves, notuntil we are ready to make sacrificesof time and money and power andpride for the sake of others who needour help and our guidance will webegin to understand the elementaltransformation which isprerequisite tothe spiritual re-birth of the nation."Means for survivalOur situation in America is notmerely a case of fighting the encroachmentsof seditious influences. It isnot only a matter of legislating againstcrime. Neither is it one of changingour Constitution because some misguidedindividuals think it is obsolete;nor is it a case of sending more mento the Orient to fight an enemy whohas trapped us into a different kind ofwar.We are confronted with the choiceof whether or not we as a nation willreturn to God in spirit and in truthas a means of actual survival. Wemust choose whether we will becomefully converted to him or not. To putit plainly, it is largely a case of obedienceversus lip service.The Almighty is a God of war aswell as of peace. The Bible clearlyteaches that. And he is a power to bedealt with in this present crisis. Hecan be our literal Savior here andnow. He can protect and preserve ournation. He has done it in the past;he can do it again today. He can endthe war in Vietnam and give us anhonorable peace. He can save us fromcriminality and from all the otherinhumanities which now impale uson a cross of suicidal selfishness.God can solve problemsIt is no imaginary ruin that facesour nation if we reject Jesus Christ,as Lincoln pointed out so dramatically.And it is possible that our greatnesscan be buried in profound obscurity ifwe refuse to turn to God, as DanielWebster expressed it.Already there is talk of a new civilwar and of riots that will totallyeclipse those of last summer. Insurrectionis now on the lips of thousandsof agitators. The basic concepts ofour free government are being challenged.Overnight this nation could

— a62SaturdaUt April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESeamd Danbe paralyzed through the deviousefforts of some of our treacherous citizens.And if widespread insurrectioncomes, do you suppose for one momentthat our enemies from without will sitidly by? All our efforts to save ourselvesthus far have failed. But G!odcan solve our problems—and he willdo so if we turn to him in humility andfaith. However, let us not supposethat a few feeble prayers will besufficient to call down his aid. It willtake more than halfhearted supplicationsto save us.Obedience requiredPrayer is powerful indeed when accompaniedby works of righteousness,but prayer alone is but lip service. TheAlmighty spurns lip service. Emptywords are but symptoms of hypocrisyto him. He is a God of action—God of works as well as of faith. Hedemands obedience to him if we areto receive help from him. Are we readyto thus obey him? We carmot deal inhalf-way measures—not with Godand neither can we serve two masters.I ask you: Is every one of us willingto do unto others as we would be doneby? Are we willing to be merciful,kind, and pure in heart; to turn theother cheek; to go the extra mile? Isevery one of us willing to be sufficientlyChristlike toaccept his preceptthat says: "Blessed are the peacemakers:for they shall be called thechildren of God"? (Matt. 5:9.)Our great need of repentance isclearly evident. The solution to ourproblem is not in violence nor in newlegislation. Neither is it in trainingour police in the latest anti-riotmethods. Our answer can be foundonly in obedience to Christ on the partof everybody.Evil cannot bring goodJesus said that an evil tree cannotbring forth good fruit. A crime-riddensociety cannot bring forth a newgeneration of upright citizens, nor cana nation of drinkers produce soberoffspring. Can people who condoneimmorality provide a chaste and successfulbeginning for babies bomillicitly in a new generation?Can we escape the diseases so inseparablyconnected with immorality?Can people who knowingly underminegood character expect to reap anythingbut the whirlwind?For every practical reason we mustchange our course and turn away fromthe selfishness and corruption nowgrowing among us like a giganticmalignancy. For every practical reasonwe must turn to the Christ andlive his teachings!Put trustin GodSaid Lincoln in his first inauguraladdress: "Intelligence, patriotism,Christianity, and a reliance on himwho has never yet forsaken this favoredland are still competent to adjust inthe best way, allour difficulties."In ancient times an inspired prophetwho lived in this western hemispheresaid that God "doth not command usthat we shall subject ourselves to ourenemies, but that we should put ourtrustin him, and he will deliver us."(Al. 61:13.)Serve the God of the landAnother ancient prophet spoke directlyto modem America, foretellingthe assistance God will give us if weserve him. Said he: ". . . this is achoice land, and whatsoever nationshall possess it shall be free frombondage, and from captivity, and fromall other nations under heaven, iftheywill but serve the God of the land,who is Jesus Christ. ." . . (Eth. 2:12.)And that prophet also said, even asdid Lincoln, that if we in Americafailto serve Jesus Christ, we will facecertain destruction. This is a divinewarning, first from the prophet ofold and then from the inspired Presidentof Civil War days.Oh, America, turn to God. But donot give him mere lip service. Obeyhim with all your hearts, might, mind,and strength.Let us save ourselves from thepresent crisis in the only certain way,remembering that "man shall not liveby bread alone, but by every wordthat proceedeth out of the mouth of

ELDER HOWARD W. HUNTER 63God." (Matt. 4:4.) And for this Iearnestly pray in the sacred name ofthe Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerHe to whom you have just listenedis Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Councilof the Twelve.The Tabernacle Choir will now sing"The Heavens Are Telling," with atrio consisting of Kay Welch, WallaceMcCloy and Merrill Wilson, followingwhich there will be a brief organinterlude, and then Elder Howard W.Hunter of the Council of the Twelvewill speak to us.Selection by the Choir, "The HeavensAre Telling," followed by a brieforgan interlude.President N. Eldon TannerElder Howard W. Hunter of theCouncil of the Twelve will now speakto us.Elder Howard W. HunterOf the Councilof the Twelve ApostlesIn the world there are more thanthree and a half billion people. Theyare divided into groups, each underthe domination of systems wherebythey become subject to the supremepower of the land in which they live.In some countries this supreme poweris vested in one person, the sovereign.Other countries have republican formsof government in which sovereigntyresides in the people, and the supremepower is usually expressed by thelegislative body. Regardless of whethersovereignty is administered by an individualor by the people, citizensbecome subject to that supreme power.They have the rights and privilegesafforded them under the law, and theyhave the duty to comply with the provisionsof the law. This is essentialfor the good of society,for the protectionof life and liberty, and for thepromotion and preservation of thehappiness of man.Law must be sustainedIn a republic, the government hasthe sovereign right as well as the dutyto protect the rights of the individualand to settle civil disputes or disordersby peaceful means. Citizens do nothave the right to take the law intotheir own hands or exercise physicalforce. The sovereign laws of the statemust be sustained, and persons livingunder those laws must obey them forthe good of the whole.In this regardThe Church of Jesus Christ of LatterdaySaints takes a strong position. Oneof the fundamental tenets of its faithis clearly stated in these words: "Webelieve in being subject to kings, presidents,rulers, and magistrates, in obeying,honoring, and sustaining the law."(Article of Faith 12.)Those in the world who have a beliefin God live under the unusual circumstancesof a dual sovereignty.Inaddition to being subject to the supremepower of the state, they have afealty to God and a solemn duty tokeep the commandments given by him.This idea of divine kingship and asovereignty runs through all of theOld Testament and all of the NewTestament.The kingdom of GodIn describing the commencement ofthe ministry of Jesus, Mark uses thesewords: "Now after that John was putin prison, Jesus came into Galilee,preaching the gospel of the kingdom ofGod,"And saying, the time is fulfilled,and the kingdom of God is at hand:repent ye, and believe the gospel."(Mark 1:14-15.) Throughout his entireministry, one of the main subjectsof the teachings of the Master was"the kingdom of God is at hand."Some scholars interpret the words "isat hand" as describing something totake place in the near future. It is

64Saturday, April 6their contention that the kingdom wasnot established on earth until the dayof Pentecost, when the Spirit waspoured out upon the multitude. Theylabel this event as the beginning ofthe Christian Church. The facts, however,give basis for a different conclusion.There is ample evidence thatthe kingdom of God was established inthe days of Adam, the first man, andhas continued to the present day. Thepeoples of the earth, from the beginning,have had a duty to God as theirking.Dual sovereigntyIs it repugnant to the theory ofsovereignty for a person or group ofpersons to owe fealty to two separatemonarchs?—to have an allegiance totwo separate and distinct sovereignpowers? At first blush dual sovereigntywould seem inconsistent, yet this hasbeen the situation throughout man'searthly existence. Such circumstancesgive rise to this query: If a conflictshould arise with respect to allegiance,which should take precedence? A reviewof the history of mankind answersthe further question as to whether ornot there is a real conflict.Bearing on this very point, an interestingoccurrence took place during theministry of the Master. It is recordedin three separate books of the NewTestament, Matthew, Mark, and Luke,and concerns a controversy over a taxassessment. Judea was under Romanmandate, and the authority of theSanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council,had been curtailed under the Romanrule. The council was charged withthe levy of taxes, but it did not havethe power to decree capital punishment.This power was vested in theRoman procurator of Judea, PontiusPilate. Because the Sanhedrin waswithout authority as to capital punishment,those who were conspiringagainst Jesus conceived a plot to entraphim to give an answer that wouldconstitute grounds to deliver him toPilate on a charge of treason, a capitalcrime.Question of allegianceA tax had been levied on all personsGENERAL CONFERENCESecond Dayliving under Roman rule. This wasprobably the Roman capitation tax, ora poll tax as we would know it. Thetax was not large, but a question ofprinciple was involved. The Jewsconsidered themselves as living undera theocracy, with Jehovah as king.They refused to recognize the Romanmandate. The question involved,therefore, was this: Can a Jew in goodconscience pay the tax to the Romans,or must he fight for independence onthe ground that God alone is the Kingof Israel? It became a question ofallegiance to sovereignty.The Pharisees who conceived theplan were anxious to take Jesus bysurprise, so they stayed in the backgroundand sent some of their youngdisciples and some Herodians to carryout the plot. The Herodians were nota religious sect but a political party.They were the followers of HerodAntipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, andsupporters of the Roman domination.The Pharisees, of course, were resistingthe Roman occupation of Judea.The design of these schemers seems tobe that they would give the impressionthat a dispute had arisen between theyoung Pharisee scholars and theHerodians and they were coming tothe Master for his opinion, to settletheirdifferences.Answer to Pharisees' questionThey approached Jesus respectfullyand courteously and said to him, "Master,we know that thou art true, andteachest the way of God in truth,neither carest thou for any man: forthou regardest not the person of men."(Matt. 22:16.) It would appear thatthese honeyed words were spoken todisarm his suspicions, so he would givethem his confidential opinion fortheir guidance in a moral issue. Thenfollowed the carefully worded question:"Is it lawful to give tribute untoCaesar, or not?" The question wasmaliciously framed so as to require ananswer of "yes" or "no," either ofwhich would give them the basis todestroy him. If he had said, "Yes,pay the tax," he would have beencalled a traitor.It would have driven

ELDER HOWARD W. HUNTER 65a wedge between him and his followersand created rebellion. If his answerhad been, "No, it is not lawful to paythe tax," they would have deliveredhim into the hands of Rome on thecharge of treason.His adversaries intended that Jesuswould be gored on whichever horn ofdilemma he might choose. The interestingthing about his answer is thathe did not evade the question, but heanswered it clearly and positivelywithout being caught on either horn.He said, "Why tempt ye me, ye h3rpocrites?Shew me the tribute money.And they brought unto him a permy."(Matt. 22:18-19.) What is referred toas a penny was no doubt the currentRoman denarius with the image ofTiberius or possibly Augustus. Hewanted to point out to them the imageof Caesar and the inscription thatgave his name and titles. There wasa common maxim that the one whocauses his image and titles to bestamped on the coin is the owner ofthe coin and acknowledged as thesovereign. "And he saith unto them.Whose is this image and superscription?They say unto him, Caesar's. . .."(Matt. 22:20-21.) They had acknowledgedthat the coin belonged to theRoman Emperor, and it being thecurrent coin for the payment of tax,it showed the country to be under therule of Rome. ". . . Then saith heimto them, Render therefore untoCaesar the things which are Caesar's;and unto God the things that areGod's." (Matt. 22:21.) In other words,"Don't be unjust: give to Caesar thethings that are his; and at the sametime don't be impious: give to God thethings that belong to God."Jurisdiction definedThe wisdom of this answer definesthe limitations of dual sovereigns anddefines the jurisdiction of the twoempires of heaven and earth. Theimage ofmonarchs stamped on coinsdenotes that temporal things belongto the temporal sovereign. The imageof God stamped on the heart and soulof a man denotes that all its facilitiesand powers belong to God and shouldbe employed in his service.The lesson taught by the Master isso clear that elaboration is not necessary,nor will I labor the point. Thetest to be applied in weighing allegianceto sovereignty, where dualsovereigns are involved, is a matterI is of wisdom. submit that there noreal conflict which creates a seriousquestion as to allegiance.In the present day of unrest, thequestion might appropriately be asked,what do we owe to Caesar? To thecountry in which we live? We oweallegiance, respect, and honor. Lawsenacted to promote the welfare of thewhole and suppress evil doing are tobe strictly obeyed. We must paytribute to sustain the government inthe necessary expense incurred in theprotection of life, liberty, property, andin promoting the welfare of all persons.Church beliefand lawson governmentsIn the year 1835, 133 years ago, adeclaration of belief of The Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsregarding governments and laws wasdrafted and adopted by unanimousvote. It is incorporated as Section 134of the Doctrine and Covenants of theChurch. Although more than acentury has passed, no changes ormodifications have been made, andthe statement stands as applicable todayas the day it was written. If youwill permit me to do so, I would liketo recall a portion of this statement."We believe that governments wereinstituted of God for the benefit ofman; and that he holds men accountablefor their acts in relation to them,both in making laws and administeringthem, for the good and safety ofsociety."We believe that no government canexist in peace, except such laws areframed and held inviolate as will secureto each individual the free exerciseof conscience, the right and control ofproperty, and the protection of life."We believe that all governmentsnecessarily require civil officers andmagistrates toenforce the laws of the

66SaturdaUt April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Daysame; and that such as will administerthe law in equity and justice shouldbe sought for and upheld by the voiceof the people ifa republic, or the willof the sovereign."We believe that religion is institutedof God; and that men areamenable to him, and to him only, forthe exercise of it,unless their religiousopinions prompt them to infringeupon the rights and liberties of others;but we do not believe that himian lawhas a right to interfere in prescribingrules of worship to bind the consciencesof men, nor dictate forms for public orprivate devotion; that the civil magistrateshould restrain crime, but nevercontrol conscience; should punish guilt,but never suppress the freedom of thesoul."We believe that all men are boundto sustain and uphold the respectivegovernments in which they reside,while protected in their inherent andinalienable rights by the laws of suchgovernments; and that sedition andrebellion are imbecoming every citizenthus protected, and should bepunished accordingly; and that allgovernments have a right to enactsuch laws as in their own judgmentsare best calculated to secure the publicinterest; at the same time, however,holding sacred the freedom of conscience."(D&C 134:1-5.)Allegiance tosovereigntyThe statement continues, but I willnot read further. These words pointup the solemn obligation of governmentand the solemn obligation ofthose who owe allegiance. This is aday when civil disobedience seems tobe prevalent and even advocated fromsome pulpits, but the position of thisChurch and its teachings is clear.I know that God lives, that he is thesupreme power of heaven and earth. Ibear witness of the divinity of JesusChrist, the Savior of all mankind. Myknowledge of these truths moves meto allegiance to divine sovereignty,also to sustain the law of the land.There is no conflict between thatwhich is owed to Caesar and the obli-gation to God. May the God ofheaven give inspiration and guidanceto those leaders in the world whoformulate the policies of earthlysovereignty, and also to those of uswho are governed by those powers. Mayrighteousness be placed in properperspective for the good of every man.The statement of the Master shouldbe our guide: "But seek ye first thekingdom of God, and his righteousness;and all these things shall be addedunto you." (Matt. 6:33.) The honestsearch for righteousness and submissionto the sovereignty of Godanswers the problems of Caesar. Maythe Lord bless us is my himible prayer,in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerElder Howard W. Hunter of theCouncil of the Twelve has just spokento us.We are most grateful this morningfor the wonderful cooperation givenby the managers and operators of over300 television and radio stations inoffering their facilitiesas a public serviceto make the proceedings of thisconference available to millionsthroughout many areas of the world.We appreciate the attendance hereof educators, national and local governmentofficials, stake and wardofficers, and all members and visitorswho have attended the service thismorning.We shall conclude this session ofthe conference with the TabernacleChoir singing "All Hail the Power ofJesus' Name." Following the singingthe benediction will be pronounced byElder Thomas R. Stone, formerlypresident of the French PolynesianMission. This conference will then beadjourned until 2:00 this afternoon.The Choir sang "All Hail the Powerof Jesus' Name."The closing prayer was offered byElder Thomas R. Stone.Conference adjourned until 2:00o'clock p.m.

FOURTH SESSIONConference reconvened at 2:00 p.m.,Saturday, April 6, with PresidentJoseph Fielding Smith, counselor inthe First Presidency, conducting theservices.The Logan LDS Institute Choir, withJames L. Bradley, conducting, furnishedthe music for this session ofthe conference. Elder Roy M. Darleywas at the organ.President Smith made the followingintroductory remarks:President Joseph Fielding SmithSECOND DAY 67SECOND DAYAFTERNOON MEETINGWe are exceedingly pleased to havethese young students with us thisafternoon, and extend a hearty welcometo them.We shall begin this service by thechorus singing, "Unfold, Ye Portals,"following which the invocation will beoffered by Elder Ronald V. Stone,formerly president of the North ArgentineMission.The Institute Choir sang the anthem,"Unfold, Ye Portals."The opening prayer was offered byElder Ronald V. Stone.President McKay is listening inhis apartment. He heis asked me toconduct this service, and to extend hisgreetings to all present, and to allthose who are listening in.For the information of those whoare tuned in by radio or television, weare pleased to annoimce that we areassembled in the historic Tabernacleon Temple Square in Salt Lake Cityin the fourth session of the 138th AnnualConference of The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.This morning's session, in additionto being broadcast direct, was videotaped for release to many televisionstations tomorrow morning to theeastern and central parts of the UnitedStates, and also in Hawaii and Alaska.Also, by special arrangement, ArmedForces television will carry this morning'ssession to a large number ofservicemen on Sunday (tomorrow)headquartered at Guam and otherbases of the Pacific.Both of the sessions today will bere-broadcast over KSL Radio, KIRORadio at Seattle, KMBC at KansasCity, and WRFM at New York City,Sunday morning starting at midnight.The singing for this afternoon's sessionwill be furnished by the LoganLDS Institute Choir, conducted byJames L. Bradley, with Roy M. Darleyat the organ.President Joseph Helding SmithThe invocation was just offered byElder Ronald V. Stone, formerly presidentof the North Argentine Mission.The Chorus will now favor us with,"Still, Still with Thee."The anthem, "Still, Still withThee," was rendered by the chorus.President Joseph Fielding SmithAs has been the custom sincethe organization of the Church, weshall now sustain the General Authoritiesof the Church. A few briefstatistical and financial reports will begiven just prior to the sustaining of theGeneral Authorities.Elder Joseph Anderson, Clerk of theConference, will read for your informationsome important statistical dataconcerning the Church.Following this. Elder Harold H.Bennett will read a statement by theChurch Finance Committee.President Hugh B. Brown of theFirst Presidency will then present theGeneral Authorities, General Officers,and General Auxiliary Officers of theChurch for the sustaining vote of thisGeneral Conference.

68 GENERAL CONFERENCESaturday, April 6Second DaySTATISTICAL REPORT 1967Elder Joseph Anderson, Clerk of the Conference, read forthe informationof the members of the Church, the following statistical report concerning themembership of the Church at the end of the year 1967:Number of Stakes of Zion at close of 1967 448Number of Wards 3,544Number of Independent Branches in Stakes 622Total Wards and Independent Branches in Stakes at close of year 4,166Number of Mission Branches at close of year 1,987Number of Full-time Missons at end of year 79Church Membership, December 31, 1967:In the Stakes 2,144,766In the Missions 469,574Total Membership 2,614,340Church Growth During 1967:Children Blessed in Stakes and Missions 56,387Children of Record Baptized in Stakes and Missions 53,591Converts Baptized in Stakes and Missions .-- - - 62,280Social Statistics:(Based on 1967 data from the Stakes)Birth Rate per thousand - 27.55Number of persons married per thousand - 16.11Death Rate per thousand 5.05Priesthood:Members holding the Aaronic Priesthood, December 31, 1967Deacons - 118,149Teachers 83,583Priests 121,842Total number holding Aaronic Priesthood - 323,574Members holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, December 31, 1967Elders 216,354Seventies 22,962High Priests 72,150Total number holding Melchizedek Priesthood 310,466Grand Total, members holding Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood 634,040An increase of 36,360 during the yearAuxiliary Organizations:Relief Society (Membership) 298,825Deseret Sunday School Union (average attendance) 777,354Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (enrollment) 313,956Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association (enrollment) 326,795Primary (children enrolled) 473,480Welfare Plan:Number of persons assisted during the year 112,055Number placed in remunerative employment 6,809Man-days of work donated to the Welfare Plan 130,966Unit-days of equipment use donated 7,300Genealogical Society:Names cleared in 1967 for temple ordinances 1,986,335

STATISTICAL REPORT 69Genealogical records microfilmed in 16 countries during the year broughtthe total to 699,587 one hundred foot rolls of microfilm for use of theChurch which are the equivalent of over 3,000,000 printed volumes of300 pages each.Temples:Number of ordinances performed during 1967 in the 13 operating temples:For the living 54,826For the dead 4,510,940Total number of ordinances 4,565,766Church School System:Total 1967 cumulative enrollments in Church schools, includingInstitutes and Seminaries 186,323THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED AWAYPRESIDENT ANTOINE R. IVINS, senior president of the First Council of SeventyMINERVA YOUNG BENNION, widow of Adam S. Bennion, former member of theCoimcil of the TwelveALTA HANSEN TAYLOR, wife of Elder Henry D. Taylor, Assistant to the TwelveNADA RICH BROCKBANK, wife of Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assistant to theTwelveADELAIDE ELDREDGE HARDY, widow of Elder Rufus K. Hardy, former memberof the First Council of SeventyPRANK W. OTTERSTROM, Official Church Reporter for many yearsRICHARD E. POLLAND, General Secretary of the Deseret Sunday School UnionGeneral BoardHILDA ANDERSON ERICKSON, sole survivor of the 80,000 Mormon pioneers whocame to Utah before the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869WALLACE P. TORONTO, president of the Czechoslovakian MissionHEBER E. PETERSON, president of the Olympus StakeROBERT L. BRIDGE, president of the Riverside StakeHOWARD B. STONE, president of the Oahu StakeElder Harold H. Bennett read the which expenditures are controlled. Wefollowing statement by the Church have determined that the expendituresFinance Committee: of such funds are authorized by theFirst Presidency and by budgetary,March The procedures. budget is authorized15, 1968, T> 1T,!^'^^^ Presidency by ^ê Council on Disposition of the47 East South Temple Street-pishes comprised of the First Presi-Salt Lake City, Utah ^jency, the Council of the Twelve, andDear Brethren:tliePresiding BishopricA continuous audit of the financialWe have reviewed the report of the records of the Church is conducted byfinancial operations of the Corporation the Church Auditing Department,of the President of The Church of Jesus which is completely independent of allChrist of Latter-day Saints, as well as other departments. Businesses ownedof auxiliaries and other organizations controlled by Church, whichor the forfor which accounts are maintained in accounts are not maintained in thethe Financial Department of the Financial Department, are audited byChurch for the fiscal period January 1 professional auditing firms.to August 31, 1967. Attention was given Based upon our review of the finanparticularlyto the accounting and reports of the Corporation of thecialauditing procedures followed as to President of The Church of Jesus Christfunds received and the manner in Latter-day and explanationsto of Saints

70 GENERAL CONFERENCESaturday, April 6Second Daymade by the personnel of the Finan- Respectfully submitted,cial and Auditing Departments of theChurch, we are of the opinion thatr^TjnTDr-Tj ctat a ivT/^r'FINANCEthe expenditures of funds during therôMTur COMMITTEEfiscal period January 1, to August 31, Orval W. Adams1967 were made in accordance with Harold BennettH.the established procedures outlined Glenn E. Nielsonherein.We congratulate the General Author-Wilford G. EdlingWeston E. Hamiltonities and their associates for thesound manner in which the finances General Authorities andof the Church are administered, and General Officers of the Churchwe commend the Church FinancialDepartment and the Church Auditing President Hugh B. Brown presentedDepartment for the expert and careful the General Authorities and Generalmanner in which all financial records Officers of the Church and they wereare maintained and audited.sustained as follows:The First PresidencyDavid O. McKay, Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and President of The Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsHugh B. Brown, First Counselor in the First PresidencyNathan Eldon Tanner, Second Counselor in the First PresidencyCounselors in the First PresidencyJoseph Fielding SmithThorpe B. IsaacsonAlvin R. DyerPresident of the Council of the Twelve ApostlesJoseph Fielding SmithQuorum of the Twelve ApostlesJoseph Fielding SmithMarion G. RomneyHarold B. LeeLeGrand RichardsSpencer W. Kimball Richard L. EvansEzra Taft BensonHoward W. HunterMark E. PetersenGordon B. HinckleyDelbert L. Stapley Thomas S. MonsonPatriarch to the ChurchEldred G. SmithThe Counselors in the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles and thePatriarch to the Church as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.Assistants to the TwelveAlma SonneFranklin D. RichardsElRay L. ChristiansenTheodore M. BurtonJohn LongdenBoyd K. PackerSterling W. SillBernard P. BrockbankHenry D. TaylorJames A. CulllmoreWm. J. Critchlow, Jr. Marion D. Hanks

GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH 71Trustee-in-TrustDavid O. McKayas Trustee-in-Trust for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsThe First Counol of the SeventySeymour Dilworth YoungMilton R. HunterBruce R. McConkieAlbert Theodore TuttlePaul H. DunnHartman Rector, Jr.Loren Charles DunnThe Presiding BishopricJohn H. Vandenberg, Presiding BishopRobert L. Simpson, First CounselorVictor L. Brown, Second CounselorChurch Historian and RecorderJoseph Fielding Smith, with A. William Lund and Earl E. Olson as AssistantsPriesthood Welfare CommitteeJohn H. Vandenberg, ChairmanHenry D. Taylor, Managing DirectorPriesthood Home Teaching CommitteeMarion G. Romney, ChairmanJohn H. Vandenberg, Vice ChairmanAlvin R.Dyer, Managing DirectorPriesthood Missionary CommitteeSpencer W. Kimball, Chairman of Executive CommitteeGordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson, Vice ChairmenBruce R. McConkie, Managing DirectorPriesthood Genealogical CommitteeHoward W. Hunter, ChairmanTheodore M. Burton, Managing DirectorChurch Board of EducationDavid O. McKayMarion G. RomneyHugh B. Brown LeGrand RichardsNathan Eldon TannerRichard L. EvansJoseph Fielding SmithHoward W. HunterThorpe B. Isaacson Gordon B. HinckleyAlvin R. Dyer Thomas S. MonsonHarold B. Lee Boyd K. PackerSpencer W. KimballMarion D. HanksEzra Taft BensonAlbert Theodore TuttleMark E. PetersenPaul H. DunnDelbert L. StapleyJohn H. Vandenberg

72 GENERAL CONFERENCESaturday, April 6Church Finance CommitteeOrval W. AdamsHarold H. BennettWilford G. EdlingGlenn E. NielsonWeston E. HamiltonSecom! DaySenior Church AuditorsHarold L. DavisCharles SchmidtGENERAL AUXILIARY OFFICERS OF THE CHURCHRelief SocietyBelle Smith Spafford, PresidentMarianne Clark Sharp, First CounselorLouise Wallace Madsen, Second Counselorwith all members of the Board as at present constituted.DeSERET SlMDAY ScHOOL UnIONDavid Lawrence McKay, General SuperintendentLynn S. Richards, First Assistant SuperintendentRoyden G. Derrick, Second Assistant Superintendentwith all members of the Board as at present constituted.Young Men's Mutual Improvement AssociationG. Carlos Smith, Jr., General SuperintendentMarvin J. Ashton, First Assistant SuperintendentGeorge R. Hill III, Second Assistant Superintendentwith all members of the Board as at present constituted.Young Women's Mutual Improvement AssociationFlorence Smith Jacobsen, PresidentMargaret Romney Jackson, First CounselorDorothy Porter Holt, Second Counselorwith all members of the Board as at present constituted.Primary Associat[onLaVem Watts Parmley, PresidentLeone Watson Doxey, First CounselorLucile Cardon Reading, Second Counselorwith all members of the Board as at present constituted.Tabernacle ChoirIsaac M. Stewart, PresidentRichard P. Condie, ConductorJay E. Welch, Assistant ConductorTabernacle OrganistsAlexander Schreiner, Chief OrganistRobert N. CundickRoy M. DarleyFrank W. Asper, Organist Emeritus

ELDER SPENCER W. KIMBALL 73President Joseph Fielding SmithWe thank you good brethren andsisters for this sustaining vote.Elder Spencer W. Kimball of theCouncil of the Twelve will be our firstspeaker this afternoon. He will be followedby Elder Alvin R. Dyer.Elder Spencer W. KimballOf the Council of the Twelve ApostlesPresident McKay, my brothers andsisters, and friends: I would like tocongratulate Brother Dyer, BrotherHanks, Brother Rector, and BrotherDunn on their new appointments, andpray the Lord to bless them in theirnew responsibilities.The Pharisees, ever trying to entangleand trick the Savior, again settheir traps:". . . Is it lawful to give tributeunto Csesar? . . ."But Jesus perceived their wickedness,. . .". . . Then saith he unto them.Render therefore unto Ceesar the thingswhich are Caesar's; and unto God thethings that are God's." (Matt. 22:17-18, 21.)AH this is mineOne day, a friend took me to hisranch. He unlocked the door of alarge new automobile, slid under thewheel, and said proudly, "How do youlike my new car?" We rode in luxuriouscomfort into the rural areas toa beautiful new landscaped home, andhe said with no little pride, "This ismy home."He drove to a grassy knoll. The sunwas retiring behind the distant hills.He surveyed his vast domain. Pointingto the north, he asked, "Do you seethat clump of trees yonder?" I couldplainly discern them in the fading day.He pointed to the east. "Do yousee the lake shimmering in the sunset?"It too was visible."Now, the bluff that's on the south."We turned about to scan the distance.He identified bams, silos, the ranchhouse to the west. With a wide sweepinggesture, he boasted, "From theclump of trees, to the lake, to thebluff, and to the ranch buildings andall between—all this is mine. And thedark specks in the meadow—thosecattle also are mine."And then I asked from whom he obtainedit. The chain of title of hisabstract went back to land grants fromgovernments. His attorney had assuredhim he had an unencumberedtitle."From whom did the government getit?" I asked. "What was paid for it?"There came into my mind the boldstatement of Paul: "For the earth isthe Lord's, and the fulness thereof."(1 Cor. 10:26.)And then the psalmist who declared:"The words of the Lord are purewords: as silver tried in a furnace ofearth, purified seven times." (Ps. 12:6.)And then I asked, "Did title comefrom God, Creator of the earth andthe owner thereof? Did he get paid?Was it sold or leased or given to you?If gift, from whom? If sale, with whatexchange or currency? If lease, doyou make proper accounting?"And then I asked, "What was theprice? With what treasures did youbuy this farm?""Money!""Where did you get the money?""My toil, my sweat, my labor, andmy strength."And then I asked, "Where did youget your strength to toil, your powerto labor, your glands to sweat?"He spoke of food."Where did the food originate?""From sun and atmosphere and soiland water.""And who brought those elementshere?"I quoted the psalmist: "Thou, O God,didst send a plentiful rain, wherebythou didst confirm thine inheritance,when it was weary." (Ps. 68:9.)"If the land is not yours, then whataccounting do you make to your

74Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DayThe scripturelandlord for his bounties?says: 'Render unto Csesar thatwhich is Caesar's and to God thatwhich is God's.' What percentage ofyour increase do you pay Caesar? Andwhat percent to God?"Do you believe the Bible? Do youaccept the command of the LordItthrough the prophet Malachi?offerings. . . .'"Bring ye all the tithes into thestorehouse, . . . and prove me nowherewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if Iwill not open you the windows ofheaven, and pour you out a blessing,that there shall not be room enoughto receive it.' (Mai. 3:8, 10.)"And in the latter days, the Lordsaid again:" 'And if ye seek the riches which itis the will of the Father to give untoyou, ye shall be the richest of allpeople, for ye shall have the riches ofeternity; and it must needs be thatthe riches of the earth are mine to' give (D&C 38:39.)"And Moses confirmed to Pharaohregarding the plagues: '.. . that thoumayest know now that the earth isthe Lord's.'" (Exod. 9:29.)I said again: "I seem to find noplace in holy writ where God has said,'I give you title to this land unconditionally.It is not yours to give, tohave, to hold, to sell, despoil, exploitas you see fit.'"I caimot find such scripture, but Ido find this from Psalms:'.. . thosethat wait upon the Lord, . . . shallinherit the earth.' (Ps. 37:9.)"And I remember that our Creatorcovenanted in the council in heavenwith us all: '[And] We will go down,for there is space there, and we willtake of these materials, and we willmake an earth whereon these maydwell.' (Abr. 3:24.)"It seems more of a lease on whicha rental is exacted than of a fee simpletitle."Modem scripture says that if youlive the commandments, 'the fulness ofthe earth is yours, the beasts of . . .field and the fowls of the air, . . ." 'Yea, all things which come of theearth, ... are made for the benefitand the use of man..'. . (D&C 59:16,18.)"This promise does not seem toconvey the earth but only the use andcontents which are given to men onreads:condition that they live all of the'"Will a man rob God? Yet ye commandments of God."have robbed me. But ye say. Wherein But my friend continued to mumble,have we robbed thee? In tithes and "Mine—^mine," as if to convince himselfagainst the surer knowledge thathe was at best a recreant renter.That was long years ago. I saw himlying in his death among luxuriousfurnishings in a palatial home. Hishad been a vast estate. And I foldedhis arms upon his breast, and drewdown the little curtains over his eyes.I spoke at his funeral, and I followedthe cortege from the good piece ofearth he had claimed to his grave, atiny, oblong area the length of a tallman, the width of a heavy one.Yesterday I saw that same estate,yellow in grain, green in lucerne,white in cotton, seemingly unmindfulof him who had claimed it. Oh, punyman, see the busy ant moving thesands of the sea.Would you rob God?I stopped on the highway to buysome fruit. The little vending shopwas in the edge of the orchard. AndI asked the seller, "Are these treesyours?"He said, "From the highway to thehill—all these are mine, and all thefruit we pick and sell. All this ismine."And I asked, "Do you have no partnerwho contributes capital?""I earned the funds with which tobuy. It is mine."I said: "You bought the land? Youbought the seedlings? But who putchemicals into the soil to make themgrow? Who sent the living sapa-climbing all the limbs? Who madethem bloom and scent the air withsweet perfume? Did you make rain?Can you command the sun? Do you

—ELDER SPENCER W. KIMBALL 75put intelligence in trees to producebuds and blossoms, fruit in ripeness,taste and food value? He who madethe land, the trees, the elements hasland-lien on it all. Have you settledyour lease payment?"I know you pay to Caesar his fullportion, never failing. But do youcalculate and pay the part to God?"Are these trees yours and yoursalone? There is no partner's claimupon the fruit?" He winced."Have you integrity? Would yourob God, your partner? Rememberingthat the earth is the Lord's and thefullness thereof?"When God had created man andwoman he placed them upon the earthto "dress it and to keep it and subdueit." (See Gen. 2:15.) It seems thislandlord-tenant relationship is fairthe Lord, the owner, furnishes theland, the air, the water, the sunshine,and all the elements to make it fruitful.The tenant gives his labor.The Lord promised after the deluge:"While the earth remaineth, seedtimeand harvest, and cold and heat, andsummer and winter, and day and nightshall not cease." (Gen. 8:22.)And the psalmist sang again: "Thouvisitest the earth, and waterest it;thou greatly enrichest it with theriver of God, . . ."Thou waterest the ridges thereofabundantly: thou settlest the furrowsthereof: thou makest it soft with"The pastures are clothed with. . flocks: . they shout for joy, theyalso sing." (Ps. 65:9-10, 13.)". . . the earth is full of the goodnessof the Lord." (Ps. 33:5.)A month later, a car accident tookthe life of this horticulturist. He hadnot paid his keep, nor did he take hisorchard with him. Each spring itstrees still bloom; each fall the lusciousfruit is picked.The earth is the Lord'sI saw a lovely house upon a beach.The occupant boastfully pointed to it."This is my house with its impregnablefoxmdation, its solid walls, itsluxurious appointments, its surpassingview."One day a warning came. A tidalwave rushed in to shore. All occupantswere saved, but as the great sea hurriedto its place, only a concrete floormarked the place where his prizedpossession had stood. The stones wereout at sea; the lumber ground totoothpicks, floating in the water. AndI remembered again what the psalmistsaid:"The earth is the Lord's, and thefulness thereof; the world, and theythat dwell therein." (Ps. 24: L)Do you pay tithes?Another day I accompanied a friendto his bank. He checked the contentsof his safety deposit box, and liftingout a handful of papers, he proudlysaid to me, "All these are mine. Thesestocks and bonds are mine." It wasevident that his holdings representedwealth. There was possessive pride inhis voice.And I pondered: "How you haveprospered! How did you do so well?Where did you get your talents, yourabilities? Did you make sight andvoice and memory and ability tothink?" He hesitated to makeanswer.I asked him: "Do you pay tithes?I'm sure you pay your taxes. Do yourender unto God that which alreadywas his own? I'm sure that Caesarnever fails to get his portion. What ofGod? You accepted your earthly opportunitieson condition. You rentedhis land, his equipment, used his elements,you know."Does puny man possess, appropriate,bequeath, and give as thoughhe made the earth and heaven? Andthis without report or settling accounts?"I met a man upon the campus of agreat university, well-trained andbrilliant, holding high degrees. Wetalked of income. Though very large,he felt his all too small to meet hisneeds. I asked of him: "Do you paytithes?"He looked at me with questions in

76Saturday, April 6his eyes. Why should he pay? Heearned it—every cent. I told him ofthe psalmist's theme:"The earth is the Lord's, and thefulness thereof; the world, and theythat dwell therein."And he countered, "I claim no earth—Î reside in an apartment. I use noelements—I train the minds of men.I owe no debts to anyone. I earn myincome."And then I asked, "By what greatpower do you earn?""My brains," he said.And then I asked: "Where did yourbrains find birth? Did you createthem? Build them in a factory, buythem in a store? Did you add elementto element, fashioning them so intricatelyand giving them such power?Where did you get your strength, yourvision, power, and health? Wheredid you get your breath, your continuity?Do you make brains, buildbodies,create souls?"Again, I asked, "Do you pay tithes?You do account to Caesar. Do you paythe Lord for all his bounteous gifts?"This man was arrogant and proud.He lived no laws, worshiped no God,was selfish and self-centered. Heneeded the admonition given the rebelliousIsraelites:"Beware that thou forget not theLord thy God ... his commandments. . . and his statutes. . . ."And when thy herds . . . thy flocks. . . thy silver and thy gold . . . andall . . . thou hast is multiplied;"Then thine heart be lifted up, andthou forget the Lord thy God, . . ."Who led thee through . . . drought,where there was no water; whobrought thee forth water out of therock of flint; . . ."And thou say in thine heart. Mypower and the might of mine handhath gotten me this wealth."But thou shalt remember the Lordthy God: for it is he that giveth theepower to get wealth. . ." . (Deut. 8:11,13-15, 17-18.)For long years he had been misusingfunds—appropriating the tenth whichbelonged to his Creator. What righthad he to use without permission theGENERAL CONFERENCESecond DayLord's lease funds? and without accountingand without the commensurateworthiness and faithfulness onwhich his nine-tenths was promised?He had forgotten Malachi's question:"Will a man rob God? ." . . (Mai.3:8.) He had forgotten the covenantwe all had made in the council inheaven, when our Lord proffered:". . . We will go down . . . and wewill make an earth whereon these maydwell;"And we will prove them herewith,to see if they will do all things whatsoeverthe Lord their God shall commandthem." (Abr. 3:24-25.)"And did you say you made nosuch rash promise? The answer is: Yourvery presence on the earth is evidenceyou accepted this challenge in thepreexistent assembly."I outlived this man too. It was asad affair when his time came. Thestrong was weak, the powerful inanimate.His brains still encased inhis bone cranium would work nomore. He breathed no air, he taughtno youth, commanded no more hearers,no more salary, occupied no apartment,but did occupy a little plot of earthon a grassy hillside. But now, I hopehe knows: ". . . the earth's the Lord's,and all that therein ."is. . .He owed not any man. He earnedit all, he said.Tithing isnot for GodI asked another man if he paid tithes.He blushed his answer. "We cannotafford to tithe.""What? Cannot afford integrity?Cannot afford to return to the GreatProvider's program that which was alreadyhis?"He said, "My schooling was expensive.Our little ones have cost usmuch, and there is still another oneto come. The doctor and the hospitalwill take their toll. Our car waswrecked and cost us that much more.Vacation, illness, living costs go upand leave us none to give the Church!""Do you believe in God?""Of course," he said."You do?" I asked. "Would God

ELDER SPENCER W. KIMBALLTTmake promises he would not fulfill?You have no confidence in God, elsewhy do you doubt his glorious promises?Your faith is in yourself. Godpromised he would open heaven'swindows and pour you out rich giftsbeyond your comprdiension, promisedon your faithfulness. Do you not needthose blessings? For that one tenth,he'll compensate with blessings—littledreamed-of blessings. He said:"'. . . Eye hath not seen, nor earheard, neither have entered into theheart of man, the things which Godhath prepared for them that lovehim.' (1 Cor. 2:9.)"And again:'". . . seek ye first the kingdom ofGod, and his righteousness; and allthese things shall be added unto you.'(Matt. 6:33.)"You don't believe that God willmeasure up? No, you do not trust yourLord. You keep all funds you havecollected and use them according toyour own judgment. You fear hewould not make good his promises."Your very debts, your manytroubles show incompetence to handleyour affairs. You've partly failed inyour rich stewardship. Can you controlyour business better than the Lord?Would you do well to use this managerin whom you have no trust? We knowhe will not fail."Tithing is not for God. It is wewho clip the coupons and collect thedividends.* * *The things that are God'sThe salaried man complained: "Myneighbor has a farm. His family livesupon it. We buy our living from astore with cash. They kill a beef, apork, and feed themselves from theirdeep freeze. Their garden loads thetable with vegetables; the field feedsthe cows that furnish milk products;their farm grows wheat for the poultryfor the table; and the hens furnishmeat and eggs. Do you pay tithes onyour farm land production?"The answer is: "Of course, you payif you are true to your commitments.No honest man would rob his Lordof tithes and offerings."We ask again: "Do you feel generouswhen you pay your tithes? Boastfulwhen the amount is large? Hasthe child been generous to his parentswhen he washes the car, makes hisbed? Are you liberal when you payyour rent, or pay off notes at banks?You are not generous, liberal, butmerely honest when you pay yourtithes.""I have made the earth, and createdman upon it," says the Lord. "I, evenmy hands, have stretched out theheavens, and all their host have Icommanded." (Isa. 45:12.)Perhaps your attitudes are theproduct of your misconceptions.Would you steal a dollar from yourfriend? a tire from your neighbor's car?Would you borrow a widow's insurancemoney with no intent to pay? Do yourob banks? You are shocked at suchsuggestions. Then, would you robyour God, your Lord, who has madesuch generous arrangements with you?Do you have a right to appropriatethe funds of your employer with whichto pay your debts, to buy a car, toclothe your family, to feed your children,to build your home?Would you take from your neighbor'sfunds to send your children tocollege, or on a mission? Would youhelp relatives or friends with fimdsnot your own? Some people gettheir standards mixed, their idealsout of line. Would you take tithes topay your building fund, or wardmaintenance? Would you supply giftsto the poor with someone else's money?The Lord's money?The Lord continues to ask: "Will aman rob God? Yet ye have robbedme.There echo again and again thewords of the Master: "Render untoCaesar that which is Caesar's." And hehas said, "Today is a day for thetithing of my people." (See D&C64:23.)Does not the law of tithing apply toall the children of men, regardless ofchurch or creed? All who believe theBible really must believe that this is alaw of God.

78Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DaijThere echo again and again thewords of the Master, "Render thereforeunto Caesar the things which areCffisar's and unto God the things thatare God's."The Lord will bless all those wholove and live his laws. This I know,in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.President Joseph Fielding SmithWe have just listened to Elder SpencerW. Kimball of the Council of theTwelve.Our next speaker will be PresidentAlvin R. Dyer, whom we have justsustained as a counselor in the FirstPresidency.President Alvin R. DyerCounselor in the First PresidencyI feel standing by my side this daymy dear wife. She, with my family,has been a great support to me in everyeffort toserve the Lord.The way to eternal lifeMany years ago a noted lawyersought out Jesus of Nazareth to inquireof him the requirements that manmust adhere to in seeking for the wayto eternal life. The answer whichthe Lord gave, though simple, was noteasily understood by this man schooledin the wisdom of men.The Lord gave him this answer: thatman must be "bom again" if he is toenter the kingdom of heaven and dwelleternally in the enlightened presenceof God the Father and his Son JesusChrist. (See John 3:1-5.)Being bom again is an essential partof conversion to the gospel, as Jesusinstructed Nicodemus. Men, in asimilar way, perhaps with less portent,have many rebirths in different waysin the course of a mortal lifetime.Usually these are associated with importantevents or near tragedies. Butbeing born again is part of regenerationin the changing vicissitudes oflife.Experiences bring new birthI recall now being near unto deathupon two occasions, once as a boy ofdeacon age when I foolishly placed asmall-headed hat pin about two anda half inches long into my mouth. Iwas seated on a couch by the windowin our home when a tremendous clapof thunder so startled me that I swallowedthe hat pin. When I realizedwhat I had done, I shook all over withfear. I fell to my knees praying thatthis accident would not take my life.I promised the Lord then and there asa boy that I would serve him all mydays. I believe that in that communicationwith God, I had a newbirth.Upon another occasion, with mywife and two children, I arrived at thebeach in Santa Monica, California,after a hot drive over the desert in a carthat was not air-conditioned. Wewere soon in our bathing suits andfound our way to the beach. Mywife and the children stopped toplayin the sand and enjoy the cool breeze.But this was not enough for me. Iplunged into the ocean, swimming outfarther than I realized, and when Iattempted to swim back, I found myselfheld by a swirling undertow. Istruggled with all my strength but tono avail. Then I realized my plightand that I faced drowning and wouldnever see my loved ones again in thislife. In a few seconds reflected eventsin my life raced through my mind.Again I sought by intense supplicationthat I be rescued from a condition Ihad thrust myself into by failing toheed the beach warning of a postedredflag.I shouted at the top of my voicefor help, and in spite of the roarof the surf and foggy atmosphere, mycry for help was heard by a lifeguard,who reached me in a rowboat as mystrength was nearly exhausted.We reached shore, and after expressingmy gratitude for the alertnessof the guard, I sat down on the sand

to meditate and give thanks to myHeavenly Father. I believe I had anew birth that day of what it meantto be alive, with a compelling inwardfeeling to try to live a worthwhile life.Calls bring renewal of effortPerhaps to be bom again means tohave another chance, to renew one'seffort to measure up. I have felt thisway many times in life as calls havecome to serve the Lord. I felt thisway when I was called to the apostleshipat the October conference of lastyear. Once again, this day, I feelas though a new birth is in the offing.I often feel a remorse in the thoughtthat I might not have thought well ofmen—and also perchance they havenot thought well of me. There aresome issues that men ptirsue to whichI am opposed, but I try not to haveadverse feelings toward the men whopursuethem.If my life should end now, or if Ishould fail in the regeneration of beingborn again, I would be grateful forwhat I have had of it.Gratitude for President McKayI am grateful beyond measure forthe understanding heart of PresidentMcKay, whom I dearly love. Ouraffection and relationship go backmany years.As I reflect upon this now, and Iknow he will be watching and listening,I remember his unsolicited visitto a ward sacrament meeting when Iwas serving as a bishop many yearsago. He said he had come of his ownwill because he had learned of thesuccess we had had in holding ouryoung people. His visit to those whowere there will never be forgotten,and to me it was the real beginning ofan appreciation for a great man, trulya prophet of God who is inspired andis still at the helm of this Church.PRESIDENT ALVIN R. DYER 7&I recall now with great feeling histelephone calls and letters that cameto me while I was presiding over theEuropean Mission, always evidencinga deep interest and always conveyingassurances. One such call came to meat two o'clock in the morning in faroffNorway, as I lay sleepless on mybed and when I needed some kind ofassurance because of something thathad transpired to which I could notreconcile myself in the affairs of theoverall mission. The voice of PresidentMcKay at that very hour waslike a light from heaven.And more recently, I am deeplygrateful for his assignment that he hasgiven to me personally to be a "watchmanon the tower" with regard to theconsecrated land of Missouri, a destined,consecrated place in the greatlatter-day work of our HeavenlyFather.I have had a sense of closeness withPresident McKay many times. Onlyrecently, as he listened to his son.Dr. [Edward R.] McKay, relate theexperiences of his childhood at thetime the manhood award was presentedto President McKay at BrighamYoung University, I notedthat tears were streaming down hisface as his son recalled the events ofhis father's life with his brotherThomas. And I couldn't resist placingmy arms about him and placing mycheek against his, which was wet withtears. I am most grateful for his confidenceand will never betray it.I appreciate the confidence of mybrethren so manifested to me. I haveunbounded respect for their devotionand courage in the administrativeaffairs of the Church.This isthe Lord's workThis is the Lord's work, my brethrenand sisters, and we have no need tofear its triumphant outcome. Thereis a prophet of God presiding, throughwhom God is speaking, as I have witnessedupon so many occasions.I called to mind, as I contemplatedwhat I might say upon this occasion,the words of the Lord unto the ProphetJoseph Smith at a time of frustration.And what was true then is equallytrue today, for we truly are living intimes of frustration. Here are thewords of the Lord's counsel:"The works, and the designs, andthe purposes of God cannot be frus-

— I80Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Daytrated, neither can they come tonaught."For God doth not walk in crookedpaths, neither doth he turn to the righthand nor to the left, neither doth hevary from that which he hath said,therefore his paths are straight, andhis course is one eternal round."Remember, remember that it is notthe work of God that is frustrated, butthe work of men." (D&C 3:1-3.)Assurance in time of troubleThere is another declaration fromthe Lord giving assurance that came ata time of great trouble, when theSaints were forced toleave the consecratedland of Jackson County, Missouri,which had been designated bythe Lord as a place of refuge wherethey were to receive their inheritances,and where the Lord in his time soannounced that the city of the NewJerusalem will be built. The ProphetJoseph Smith fervently prayed to theLord for the reasons for this setback,and he also sent a letter to the bewilderedand grief-stricken Saints, inwhich he recognized the great sufferingof the Saints in Missouri at thattime and how the innocent werepaying for the sins of the guilty withinthe ranks of the members.Iquote from that letter:". . . it is with difficulty that I canrestrain my feelings when I knowthat you, my brethren, with whom Ihave had so many happy hourssitting, as it were, in heavenly placesin Christ Jesus; and also, having thewitness which I feel, and ever havefelt, of the purity of your motivesare cast out, and are as strangers andpilgrims on the earth, exposed to hunger,cold, nakedness, peril, sword—say when I contemplate this, it is withdifficulty that I can keep from complainingand murmuring against thisdispensation; but I am sensible thatthis is not right, and may God grantthat notwithstanding your great afflictionsand sufferings, there may not beanything separate us from love ofChrist." (DHC, Vol. 1, p. 454.)Be still and know that I am GodIt is from the answer that the Lordgave to the Prophet Joseph Smithat that time that I often find words ofconsolation and assurance that canbe used in many sequences, for thisis what the Lord said to the Prophetin the midst of these difficulties:"Therefore, let your hearts be comfortedconcerning Zion; for all fleshis in mine hands; be still and knowthat I am God."Zion shall not be moved out ofher place, notwithstanding her childrenare scattered."They that remain, and are pure inheart, shall return, and come to theirinheritances, they and their children,with songs of everlasting joy, to buildup the waste places of Zion." (D&C101:16-18.)The particular declaration of theLord here is this: "All flesh is in myhands; be still and know that I amGod."This is God's work, my brethrenand sisters. It will not fail. Of thisI testify, in the name of Jesus Christ.Amen.President Joseph Fielding SmithWe have just listened to PresidentAlvin R. Dyer.The congregation and chorus willnow join in singing, "Redeemer ofIsrael."After the singing, Elder Victor L.Brown of the Presiding Bishopric willbe our speaker.The congregation and chorus sangthe hymn, "Redeemer of Israel."

BISHOP VICTOR L. BROWN 81Bishop Victor L. BrownOf the Presiding BishiopricIn the center section of this historicTabernacle sits a group of men frommany parts of the world. Each onehas responsibilities that set him apartfrom others not of his group. Almostevery weekend it is our opportunity tomeet the bishops of the Church intheir own stakes. Today we are privilegedto meet them in general conference.We have the greatest oflove and respect for them and aregrateful for the great work they aredoing.Importance of bishopsBefore I became a bishop, I knewlittle about the responsibilities of theoffice. I have thought perhaps thatother members of the Church may beas uninformed as I was. The bishopis, or should be, one of the most importantpersons in the life of everymember of the Church. If he is importantto us, then we must be importantto him. I pray that I may be ableto say something that will draw thebishops closer to their members, buteven more so, the members closer totheir bishops.To understand the bishop, we mustknow something of his responsibilities.They are many. Time is limited, sowe will discuss only a few. First, wewill review two of his temporal responsibilities—careof the needy andfinances.The welfare programFrequently we hear the statement,in connection with the Welfare Program,that the Church takes care ofits own. The bishop plays the keyrole in administering the WelfareProgram. He, and he alone, determineswho will receive assistance, inwhat form it will be, and, with thehelp of the Relief Society president,how much.The bishop approaches this assignmentin a spirit of love, kindness, andunderstanding. One of his prime goalsis to help the people maintain theirself-respect and dignity. He has certainprinciples upon which he administersthe program.The first principle is that we asmembers of the Church are expectedto be self-reliant and independent. Weare taught to have a year'ssupply inreserve in case of serious difficulty.Should circumstances, such as a seriousaccident or illness, result in our needinghelp, we should look to our families.If they cannot help, only thendo we look to the bishop.After a very careful, personal investigation,the bishop decides whether theChurch should render assistance. Ifhe decides it should, the assistancewill be limited to the necessities oflife, and only as long as it takes to getthe family back on its feet. The bishopis not expected to bail us out of financialdifficulty caused by poor managementof our affairs.If he gives assistance, he will expectus to work for it if we are physicallyable. His motive here is to help usmaintain our self-respect by not acceptinga dole. Frankly, many times itwould be much easier for him to givea dole. But he recognizes the dole asan evil, and it is his desire to bless uswith the program, not weaken us.There are many other facets of theprogram, such as fast offering, welfareprojects, budgets, and bishopsstorehouses. As members of the Churchwe are expected to respond to the callof the bishop and his welfare committeein each phase of the program. Insome areas of the world the WelfareProgram is conducted on a limitedbasis. In these cases, we are stillexpected to support the bishop withinthe establishedpolicies.FinancesNow as to finances: The bishopmust look to the members of his wardfor the financial support necessary tocarry on the affairs of the ward.One of the worrisome problemssome bishops have collecting fimdsis

82SaturdaUt April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Dayfor the ward budget. These are thefluids that are needed to operate theward organizations and to share in thecosts of maintaining the chapel. We,as members of the ward, can offergreat assistance to the bishop if wewill be responsive to his requests forfinancial assistance. The Lord saidhe would open the windows of heavenand pour out blessings that therewould hardly be room enough to receive,if we would pay our tithes andofferings.The bishop realizes that all fundscollected by him are sacred, and thatthey come as a free-will offering.Through our willingness to sustainhim in financial matters, we helplighten his load.Spiritual responsibilitiesSo far we have discussed only temporalmatters. Now let us review someof his spiritual responsibilities.The bishop, by revelation from theLord, is the president of the priestsquorum. He and his counselors constitutethe presidency of the AaronicPriesthood in his ward. He is thecornerstone in all matters pertainingto the youth, both boys and girls. Hereceives help from his counselors, hometeachers, general secretaries, advisers,auxiliary officers and teachers; but heis still the keystone in all that isdone.To the young people may I say:the bishop has been called throughthe inspiration of our Heavenly Fatherto be your spiritual counselor. He isdesignated as a common judge by theLord. He has a special blessing, givinghim the power of discernment andunderstanding. He is the one towhom we should go to confess oursins. This must be done if we are tofully repent. The bishop recognizesthat it is through the blessings of theLord that he is a judge, and unless heis a righteous judge, he is liable tocondemnation, for in the scriptureswe read: "That the rights of thepriesthood are inseparably connectedwith the powers of heaven, and thatthe powers of heaven cannot be controllednor handled only upon theprinciples of righteousness."That they may be conferred uponus, it is true; but when we undertaketo cover our sins, or to gratify ourpride, our vain ambition, or to exercisecontrol or dominion or compulsionupon the souls of the children ofmen, in any degree of unrighteousness,behold, the heavens withdraw themselves;the Spirit of the Lord is grieved;and when it is withdrawn. Amen to thepriesthood or the authority of thatman." (D&C 121:36-37.)Wisdom of bishopsThe bishop is unalterably opposedto sin in any guise; at the same time,he has great understanding and forgivenessfor the sinner. He recognizesmany problems of life and is anxiousto lend a helping hand, particularlywhen the going is difficult. He canhelp you in many ways if you willjust let him. Anything you disclose toyour bishop is expected to be kept asa sacred trust. May I encourage you tolet your bishop bless you with hiswisdom. Get close to him. He willnever be too busy to help you.There is another basic spiritual responsibilitythat may be interpretedas encompassing all others. The bishopisthe spiritual father of the ward, thepresiding high priest. This responsibilityspreads his umbrella wideenough to cover us all.Helpers to bishopHe has a host of helpers to assisthim in this. They are the hometeachers. This is a responsibility ofthe priesthood holder, which, if carriedout devotedly, will lift a greatload from the bishop's shoulders. Thehome teacher is in reality an assistantto the bishop. He is the major contactwith the family. One bishopmade the comment that one of thehighest compliments he had been paidwas to have a family call their hometeacher first in the case of sickness.President McKay has said that if thehome teachers do their duty, in thecase of a death in the family the hometeachers would be called first, not thebishop. May I encourage each home

—BISHOP VICTOR L. BROWN 83teacher tosense his responsibility andcarry out his duty as an assistant tothe bishop.As the father of the ward, the bishophas many other helpers. Each officerand teacher of the ward assists him.We, as ward members, have a responsibilityto respond to calls from thebishop. He should be able to dependon us to carry out our assignments.He needs the help of all of us. Withthat help, not only does the work ofthe Lord progress, but we individuallyare also blessed with a kind of happinessthat comes from no other source,because we show evidence of our lovefor our Heavenly Father; for the scripturessay,". . . when ye are in theservice of your fellow beings ye areonly in the service of your God."(Mosiah 2:17.)Who isthe bishop?Who is this bishop we have beentalking about? He may be the neighbornext door; he may be the son ofyour close friends; he may be thatnoisy boy you had in your SundaySchool class just a few years agoyou remember, the one you were readyto send out, never to come back.He almost always is a husband,generally a father, always a breadwinner.He is faced with all of theproblems you and I have. He has hishuman frailties and weaknesses, hislikes and dislikes, maybe even someidiosyncrasies. Yes, he is a humanbeing—a special human being becauseof a special calling with a specialblessing. Here is what the Lord saidhe must be: "A bishop then must beblameless, the husband of one wife,vigilant, sober, of good behaviour,given to hospitality, apt to teach;"Not given to wine, no striker, notgreedy of filthy lucre; but patient, nota brawler, not covetous;"One that ruleth well his own house,having his children in subjection withall gravity;"(For if a man know not how torule his own house, how shall hetake care of the church of God?)"Not a novice, lest being lifted upwith pride he fall into the condemnationof the devil." (1 Tim. 3:2-6.)Family shares responsibilityThis man, your bishop, did not askfor this position; he did not even volunteer.He most likely accepted thecalling with fear and trembling, yetwith the faith and desire to perfecthimself so as to measure up to thatwhich the Lord expects of him.His loyal, loving wife and his childrenhave also agreed to share in hisresponsibility with him, by not complainingwhen he is away from homeso much of the time, by being cheerfulwhen the telephone always ringsat dinner time or three o'clock in themorning, and by being willing tocarry some of the responsibility thatnormally belongs to the husband andfather.May the Lord's choicest blessings beshowered upon the heads of these wonderful,devoted bishops, their wives,and their children; and may we, themembers of their wards, respond totheir leadership, even when some ofthem seem so young, and though somewe would not have chosen ourselves.The Lord will bless us for sustainingthe servants he has called to presideover us. I bear you my witness that thisis the Church of Jesus Christ, that thebishops of this Church have beencalled by our Heavenly Father throughthe inspiration extended to those whopreside over us, in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President Joseph Fielding SmithWe have just listened to Elder VictorL. Brown of the Presiding Bishopric.Elder S. Dilworth Young of the FirstCouncil of Seventy will now speak tous. He will be followed by Elder RichardL. Evans of the Council of theTwelve, who will be our concludingspeaker for this session.

84Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCEElder S. Dilworth YoungOf the First Council of the SeventySecond DayEven though time is short, I cannotforbear a brief word concerning AntoineR. Ivins, our deceased seniorpresident. I cannot forget his gentlemanners, his courteous and kindly wayof directing us, or his constant adherenceto the law of leadership justmentioned by Brother Brown concerningpersuasion, long-suffering,gentleness, meekness, love unfeignedby kindness, and pure knowledge. Hiswas an older generation than mine,and he should have been marked bythe conservatism that comes with age.Yet he was constantly eager to meet thepresent day with new approaches. Heurged those of us who were younger tothink new thoughts and to try newmethods. We have missed him.Stirring times for seventiesMany testimonies have been borneof Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Idirect my remarks to those—the seventies—^whoare expected to gain andbear a special witness of him.These are stirring times for theseventies of the Church. In everystake they are expected by virtue oftheir ordinations to seek out the honestin heart, to teach the glad tidings,to declare the restoration of the powerof God in the earth to bring salvationto all and exaltation to those whosewill it is to completely obey him.Each quorum should be alert to itsopportunities. All about us are thosewho, while living among us, knowvery little about us. They see usleave for work and come home. Theysee our lights go out as we retire to rest,but they do not comprehend our deepabiding joy in the restoration, as thespirit whispers to us peace. We havean obligation to live in such a mannerthat they will see. And we have afurther obligation to open our doors,our windows, and our hearts to themso that if they are at all willing, theycannot fail to see and, in addition, tohear and accept.Call to preach the gospelThere will be many seventies whowill obey the formal call to preach thegospel, which comes by prophecy andby the laying on of hands by those inauthority. And they will go forth asmissionaries filled with the spirit oftheir calling. There will be manyothers who will be appointed to goforth and make friends of those wholive near them but who do not knowus. Some of these neighbors have beenprejudiced by false stories; some haveobserved with negative feelings theactions of those who do not act asSaints should; and some are in ignoranceof us as a united people andof the teachings that lift us to greaterhope and higher ideals.You seventies, all of you, are nowinvited to make friends with at leasttwo families this year—^now! Let themsee you at home, at prayer, at work.Let them catch the gentleness of thespirit of Christ the Lord within you.Bring them—^the whole family—toyour homes. Let them break breadwith you. Bring them into the socialactivity of the ward. Let them see theportrayal of our beliefs at the visitorscenters. Even as the home teacherfellowships the newly baptized members,in like manner you should bringthose who are not of us under thewings of love to your bosoms.Work to be orderlyBut let it be done in an orderlymanner. The seventies group leaderin the ward will assist, suggestingavailable families. Once you haveagreed to reach out to them, these willbe your families. No one else will goto them while you are assigned towork with them. If you do not goto them, they will not hear. Youwill decide when they are ready to betaught the doctrines of salvation. Paulsaid: "For whosoever shall call uponthe name of the Lord shall be saved."How then shall they call on him

—in whom they have not believed? andhow shall they believe in him ofwhom they have not heard? and howshall they hear without a preacher?"And how shall they preadi, exceptthey be sent? ." . . (Rom. 10:13-15.)We hope the seventies will make itpossible for them to hear.Accomplishments through faithPaul also called to the attention ofthe Hebrews the great work that hadbeen accomplished by faith by thosewho had lived in former times. Afterreviewing these great acts of faith,beginning with righteous Abel ande3Ctending throughout Hebrew history,he then said: "Wherefore seeing wealso are compassed about with sogreat a cloud of witnesses, let us layaside every weight, and the sin whichdoth so easily beset us, and let us runwith patience the race that is set beforeus." (Heb. 12:1.)Should we as seventies do less? Dowe not have a greater cloud of witnessesthan did Paul? We have hiswitnesses, and in addition we alsohave the witnesses of modem times.We have the witness of Joseph Smith,who saw and talked with God theFather and his exalted Son. We havethe witness of Brigham Yoimg, of JohnTaylor, of Wilford Woodruff, and ofthe remainder of the Prophets of theLord unto President David O. McKayin our day. We have the witness ofthe more than 80 apostles, who havedone mighty works since the day ofJoseph Smida. We have the witnessof those who faced the hostile hosts inMissouri and Illinois; and of those,too, who walked with faith into thesemoimtain valleys, offering up theirELDER RICHARD L. EVANS 85daily prayers for help and strengthand succor. We have the witness ofthe Church grown strong, and of itshundreds of thousands of happymembers.Witness of living testimonyBut most of all we have the witnesswhich enters into the heart of eachof us, the living testimony given bythe power of the Holy Ghost. Let usnot fail to bear that witness. And,too, let us not fail to make it possiblefor the witness to be borne throughthe warming love of friendship.There have been times when wethought that if we approached a manand he, hostile because of stories hehad heard about us,or suspicious becausewe were strangers, rebuffed us,then we had done our duty by shakingoff the dust of our feet against him.We have not done that duty until wehave given him a fair chance to learnthat his prejudices are unfounded. Tofind families and show them by ourlove that we are truly followers ofJesus Christ is our manifest duty. Letus not shirk or falter, but let us carrythe message to these worthy and goodpeople in our midst.I bear my witness that the gospelis once again on the earth brought byangels, as John on Patmos declaredit would be; that Joseph Smith was itsfirst restoring Prophet; and that PresidentMcKay is its present livingProphet. The Lord Jesus Christ livesand is the author of our salvation andour exaltation. We need but to believeand follow his teachings to gaina place in his kingdom. May we doso I pray in his name. Amen.Elder Richard L. EvansOf the Council of the Twelve ApostlesMay I first cite some lines writtenfor a recent purpose:Young people sometimes seem to decideto go it alone in life. They learna little and feel they have learnedmuch more, and often fail to seekcounsel because they think they alreadyknow the answer—or at leastthe one they want. But none of usat any age—is ever so old or so young,so knowledgeable or so self-assured,that he doesn't need counsel.

86Saturday^ April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DayWhen a person of much experienceand much responsibility fails to seekor accept counsel, he has arrived at aprecarious place. When a person of inexperiencefeels he doesn't need to listen,doesn't need to learn, he too hasarrived at a precarious place."They that will not be counselled,"said Benjamin Franklin, "cannot behelped. If you do not hear reason,she will rap you on the knuckles."Safety in counselNo one is knowledgeable enough orhas perspective enough to think ofeverything at once, to see all possiblemeanings in a clause or contract orcommitment, or to be aware of all thehazards, or to see all sides of a subject.No one should write a letter ofserious commitment, put anything intoprint, or make a decision of consequence—inmoney, career—ormattersbeofenticedmarriage,to signor say yes to any plausible proposition,or make any quick or substantial commitmentof any kind without considering,reconsidering, and seekingadequate counsel.Successful people need counsel. Unsuccessfulpeople need counsel.The hasty impulse, the know-it-allattitude, the pride that keeps us fromasking—these are dangerous approachesto any problem. From the youngestin years to the oldest of age, there isno one who can be always sure he isright, no one who has learned somuch of life that he doesn't need thecounsel of others and a prayerful approachto all problems. "Cbunselwith the Lord in all thy doings," saidAlma, "and he will direct thee forgood. ." . . (Al. 37:37.)There is safety in counsel, no safetywithout it. "They that will not becounselled, cannot be helped." ("TheSpoken Word," February 25, 1968.)All need counselNow to turn to some other facets ofthe subject:All of us have decisions to make.All of us need help. All of us wouldbe in trouble if we didn't counselwith others. We need the judgmentand experience of others. We need toconsult competent counsel when wehave an illness. We need counselwhen we have a problem—and, sometimesmore important, before we havea bigger problem.We cannot emphasize too much theimportance of sincerely seeking counsel,and not trying to go it alone inlife.Counsel inchurch assignmentsThe First Presidency sitin counsel.We have a Council of the Twelve, theCouncil of the Seventy. We counselwith each other—continually—longhours each week. We try earnestly,prayerfully, searchingly to consider allsides of the policies, the procedures,Wethe problems that come before us.counsel with the President, whom wesustain in the weighty obligations anddecisions that come with his calling.All, or any one of us, would be indifficulty, and so would the work be,if we were to venture out as individualswith new programs, newpolicies, in supposed self-sufficiency.Virtually all presiding positions inall the quorums and organizations ofthe Church call for counselors. Thisis not by chance, and it is significantthat it should be so. Presidents, bishops,quorum presidents, you who head upall the organizations: Use your counselors.They are there to function, andnot merely for form.You may remember President Mc-Kay's counsel at the October conference:"Let us, too, recognize the localauthority," he said. "The bishop maybe a humble man. Some of you maythink you are superior to him, andyou may be, but he is given authoritydirect from our Father in heaven.Recognize it. Seek his advice and theadvice of your stake president. If theycannot answer your difficulties or yourproblems, they will write to the GeneralAuthorities and get the adviceneeded. Recognition of authority isan important principle." (The ImprovementEra, Vol. 70 [December1967], p. 34.)

—ELDER RICHARD L. EVANS 87Counsel from the pastWe ought to seek counsel also fromthe prophets of the past, and thecounsel God has given, by searchingthe scriptures, thoughtfully, prayerfully.Often the answers we are seekingare already there.We ought also to counsel with conscience,and listen to the promptingsof the Spirit. Our Fatlier has not leftus alone, and when we go against thedirection.The accumulated experience of theages is a source of counsel and a veryprecious part of the heritage we have.We can't go back and begin at thebegiiming. Trial and error, whatothers have gone through, history, havetold us much. We know what happenswhen nations and people personallyignore moral standards, virtues,honesty. The counsel of the past isnot to be ignored.The source of securityTo you, beloved and respected youngpeople of the Church, and all othersalso: The commandments are still inforce. Preparation, character, competenceare still the source of security.Proceed with your preparation; keepyour mental and physical and spiritualfaculties in balance and at their best.Don't acquire harmful habits or usethings that would distort or dull yoursenses.Have faith. Work, study, prepare.Don't let yourself drift into the kindof company where the counsels areevil, or be misled by influences thatwould downgrade maimers and morals.Live so as to have peace and selfrespect.Don't give way to the permissivelooseness that leads to thequicksand of life.Common ground forparents and childrenNow, may I recall some words writtenas a plea for parents and childrento come to common ground:It is an odd thing, in a way, howeach generation seems to feel that eachpreceding generation is somewhat oldfashioned—howeach generation listensimpatiently to the lessons of thelast. Youth is so sure the rules havechanged. Age is sure they haven't.feels it far it Youth knows how cango. Age is deeply aware of the danger.Youth feels it can always applycounsel of the still, small voice ofAgethe brakes in time to save itself.conscience,Anwe haveinterestingreasonsentenceto regret.recently knows it isn't always so. And soread has lodged in my mind: "What'sparents frequently find themselvesgroping, reaching, pleading, trying tothe use of running when you're onthe wrong road?" We hadsaybetter dowhat should be said, in a way thatwe onwill not be misunderstood, in a wayour best to be sure are thethat will not seem meddlesome. Andright road before we run in anyalways there is need for parents andchildren to come to common ground,and to say to one another what shouldso much be said. And so we wouldplead this day with parents and withchildren to be more understandingwith one another.To you as parents, remember whenyou were young; remember why youwanted to do some things you wantedto do; remember how eager you werefor social acceptance, how sensitive youwere to ill-timed criticism, and howeasily your hearts could be hurt, andhow some things, which now seem lessimportant, once mattered very much.All this as parents we ask you toremember.Basic rules unchangedAnd now to you, our children, toyou in your youth: Why should yousuppose that the basic rules havereally changed in the few short yearssince your parents were as young asyou? The road seems new to you. Itisn't new to them. The/ve been overit. They are still traveling it, and itis still essentially the same. We havemore; we move faster; we have acquiredsome things and lost othersbut it is still true that causes arealways followed by consequences.And as you ask your parents to rememberthis of you, will you also rememberthis of them: that they wereyoung, not very long ago, as you are

—Saturday^ April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Dayyoung today—that they once thoughtyour thoughts; that they once feltthey too had found new ways, andfelt your longings for flight and freedom—andsince have learned the wisdomof restraint.Counsel with parentsRemember, too, that parents havehearts that can be hurt; that they, likeyou, are sensitive to ill-timed criticismand to misunderstanding of their motives.Remember that there is nothing,in righteousness, they would not dofor you. They are yours and you aretheirs, and you and they together havethe privilege, the right, the duty, tosit down and share your thoughts andconsider your decisions with one another,that both of you together may belistened to and respected—and work,and pray and plan together for thewholeness of your happiness—alwaysand forever. ("The Spoken Word,"April 17, 1966.)Those who have given you life, whohave reared you in love, deserve yourconfidence, your consideration. Theydeserve to sit with you in counselfor your own sake and for theirs.May our Father help us to cometogether in the spirit of love andunderstanding, working out the problemsand the great possibilities, and tokeep close in counsel.Live by God's lightThis is God's work. We are hischildren. He sent his Only BegottenSon to redeem us from death and showus the way to eternal life. His gospelis restored. Its power and purposeare with us, and the way is plain, ifwe will only seek and accept counselin love and reverence and respect,and live by the light God has given.To this end may we seek and accepthis help, I pray in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President Joseph Fielding SmithElder Richard L. Evans of the Councilof the Twelve has been our concludingspeaker.I hold in my hand a Western Uniontelegram from Paris, France, in whichthis statement is made: "We here inthe French Mission thank you. Everysession coming through clearly. Howgrateful we are."I am almost tempted to say that weare living in a wonderful age, whenbrethren as far off say as France knowwhat is going on here in the Salt LakeTabernacle.This evening at 7 o'clock the Generalmeeting of the priesthood of theChurch will be held in the Salt LakeTabernacle. Priesthood members onlyare invited to be present.In addition to the overflow meetingin the Assembly Hall, the proceedingsof the priesthood meeting this eveningwill be relayed by closed-circuit broadcast,originating in the Tabernacle, tomembers of the Aaronic and MelchizedekPriesthood assembled in approximately500 separate locations in allparts of the United States and Canada.It is estimated that approximatelyten thousand holders of the priesthoodwill be on Temple Square, and approximatelyninety-five thousand otherswill gather in the other locations fromcoast to coast and in Canada.Proceedings of the priesthood meetingalso will be broadcast publicly overKSL Radio and Television, and will bereceived by many throughout Utahand in parts of other adjoining states.The Sunday morning session will bebroadcast by many radio and televisionstations in the west; and by short-wavein English over Station WNYW toEurope, South America, Central America,Mexico, Africa, and parts of Asia.Again, 30 radio stations will broadcastthe translated conference sessionson Sunday morning in major cities ofMexico and Central America, togetherwith Spanish programming stations inthis country, to a potential LatinAmerican audience of three millionpeople.This morning's and tomorrow morning'ssessions will be carried by directwire from the Tabernacle over oceaniccables to a large number of membersand friends assembled in chapelsthroughout Great Britain, Germany,Austria, Holland, Sweden, and Norway.The CBS Radio Network TabernacleChoir Broadcast tomorrow morning

GENERAL PRIESTHOOD MEETING 89will be from 9:35 to 10:00 a.m. Thosedesiring to attend this broadcast mustbe in their seats not later than 9:15 a.m.The singing of this session has beenfurnished by the Logan LDS InstituteChoir, with James L. Bradley conducting,and Roy M. Darley at the organ."Almighty God of Our Fathers."The benediction will be offered byElder Maurice J. Taylor, President ofthe Temple View Stake, after whichthis conference will be adjourned untilseven o'clock this evening.The chorus sang, "Almighty Godof Our Fathers."I am sure this great gathering in theTabernacle and our radio and televisionaudience would wish me to expressfor them our heartfelt appreciationfor the excellent singing of thisThe closing prayer was offered byPresident Mauricegroup of students. We thank them forJ. Taylor of theTemple View Stake.their contribution to the meeting.The chorus will now favor us with Conference adjourned until 7:00 p.m.FIFTH SESSIONGENERAL PRIESTHOOD MEETINGThe General Priesthood meeting ofthe Church convened at 7:00 p.m.,Saturday, April 6, 1968, with PresidentN. Eldon Tanner, second counselor inthe First Presidency, conducting.The men of the Tabernacle Choirfurnished the singing for this session,with Richard P. Condie conducting.Robert Cundick was at the organ.President Tanner made the followingintroductory remarks:President N. Eldon TannerThis is the General Priesthood Sessionof the 138th Annual Conferenceof The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints.President McKay had hoped to bewith us this evening, but his doctorshave urged that he not attempt to doso. He will be watching these proceedingsby television. He sends hislove and greetings to all the priesthoodmembers assembled in the variousbuildings throughout the Church.However, he does have a message forSelection by the chorus, "Seek Himus to be given to us later.That Maketh the Seven Stars andIt may be of interest to you to know Orion."that these services are being relayed byclosed-circuit wire to members of thePresidentpriesthood gathered in the AssemblyN. Eldon TannerHall and in approximately 500 other We shall now hear the message ofseparate locations from coast to coast, President David O. McKay, which willand in Canada. It is estimated that be read by his son, David Lawrenceapproximately one hundred thousand McKay, General Superintendent of thewill participate in this meeting by Deseret Sunday School Union Generaldirect wire. In addition, the proceed-Board.ings of this priesthood session are beingbroadcast publicly over KSL Radio andTelevision, and can be received bymany throughout a wide area of Utahand in parts of other adjoining states.The singing during this session willbe furnished by the men of the TabernacleChoir, with Richard P. Condieconducting, and Robert Cundick at theorgan.We shall begin this service by thechorus singing, "Prayer at Evening,"after which Elder Grant I. Clove, presidentof the Uvada Stake, will offer theinvocation.The chorus sang the hymn, "Prayerat Evening."President Grant I. Clove of theUvada Stake offered the invocation.The men of the Tabernacle Choirwill now favor us with, "Seek HimThat Maketh the Seven Stars andOrion," with Albert Fallows as soloist.

—90Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCEPresident David 0. McKay(Read by his son, David Lawrence l\^cKay)Second DayThe Prophet Joseph Smith andPresident Brigham Young both saw invision the place in the Rocky Mountainsto which the Saints would eventuallybe driven. I am wonderingwhether they also saw in vision sucha gathering of priesthood as we havehere in this Tabernacle and in themore than 400 other buildings tonight.I think the Prophet must have seen it,for he said: ". . . the Saints [will]become [a great and] a mightypeople." (Documentary History of theChurch, Vol. 5, p. 85.)Impression made by guideI am impressed not only with thepower that you radiate, but also withthe responsibility that each one of youcarries. I am reminded of an incidentI have related on other occasions.Some years ago, a dinner was given inhonor of Mr. Gordon Rentschler, whowas then chairman of the board of theNational City Bank of New York.When that gentleman expressed hisappreciation for the honor bestowedupon him, he said, among other things:"One of my first experiencestwenty-odd years ago—Orville Wrightand I came here one day with four orfive others. We went over to thetemple grounds.around byWe were takensome man—^we neverlearned his name. Here was an extraordinaryindividual telling the storyI think it was at noontime. OrvilleWright and I came back to this hotel[the Utah], and Orville said: 'Youknow, that fellow has got somethingthat we are all missing, and that isthe reason these fellows are a greatpeople.' We spent one of the mostinteresting hours I have ever spent inmy life."Authority given from on highNow, we do not arrogate to ourselvesthe thought that we merit these adjectives.I am referring to it only becausethere was something which impressedthose men as being peculiar to ourpeople. Well, if they only could haveknown it, that something is representedhere tonight by this large gathering ofthe priesthood. That something is thepriesthood, the divine authority, theauthority given from on high for eachone to represent God in the particularfield in which that one is assignedtolabor.I tell you, brethren, it is a wonderfulthing to have the privilege of beingone of this group and being consideredworthy to be a representative of theMost High. I said I was conscious of agreat responsibility, too. The instancethat I related—the remark made bythe renowned inventor of the airplane—brings home to us the responsibilityof maintaining that something distinctivewhich has impressed otherrenowned visitors who have been Inour midst, and which in the futureshould continue to impress them.Youth need religionWe shall be privileged during thismeeting to witness a filmstrip on thetimely subject "After High School,What?" with a narration by PresidentBrown.Education, as this presentation willportray, has always been an essentialpart of the gospel plan. Members ofthe priesthood, especially, should seekconstantly for that upliftment whichwill qualify them for the good lifeand service in the cause of the Master.Well might we ask, "After ordinationto the priesthood, what?"Education to be complete must includespiritual growth. In this sense,youth need religion.Religion stabilizessocietyI shall offer only three reasons thisevening for giving proper religioustraining to youth.First: Youth should have religion inorder to stabilize society. Goethe hasrightly said that "the destiny of anynation at any given time depends on

—PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY 91the opinions of its young men underfive and twenty."On this same thought, Roger W.Babson many years ago had the foresightto comment as follows:"Although the airplane opens upboundless opportunities, it also threatenslimitless perils. All depends uponwhether we can match this flood ofnew material powers with an equalgain in spiritual forces. The cominggeneration can see in a minute morethan the former generation could seein a week. The coming generationcan out-hear and out-travel the formergeneration. Horse-power has expandedbeyond all dreams. But what aboutman power? What about spiritualpower, and the power of judgment,discretion, and self-control? Unlessthere is a development of characterequal to this enlargement of physicalforces, there is sure trouble ahead.Twenty-five years ago, an intoxicatedman might tip the buggy over, butcommonly the old horse would bringhim home. Today, a driver under theinfluence of liquor, maims and kills.Tomorrow, therefore, is something toponder over. Without moral progress,in pace with physical progress, theairplane will merely make dissipationmore disastrous, immorality morewidespread, and crime more efficient.As one result of the automobile hasbeen to put hell on wheels, the airplanewill put hell on wings unlessrighteousness, too, is speeded up. Onthe development of character dependsairplane shall bringwhether theprosperity or calamity." (Forum,April 1931.)"Science," says Millikan, "withoutreligion obviously may become a curserather than a blessing to mankind.But science dominated by the spirit ofreligion is the key to progress and thehope of the future."Hayden gives a similar warning, asfollows: "Today, as seldom if everbefore, human society is threatenedwith disintegration, if not completechaos." Why? "All the ancient evilsof human relationships, injustice, selfishness,abuse of strength, becomesinister and terrible when reinforcedby the vast increase of material power.The soul of man cowers, starved andfearful, in the midst of a civilizationgrown too complex for any mind tovisualize or to control. Joy and beautyfade from human living. Yet lifeabundant, beauteous, laughing lifehas been our age-long labor's end.What other conceivable worth has themastery of the material world, the exploitationof the resources of natureand the creation of wealth, except asa basis for the release of the life ofthe spirit?" And then he adds: "Weare witnessing either the crumblingof civilization under the weight of itsmaterial mechanism, or the birth of anew organization with a spiritualideal."So much for the relation of religionto the stabilizing of society.Religion satisfiesthe soulSecond: Youth need religion tosatisfythe innate longing of the soul.a spiritual being, and sometimeor another every man is possessed withMan isa longing, an irresistible desire, toknow his relationship to the Infinite.He realizes that he is not just a physicalobject to be tossed for just a shorttime from bank to bank, only to besubmerged finally in the ever-flowingstream of life. There is somethingwithin him that urges him to riseabove himself, to control his environment,to master the body and all thingsphysical, and to live in a higher andmore beautiful world.James Russell Lowell, in his tributeto spring,says:"Every clod feels a stir of might.An instinct within it that reaches andtowers.And groping blindly above it for light,Climbs to a soul in grass and flowers."So there is in man not only an instinct,but also a divinity that strivesto push him onward and upward. Thesense is universal, and at some time inhis life every man is conscious of possessingit.

92Saturday^ April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DayThree great needsAssociated with this spiritual urgeare three great needs that remain unchangedthroughout the centuries: (1)Every normal person yearns to knowsomething of God. What is he like?Is he interested in the human family,or does he disregard it entirely? (2)What is the best life to live in thisworld in order to be most successfuland to get the most happiness? (3)What is that inevitable thing calleddeath? What is beyond it?If you want your answers to theselongings of the human soul, you mustcome to the Church to get it. Onlytrue religion can satisfy the yearningsoul. At this point, we approach theborder line between science and religion.The line between the coldfacts of science and the revelation ofthe spirit is so fine that students needto contact a mind that can and willlead them from the real, the practical,into that realm which satisfies thesoul.Religion gives purpose to lifeThird: Youth need religion to complyproperly with the purposes of creation.There is a purposeful design permeatingall nature, the crowning event ofwhich is man. Here, on this thought,science again leads the student up toa certain point, and sometimes leaveshim with his soul unanchored. Forexample, evolution's theory of thecreation of the world offers many perplexingproblems to the inquiringmind. Inevitably, a teacher who deniesdivine agency in creation, whoinsists that there is no intelligentpurpose in it, undoubtedly impressesthe student with the thought that allmay be chance.I say that no youth should be leftwithout a counterbalancing thought.Even the skeptical teacher should befair enough to say that Charles Darwinhimself, when he faced the great questionsof eventual annihilation, ifcreationis dominated only by chance,wrote: "It is an intolerable thoughtthat man and all other sentient thingsare doomed to complete annihilation.after such long-continued, slowprogress."And another good authority, RaymondF. West, lecturing on immortality,said: "Why this vast expenditureof time and pain and blood? Whyshould man come so far if he is destinedto go no farther? A creaturewhich has traveled such distances andfought such battles and won suchvictories deserves, one is compelled tosay, to conquer death and rob the graveof itsvictory."Immortality and eternal lifeThe facts are, and the studentshould so understand, that all thepreparation of earth is but an anticipationof the crowning glory of creation.Fosdick says: "The perpetuationof personality is the highest thing increation." This great thinker has comeby reasoning to what Joseph Smithreceived by revelation, which is oneof the most sublime utterances in modernscripture: "For behold, this is mywork and my glory—to bring to passthe immortality and eternal life ofman." (Moses 1:39.) God's plan, God'spurpose, is the perfection of humanity.He does care; he does love his children.He is not merely a blind force, not anabstract power, but a living, personalGod.God a personal beingCharles A. Dinsmore, formerly ofYale University, made the followingstatement concerning God £is a personalbeing:"It is the eye of faith that seesthe broad horizons, the color and thegleam. Religion, standing on theknown experience of the race, makesone bold and glorious affirmation. Sheasserts that this power that makes fortruth, for beauty, and for goodness isnot less personal than we. [And thatis the declaration of The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, thatJesus is not less personal than we, andthat his Father, the Eternal Father,is a personal God.] This leap offaith is justified because God cannotbe less than the greatest of His works;

PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY 93the Cause must be adequate to theeffect. When, therefore, we call Godpersonal, we have interpreted Him bythe loftiest sjonbol we have. He maybe infinitely more. He cannot be less.When we call God a Spirit, we usethe clearest lens we have to look atthe Everlasting. As Herbert Spencerhas well said, 'The choice is not betweena personal God and somethinglower, but between a personal Godand something higher.' " {Christianityand Modern Thought, Yale UniversityPress, 1924.)Stand on true educationWe of The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints take our stand ontrue education from what has beengiven to us in the scriptures. In theDoctrine and Covenants it was revealedthat: "Whatever principle ofintelligence we attain unto in this life,it will rise with us in the resurrection."And if a person gains more knowledgeand intelligence in this lifethrough his diligence and obediencethan another, he will have so muchthe advantage in the world to(D&C 130:18-19.)And also:come.""It is impossible for a man to besaved in ignorance." (D&C 131:6.)Southey tells us that on his walk onestormy day, he met an old woman towhom, by way of greeting, he madethe rather obvious remark that it wasdreadful weather. She answered philosophicallythat, in her opinion, "Anyweather is better than none!" Likewise,any education is undoubtedly betterthan none, but a free people, to remainfree, must ever strive for the highestand best.The role of religionCourses required of all students inour public schools should include theimportant areas of study that directlyor indirectly provide the student withopportunities for spiritual growth andreligious inspiration. From such studyit is reasonable to expect that ourstudents will better understand howvital has been the role of religion atcritical moments in history; how importantspiritual insights in religiousfaith can be in the lives of men andwomen; how closely related are humangreatness and such qualities as honesty,integrity, humility, generosity, andcompassion.We may expect in our studentsmore idealism and less cynicism, morewholesome courage and faith in thefuture, and less pessimism and forebodingfear. We may hope for increasedtolerance of racial and religiousdifferences, increased respect for flioseof opposite political views or for thoseof lower social and economic levels;increased awareness of the basic andinviolable dignity of the individualman or woman. We may contribute tothe development of a more sensitivesocial conscience—a greater sense ofresponsibility for the less fortunate inour society. We may even, perhapis,without knowing it, bring a boy orgirl closer to God.I am repeating what we all knowand feel when 1 say that our country'sgreatest asset is its manhood and itswomanhood. Upon that depends notonly the survival of the individualfreedom vouchsafed by the Constitutionand Bill of Rights and all otherideals for which the founders of theRepublic fought and died, but alsothe survival of the best that we cherishin present-day civilization throughoutthe world. The preservation ofthese must come through education.Promulgation of truthThe Church stands for education.The very purpose of its organization isto promulgate truth among men. Membersof the Church are admonished toacquire learning by study, and also byfaith and prayer; to seek after everythingthat is virtuous, lovely, of goodreport, or praiseworthy. In this seekingafter, they are not confined to narrowlimits of dogma or creed, but arefree to launch into the realm of theinfinite.But gaining knowledge is one thing,and applying it, quite another. Wisdomis the right application ofknowledge, and true education—theeducation for which the Church stands

94Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Day—is the application of knowledge tothe development of a noble and Godlikecharacter.Development of moraland spiritual valuesA great and continuing purpose ofeducation has been the development ofmoral and spiritual values. To fulfillthis purpose, society calls upon itsinstitutions. Special claims are madeon the home and the school becauseof the central role of these two institutionsin the nurture of the young.By moral and spiritual values, wemean those values which, when appliedin human behavior, exalt and refinelatter-day work and lead the childrento the realm of immortality and peacehere as well as happiness throughouteternity.Responsibility of priesthoodGod bless you brethren. With allmy heart I pray God to bless you, thatevery member of the Church, aswellas everyone who holds the priesthood,may sense the responsibility of membershipin the Church of Christ. Ifwe can only maintain the standardsof the gospel of Jesus Christ, the futureof the Church is secure. Truly,men and women will see a light thatis not hidden under a bushel, but onethat is set upon a hill, and they willbe attracted by it, and will be led toseek the truth more by our acts anddeeds and by what we radiate invirtue and integrity, rather than bywhat we say.I pray God to bless us in this greatwork in the name of Jesus Christ.life and bring it into accord with the Amen.standards of conduct that are approvedPresident N. Eldon Tannerin our democratic culture.Youth need religion. The world The men's chorus will now sing,needs it. It is the world's greatest "O My Father."need IGod help us to teach the true religionThe men of the Tabernacle Choiras revealed in this dispensation by thesang the hymn, "O My Father."Lord Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith.God bless you teachers in the Churchschools, institutes, and seminaries, thatyou may have the spirit of this greatPresident N. Eldon TannerWe are fortunate indeed to havesuch a lovely chorus.Dr. Lowell L. Bennion, AssociateDean of Students at the University ofUtah, who is a leading educator andhas contributed much in the field ofeducation, and given a lifetime ofservice to the Church, will now speakto us.Elder Lowell L. BennionMember of the Youth Correlation Planning CommitteeMy dear brethren and friends: PresidentMcKay has asked me to talk tothe youth of the Church about education.I am not particularly gratefulfor this task, but I am thankful forhis trust and faith in me. I am alsograteful for the example which he hasset for us in the field of education.President McKay loves the Lord withall his mind, as well as with his heartand soul. I know this from personalexperience.On several occasions when I havedared to impose upon him with problemsthat were very critical to me, Ihave always come away satisfied in mymind as well as in my heart. Onething he taught me when I first beganto teach in the Church has been extremelyhelpful. He said, "BrotherBennion, remember, words do notconvey meanings; they call themforth." I speak out of the context ofmy experience, and you listen out ofthe context of yours, and that is whycommunication is difficult. I don't

expect to be fully understood tonightnor that you will agree with everythingthat is said, and I certainly invitePresident Brown to qualify and correctanything that he feels he should.It isELDER LOWELL L. BENNION 95also inspiring to me that PresidentMcKay in his ninety-fifth yearshould be liinking of the future andputting himself in the place of youthas he planned the theme of thismeeting.controversy and great emotional excitement,he said in retrospect, "Mymind was called up to serious reflection."And the biblical passage whichstirred him the most was that famousverse from James, "If any of you lackwisdom, let him ask of God. .". .(James 1:5.) "Never," he wrote, "didany passage of scripture come withmore power to the heart of man thanthis did at this time to mine. ... Ireflected on it again and again, knowingthat if any person needed wisdomfrom God, I did. ." . . (Joseph Smith2:12.)Unknowingly, and unconsciouslyperhaps, the boy Joseph carried out theadmonition of the Savior, "Ask, andit shall be given you; seek, and yeshall find; knock, and it shall beopened unto you." (Matt. 7:7.)Continued search for truthThere is no finer sjonbol or characterizationof the Mormon movementto me than to think of the boy Josephgoing to the woods, in his own words,"on the morning of a beautiful, clearday, early in the spring," kneeling,offering a prayer, asking questions ofthe God in heaven. Joseph's searchdid not end there. The gospel andChurch of Christ were not revealedfrom heaven in their entirety like theblueprints of an architect's buildingplans. Rather, Joseph continued toJoseph Smith sought wisdomask questions. He had searching questionsthat he was asking to find solu-If we take a look at Church history,we find that education has played an tions to his problems, and he receivedimportant, proud role. The process of "line upon line, precept upon precept;education began even before the Church here a little, and there a little..". .was organized. We usually think of the (D&C 128:21.) Only in response tobeginning of the Latter-day Saint hungry minds, to earnest questions ofmovement as having taken place in the the boy Prophet and of his associates,Sacred Grove in that glorious First did the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,Vision of the Father and the Son. To it seems to me, reveal their mind.me this is not entirely accurate. The Very soon after the First Vision,initial beginning of our faith took Joseph not only prayed, but he alsoplace, I believe, in the mind of a youth. studied, as has already been indicatedThe boy Joseph in his fifteenth year in President McKay's remarks.had questions; he was searching; hewas eager to know. You should read Education encouragedagain the familiar story, his own story, The first temple built by the LatterdaySaints in Kirtland, Ohio, the mostin the Pearl of Great Price. I wasstruck this week to notice what an sacred of all buildings in the Church,emphasis he placed on learning, on was also used for Ae School of theasking. At a time of considerable Prophets. There they studied not onlyscripture and theology, but alsoHebrew and German; and they weretaught to learn by study and also byfaith, and to seek wisdom out of thebestIt isbooks.remarkable to me too, brethren,that when the Saints came to theWest, struggling to conquer the desertimder the leadership of that verypractical leader, Brigham Young, thathe,a man without formal education,talked about education a great deal.He was always encouraging the Saintsto study science and all things. Infact, he said that Mormonism embracesall truth; even if the infidel has it, itbelongs to us.We have a proud history of educationin the Church that includes thedevelopment of auxiliary organizations,academies, colleges, Brigham YoungUniversity, institutes and seminaries.Generations of Latter-day Saints have

—96Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Daybeen inspired by this philosophy andby the beginnings of our faith to goon in higher education. Our fathers,grandfathers, and great-grandfathershave gone east and west in this country,with faith that any knowledgethey could gain was consistent and inharmony with the gospel of JesusChrist.Education todayWhat about our education today inthe Church? Are you and I as hungryto know? Are we aware of ourlack of wisdom? Are our minds burningand hungering and thirsting for knowledge,as I think Joseph's was, andBrigham Young's, and my father's, andothers? We inherit land and moneyand debts and other things, but educationis not inherited any more thancharacter is. The German poet Goethesaid, "What from your father's heritageboards. Unskilled jobs are decreasing.They are poorly paid. One is expendableif one's only talent is common,untrained physical work. On the otherhand, there has never been such a demandfor trained people, both technicaland professional. Back in depressionyears engineers came out of the universitiesand were glad to take a jobat a filling station or any other kindof work. Today, anybody who istrained as a teacher, social worker,nurse, doctor, lawyer, dentist—^namewhat you will—is in great demand, iswell paid, and I think, generallyspeaking, his work is more interestingthan that of common labor, thoughnot always.Training neededThe frontiers which Mormons haveknown in the past—^the desert, theplains, the prairies, rugged mountainpasses, "hole in the rock"—are nolonger there. Today's frontiers arehuman and social, spiritual and moral.They were mentioned in this morning'smeeting by several of our speakersair pollution, water pollution, crime,delinquency, family disorganization,strife. war, racial The resolution ofthese problems calls for training, forunderstanding, for knowledge, as wellas for character and faith.Education fuIHIIslifeSecondly, I believe that we shouldseek education for education's sake. Iwould not spend my time encouragingyoung people to get more educationsimply to make more money, or to livea life of ease, or to gain status in thisworld. My chief reason for encouragingeducation is that I believe thatis lent, earn it anew to really possess the essence of man is his brain, hisit." We inherit only the opportunity, mind, his spirit; and I think a personthe tradition, and I hope the motivationto seek learning and wisdom and not fulfill his life. His life will endwho does not cultivate his mind willeducation.in frustration and disappointment.I think there are several reasons why Let me illustrate concretely, if I can.you young people should be earnestly Last summer I was in the mountainsengaged in all kinds of education, includingsecular training. The first they found a nest of robins, just readywith some young boys, and one dayreason I would give is that we live in to leave their mother's nest. The boysa technological age. Unskilled labor wanted to take these robins and putis fast diminishing, going by the them in a cage. I suggested that therobins would die if they did but letthem do it; and sure enough, the boysput these little robins in a cage, gavethem water, grain, and grass, and intwo or three days they were dead. Thereason they died is that birds do notbelong in cages. Birds were made bythe Creator to scratch in the earth andto soar in the sky. Birds have wingsto fly. Put a bird in a cage and youdestroy hisnature.Cages we makeNow you and I also find ourselvessometimes in cages, cages of our ownmaking, and though we don't alwaysdie in these cages, we sometimes die amoral and spiritual death; and we findlife shallow and meaningless. Ihaven't time tonight to do any morethan mention the kinds of things that

ELDER LOWELL L. BENNION 97get us in these cages, but in my experiencealcohol does (I should havesaid "in my observation"). In my observation,tiiese mind-expanding drugsdo also. I have talked with a numberof students and young people whohave been caught up in this latesteffort to find the meaning of life byrunning away from it, and what Iobserve is nodiing but tragedy.You and I don't indulge in alcohol,LSD, or marijuana, but we find ourselvesin other cages. One of them issitting as a spectator of life watchingTV day and night It is wonderful towatch a show occasionally, to refreshoneself and get away from the cares ofthe day, but to spend hour upon hourwatching the trivia that comes acrossour movie house screens and TVscreens sometimes is, I believe, a greatdisservice to one's life. Another tragicaspect of the life of contemporary man,in my judgment, is our hunger andthirst and lust for material things. Wewant new clothes, cars, homes, furniture,and drapes, and we spend mostof our time, many of us, trying toachieve these material things withwhich we can identify. I think peoplewho spend most of their life trying tomake money and accumulate materialgoods will wake up with a taste ofashes in their mouths by and by.Things of the SpiritJesus said,". . . for a man's lifeconsisteth not in the abundance of thethings which he possesseth." (Luke12:15.) And he also said, "Be notanxious about the morrow, what yeshall eat and what ye shall drink, andwherewithal ye shall be clothed, butseek ye first the kingdom of God." (SeeMatt. 6:34.) And I think he meant bythat, seek ye first humility and repentance,meekness and integrity,mercy and peaceableness, purity ofheart and sacrifice for fellowmen, andlove—things of the spirit.Buddha said, "In eating, fearing andsleeping, men and beasts are alike. Manexcelleth the beast by engaging in religiouspractices; so why should a man,if he be without religion, not be equaltothe beast."When I first read this, it struckhome. In eating, fearing, and sleeping,men and beasts are alike. Manexcelleth the beast by being human,by engaging in things of the spirit, ofthe mind, of the heart.Qualities of the mindBrethren, how often do you contemplatethe wonderful qualities andaspects of your mind? Imagination isone of the qualities of a human mindthat I cherish deeply; it is the ability totake single images and to put them intoa new image that has never existedbefore. Only a human being canreorganize life around him after hisown image. Only the himian mind, sofar as we know, enjoys memory andcan transcend time and space. Onlyhuman beings can keep the entire pastwith them. You and I can live withJesus, Beethoven, Socrates, and ourgrandfathers. Animals only live ininstinct. Qie present, driven by Onlyhuman beings have language, thepower to symbolize feelings and ideasand to communicate. Imagination,memory, language—^these are wonderfulgifts of the human spirit.Until a year or two ago I kept a pig.My pig never got his eyes above thetrough, except when I came to feedhim; and, brethren, when I went outto feed my pig, I thrilled at the coloron Mt. Ol5Tnpus, and I pondered itsgeology, and I worshiped at the footof the mountain. I sang "O Ye MountainsHigh" to myself alone, and "Forthe Strength of the Hills." I like animals,but believe me, I am gratefulfor those qualities which are distinctlyhvunan and which are divine.You and I were not only created inthe physical image of our Father inheaven; we were also created in hisspiritual image. And if the glory ofGod is intelligence, then the glory ofman is also intelligence. If God isCreator, man must be creative to satisfyhis soul. If God is love, man mustbe loving. If God is a person of integrity,then we must also be honest,to be true to our own nature, whichwe have inherited in part from him.

98Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecond DayGospel must be understoodAnother reason why I believe ineducation is that it is not enough tobelieve the gospel; it must also beunderstood, if we wish to live it. AncientIsrael lived their religion after afashion, but were rejected by God forlack of knowledge. Hear the wordsof the prophet Hosea: "Hear the wordever, I believe that this is not dueof the Lord, ye children of Israel: forprimarily to their thinking. Some ofthe Lord hath a controversy with theour youth who do not go to collegeinhabitants of the land, because therealso lose their faith.is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledgeof God in the land.There are a hundred and one reasonswhy young people lose faith. Some"My people are destroyed for lack ofknowledge: because thou hast rejected who do go to college leave their religionbehind at a very shallow level. . .knowledge, I will also reject theeseeing thou hast forgotten the law of while they proceed to work on theirthy God. PhD's. Some discard religion before. . ."For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice;and the knowledge of God more taken root in their lives. Others losethey have ever known it, before it hasthan burnt offerings." (Hos.faith because they cease4:1,to practice6;religion and study it and live it. Still6:6.)Brethren, the gospel is to be imderstood,as well as believed. The ents and teachers and leaders haveothers lose faith because we their par-gospelhas a beautiful structure aboutnot listened to their questions, haveit.It has form. It is something like abeen too quick to condemn, have notbeautiful Greek edifice, if you respected their free agency and theirwill.The Ten Commandments are relatedhonest thinking. Some lose faith becausethey do not distinguish betweento each other; they hang togetherbeautifully. They strengthengospel principleseachand the actions ofother. The Beatitudes form, in themen. I recall a girl who lost her faithwords of a scholar, a map of life, each because a returned missionary askedone building on the preceding one. The that his engagement ring be returned.wonderful attributes of God People live lives as a whole, and manyreinforceone another and give us afactors influence their faith.marvelous basis for a relationship withCommitted to God and learninghim. It seems to me that we need toreflect deeply upon the gospel of Jesus I dislike very much to see a wedgeChrist in terms of its great fundamentals,and then we need to relate tween secular learning anddriven betweeen faith and reason, be-religiousthese fundamentals to the issues ofthe day.How many of us apply the GoldenRule in business, in race relations inour country today, in relations betweennations? Do we always rememberfree agency, as we deal with ourco-workers, with our children, withour wives?Faith and educationJust one more thought, brethren. Byencouraging its youth to gain aneducation, to study at universities, theChurch is encouraging our youngpeople to think, and to think critically.Parents, church leaders, and even someof our students are afraid that in theprocess of learning, and of learning tothink critically, some of our studentswill lose their faith. I must confessthat some Latter-day Saints, collegeyouth, do lose their religious faith asthey encounter secular learning. How-living.It has been my great privilegeto have known thousands of collegeyouth who are bright, eager studentsin every field—in philosophy, in thesocial sciences, and in every other science.Thousands have kept the faithand are truly committed to both Godand learning. But these people walkwith humility, both in religion and insecular thought.Last Sunday I was privileged to attenda priesthood meeting and SundaySchool in Madison, Wisconsin. Inthese meetings graduate students,professors,businessmen, and intelligent

ELDER LOWELL L. BENNION 99wives were enriching each other'sthinking immeasurably. This is abeautiful thing to behold, and it ishappening in many areas of theChurch. In the life of every LatterdaySaint faith and morality, bomof religion, should be wedded to allthe knowledge and learning we can getfrom every source. It is not an easymarriage—faith and reason—and onewill have to treat the other partnerwith great respect. Like marriagesbetween men and women, there willbe ongoing adjustments; mistakes willbe made; forgiveness will be required;and some divorces will occur. Butmuch of the conflict between faithand reason lies in the person, just asfailures in marriage are usually due tolimitations in husband or wife, orboth, and not in the institution ofmarriage.I repeat, let us not drive a wedgebetween faith and knowledge. Weneed both. I love my bishop, who is abusinessman, and I have sought hiscounsel in spiritual and family affairs,but should the need arise, I shall notask him to remove my appendix. Thegreat problems facing us in the worldtoday are far more intricate than anappendectomy. We need to unite allthe faith and idealism the gospel canprovide and to combine it with all thewisdom of human experience, no matterwho has it.Light a candlelives alone, and her daughter phonedand said, "Mother, is the power off?""Yes.""I will come and bring you home todinner."And her mother said, "No, thankyou.""What will you do if the powerdoesn't come on?"She answered, "I will light a candleand play my guitar."I had a wonderful father who wasan educator, but I have learned, Ithink, as much from this little womanwho is my mother as I have from myfather.My message to you in closing is this:Light a candle. Light the candle thatis within you, the candle that is yourown eternal intelligence, which hasalso received the imprint of divinityin the spiritual creation of our Fatherin heaven.I pray that we Latter-day Saints livingtoday may learn to love the Lordour God with all our mind, as wellas with our hearts and with our souls;I pray that we may hunger and thirstafter righteousness, and after truth, andI ask it humbly, in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerBrother Condie will now lead thecongregation and the chorus in singing:"Do What Is Right."Not all education is found in textbooksor in university halls. I havetime to mention only one illustrationin closing. I know a little lady listeningin tonight who is nearly 94 yearsof age. when she was approximatelyninety, she began to practice the organ.Last year the power went off in herhome, in her apartment where sheThe congregation and chorus sangthe hymn, "Do What Is Right."President N. Eldon TannerPresident Hugh B. Brown, firstcounselor in the First Presidency of theChurch, will now speak to us.

Second Day100 GENERAL CONFERENCESaturday, April 6President Hugh B. BrownFirst Counselor in the First Presidency(During the delivery of President Brown's address, colored slide pictureswere shown on a screen illustrating the theme of his message.)Brethren of the priesthood, we areassembled this evening in this famousTabernacle and in hundreds of chapelsand other meeting places throughoutthe United States and Canada in whatundoubtedly is the largest priesthoodgathering in this dispensation, augmentedby a large audience who havejoined us on a TV broadcast.We meet reverently in the name ofthe founder and head of the Church,our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, ofwhose divinity we humbly bearwitness.Cultivate appetite for learningUnder the direction of his Prophet,President David O. McKay, the FirstPresidency of the Church issues anadmonition and a charge that is directedto youth and adults alike—inshort, to all members of the Churchand to our fellowmen everywhere. Butour appeal is primarily to you who arein that interesting but difficult periodbetween childhood and adulthood,sometimes called adolescence, whenyou no longer yield to the strict controlof childhood but are not ready toaccept the full responsibilities ofadulthood.Keep in mind the challenging factthat your aim is not to get ahead ofothers but to surpass yourself; to begintoday to be the person you want to be;to immortalize today and all the tomorrowsthat lie ahead, in order thatyour life may have eternal significance.Cultivate an unquenchableappetite for learning.Each of you is the heir of the ages.They who have gone ahead of youhave partially discovered and revealeda world of wonder with limitless imchartedfields ahead.Incidentally, we have often urgedour young people to carry their laughterover into their mature years. Awholesome sense of humor will be asafety valve that will enable you toapply the lighter touch to heavyproblems and to learn some lessons inproblem solving that "sweat and tears"often fail to dissolve. A line fromProverbs advises us that "a merryheart doeth good like a medicine: buta broken spirit drieth the bones."(Prov. 17:22.)Be preparedWe live in a fast-moving and rapidlychanging society whose challenges areawesome in scope and baffling in complexity.Ours is an atomic age, whenmotion, action, and revolutionarychange are constants. A new world isbursting upon us with startling suddennessand irresistible force—a worldwhich is at once auspicious andominous. The times require that weprepare to meet the demands of thefuture, make the required sacrifices,enjoy its rewards and priceless privileges,and accommodate ourselves tothe universal law of change.To that end, then, our first chargeto you is "be prepared." Constantlyprepare and continue to prepare for thefuture— your future—to which you areexpected to make significant contributions.Man's flight through life issustained by the power of his knowledge.The preparation which we admonishis but another word for education,with its attendant discipline, whetherimposed or voluntary.Each one of you must face andsolve the problem of what you are todo after you graduate from highschool. This is one of life's pivotalquestions that must be answered byyou with resolution and enthusiasm.Your answer, if buttressed by courageand stamina, will determine in largemeasure how you will spend the balanceof your lives. It is, therefore, oftranscendent importance.

—PRESIDENT HUGH B. BROWN 101Dangerous detoursBut there will be temptations anddown-drag along the way—subtlewhisperings intended to induce you toforsake your quest for knowledge andbe led into dangerous detours. Bewarethat you do not yield to thesometimes enticing but always falseand soul-destroying temptations topartake of things that God has saidare not good for man.I quote Mr. [Robert G.] Ingersoll,soul.who certainly was not prompted by aBy that soul's gloom and lonelinessreligious motive, but whoweused hismarvelous rhetoric to strike at thiscommon enemy, alcohol: "I believe,gentlemen, that alcohol, . . . demoralizesthose who make it, those who sellit, and those who drink it. I believethat from the time it issues from thecoiled and poisonous worm of thedistillery until itempties into the hellof crime, death, and dishonor, it demoralizeseverybody that touches it.I do not believe that anybody cancontemplate the subject without becomingprejudiced against this liquidcrime. All you have to do, gentlemen,is to think of the wrecks upon eitherbank of this stream of death—of thesuicides, of the insanity, of the poverty,of the ignorance, of the distress, of thelittle children tugging at the fadeddresses of weeping and despairingwives, asking for bread; of the men ofgenius it has wrecked, of the millionswho have struggled with imaginaryserpents produced by this devilishthing. And when you think of thejails, of the almshouses, of the prisons,and of the scaffolds upon either bankI do not wonder that every thoughtfulman is prejudiced against the damnedstuff called alcohol."Let no one persuade you that theimproper use of narcotics, which isbecoming somewhat common on somecampuses, can in any way be beneficial.Some may tell you that certaindrugs expand the soul, but as Al Capptold us in one of his comic strips:"Marijuana and LSD expand the soulin the same way that the atomicbomb expanded Hiroshima." I hopeyou will remember that whenever youare tempted to partake of narcotics.As Robert M. Hutchins of the Universityof Chicago said: "I am not worriedabout the economic future; I am worriedabout your morals. . . . The mostinsidious, liie most paralyzing dangeryou will face in life is the danger ofcorruption.""For each descent from fair truth'slofty way.For each gross error which delays thepay.And by the retarded journey to itsgoal."Remember, the law of the harvestis inexorable. "As ye sow, so shall yereap." The use of any harmful substancewill impede your progress towardyour goal.Education our first obligationEducation has always been recognizedby the Church as the number oneobligation of each generation to itssuccessor and of each individual tohimself. Each one of us is a divinelyendowed, eternal, and intelligent being.It is incumbent upon us, therefore, toencourage and keep alive the questingspirit, to learn and continue to learneverything possible about ourselves, ourfellowmen, our universe, and our God,who is our Father.The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "Tobe saved a man must rise above allhis enemies, not the least of which isignorance." (See Documentary Historyof the Church, Vol. 5, p. 392.)His deep and abiding interest in educationis shown by the fact that hefounded the first adult education programin America—the School of theProphets.Although the refugee Saints werebusy erecting a temple and preachingthe newly restored gospel, they neverthelesswere admonished by the Lordthrough the Prophet to teach one another"of things both in heaven andin the earth, and under the earth[general knowledge]; things whichhave been [history], things which are

102Saturday, April 6[current events], things which mustshortly come to pass [prophecy];things which are at home, thingswhich are abroad; the wars and theperplexities of the nations, and thejudgments which are on the land;and a knowledge also of countries andof kingdoms." (D&C 88:79.) Inshort, a general and comprehensiveeducation.Devotion to learningThe early Mormon pioneers, despiteconstant persecution, the continual uprootingof their homes, and the toil ofsubduing a hostile desert, kept educationparamount in their thinking andteaching. They brought books, charts,and textbooks on many subjects acrossthe desert plains with them.As proof of their devotion to learning,the early colonists, soon aftertheir arrival in Utah, founded theUniversity of Deseret—later to becomethe University of Utah. Shortly thereafter,they founded Brigham YoungAcademy, Ricks College, and 30 additionalChurch-sponsored academies,each guided by Brigham Young'scharge to Professor Karl G. Maeserthat nothing be taught, not even thealphabet or the multiplication table,without the Spirit of God!Recently the First Presidency issueda statement on the subject of education.In it they said, among otherthings, "The Church has long encouragedits members, and especiallyits youth, either to obtain a collegeeducation or to become well-trained insome vocation."Education a necessityIn our fast-growing industrial society,education has become a necessity,for unless our young people arewell trained, they will not be able toobtain dignified and profitable employmentin the future."The positions that do not requireeducation or training are decreasingfrom year to year and soon will benon-existent. We therefore stronglyurge all young people to engage andcontinue in formal study of some kindbeyond high school. Of equal im-GENERAL CONFERENCESecond Dayportance is the selection of an educationalprogram that takes into accounteach individual's interests, talents, andgoals."Need for guidanceIn choosing the best academic programfor the future, you will needhelp and guidance. First, go to yourparents for advice. They have knownyou longer than anyone else and havea mature insight into what it takes tosucceed in life. They are deeply interestedin your future; they love youwith a self-sacrificing devotion thatmakes your well-being paramount totheir own. Also, most of you are dependentupon them for financial help.Next, you should turn for help toyour Church leaders. Many of themhave had experience in various fields.They will be glad to counsel with youand will join with you in seeking divineguidance.I was very glad this splendid chorussang tonight "O My Father," and asthey sang, I visualized a boy on hisknees, calling out to his Maker:"O my Father, thou that dwellestIn the high and glorious place.When shall I regain thy presence.And again behold thy face?"(Eliza R. Snow, Hymns, 138.)Your high school counselor will helpyou with special personal information.He has access to your academic fileand can discuss with you yourstrengths and weaknesses, your interestsand aptitudes.His guidance library will also haveinformation that will prove to be ofreal assistance in helping you makeimportant decisions.The seminary and institute teachersalso will be able to help you to understandand apply the educational programof the Church. Other teacherswith specialized training will be gladto inform you about their own fieldsof interest.Also available to you are the servicesof the Educational Information andGuidance Center. Its mission is toassist all Latter-day Saint students in

making their educational decisions. Weencourage you to contact the centerthrough any of the educational agenciesof the Church. Representatives ofthe center can give you informationand guidance that will help you tosee more clearly the challenges andpromises facing you.The final decision, however, is upto you. You may consult with otherpeople, examine your tests and gradepointaverages, and get a better understandingof yourself and your possibilities,PRESIDENT HUGH B. BROWN 103but you must evaluate all thatis available, create an appetite for thebest, and then with ambition on fireand with undiscourageable pluck, continueto make the final irrevocabledecision. Remember, the most importantthing is not what you do butthat you qualify to do it with excellenceas you progressively find theactivity which provides a continuingchallenge and inspiration.TechnicaltrainingYou may decide to go to a technicalcollege or training school and preparefor a trade. Here, too, this age of technologydemands thorough preparation.Brigham Young, himself a painterand glazier, said: "I believe in education,but I want to see the boys andgirls come out with an education attheir finger's ends as well as in theirbrains. ." . . (M. Lynn Bennion, Mormonismand Education [Salt LakeCity: LDS Church, 1939], p. 105.)At a technical college you may receivetraining in drafting, electronics,farm technology, secretarial and officeskills, photography, computer programming,and many other subjects.These courses vary in length from afew months to a few years, withdiplomas and certificates offered attheir conclusion.Training in your chosen field whileyou are in military service is anotherpossibility. The United States ArmedForces Institute and similar militaryeducational agencies make creditcourses available in many branches ofeducation.Many specialized schools offer trainingin art, music, drama, electronics.business—even heavy equipment operation.Most of this training is bonafide, but the student must be discriminatingand selective and be surethat what he chooses will move himtoward his goal of an educated personin the field of his interest and aptitude.Some businesses and firms will accepta person immediately upon graduationfrom high school and provideon-the-job training with a beginningsalary, but this in most cases shouldbe merely a stepping-stone.We strongly urge all who have theaptitude, ambition, and gumption tocontinue their education on the collegelevel and beyond. No young personshould aim lower than his capacitiesjustify. The world of tomorrow willmake way for the specialist who istrained to work mathematical formulas,plead a case in court, discover a curefor a dread disease, develop new andbetter agricultural techniques, and soforth.Combine training withspiritual growthFor those of you who decide to pursuea college education, the Churchhas developed a variety of programsto help in combining high academictraining with spiritual growth.And that to me was the center ofthe President's remarks tonight: to addreligious training to all your otherseeking for knowledge, and then onyour knees to ask God for guidance.The Latter-day Saint Student Associationhas been established to bringinto correlated relationship all phasesof Church activity. We desire to encourageand assist students in achievinga more significant academic,religious, and social education. Weseek to identify and meet the needs ofour students on specific campuses.Under the direction of the priestiiood,we try to develop Church programsthat will help our college students tocope with challenges they meet oncollege campuses as well as in lifegenerally.The Brigham Young UniversityThe largest Church-related program

104Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecondDayis offered through Brigham YoungUniversity in Provo, Utah. This is themother institution of the ChurchSchool System, with a student enrollmentof more than 20,000. Here youare invited to obtain a degree in oneof 13 colleges or in the graduateschool.The central concern at BrighamYoxmg University, next to confirmingisyour faith in God, gaining and impartingknowledge. BYU is receivingwide recognition for achievement inmany fields of study and research.This academic excellence is made possibleby a professional, dedicated faculty,where serious-minded studentswill realize that the world today islooking for the educated mind and theskilled hand.Religious activity is an integral partof all Latter-day Saint education andis available to all students. Manywards and stakes are organized onvarious campuses, with students assumingnearly all of the leadershippositions.Church collegesRicks College, a comprehensivejunior college in Rexburg, Idaho, wasfounded in 1888 and is the oldest educationalinstitution now engaged inhigher education in Idaho.The several thousand students whoattend Ricks College may obtain anassociate degree for transfer to a fouryearinstitution, or may complete aone or two-year terminal program intechnical, business, secretarial, or nursingfields.The Church College of Hawaii islocated on the island of Oahu. Itsbuildings were erected by Churchbuilding missionaries, and are the contributionof dedicated young men fromNew Zealand, Tonga, and Samoa.This college is intended for theblessing of the Church members inthe Pacific, giving them a fully accreditedfour-year course of study.Institutes of religionObviously, not all Latter-day Saintstudents who desire a college educationcan enroll in one of the Churchrelatedschools. Therefore, a programof religious education in the institutesof religion has been set up near manycollege campuses throughout thecountry."We strongly urge students to enrollin classes at the institutes so they canaugment their secular learning with areligious education and spiritual experience."(Statement of the FirstPresidency.)We now have 185 institutes of religionwhere advanced coxirses, suitedto the college enviromnent, areavailable.At the institutes, students mayparticipate in well-directed social programs,enjoy many inspiring devotionals,and benefit from a counselingprogram headed by trained personnel.At many universities and collegeswhere there is no institute, DeseretClubs have been formed. Theirmajor purpose is to bring together theyouth of the Church and to providesocial and cultural experiences inharmony with the highest ideals andstandards.Other educational programsAt the Latter-day Saint Business College,located in Salt Lake City, studentsmay take a variety of businesscourses leading to a three-month certificate,a one-year diploma, or a twoyearassociate degree. Here, too, aninstitute program provides religioustraining in conjunction with regularclasswork.Another Church-sponsored programof education is that of continuing educationcourses available to those livingaway from the university. Thesecourses can be counted toward adegree.In the many educational programsdeveloped by the Church, there is aplace for you. Whether you desirea two-year, four-year, master's, ordoctor's degree, whether you desirepre-professional training for any of avariety of careers, technical training,business training, home study, or religioustraining on campuses not affili-

—PRESIDENT HUGH B. BROWN 105ated with the Church, there is aprogram set up that will help you attainyour educational goals.The key to a wise, happy choice liesin choosing what will be best for youas an individual. In that way youwill find the satisfaction of becominga productive, contributing, and independentmember of the Church andof society. The writer of the Proverbssaid, "Wisdom is the principal thing;therefore get wisdom: and with all thygetting get understanding." (Prov. 4:7.)Aim oftrue educationPresident McKay has said, "Characteris the aim of true education. . . .True education seeks to make men andwomen not only good mathematicians,proficient linguists, profound scientists,or brilliant literary lights, but alsohonest men, with virtue, temperance,and brotherly love. It seeks to makemen and women who prize truth, justice,wisdom, benevolence, and selfcontrolas the choicest acquisitions of asuccessful life." (Era, Vol. 70 [September1967], p. 3.)We urge all members, young andold, to keep in mind always that thetrue purpose of life, both here andhereafter, is to seek the joy of eternalprogression. As the glory of God isintelligence, man can only share thatglory through continuing education ofthe whole man. As the Lord himselftold Joseph Smith: "Whatever principleof intelligence we attain untoin this life, it will rise with us in theresurrection."And if a person gains more knowledgeand intelligence in this lifethrough his diligence and obediencethan another, he will have so muchthe advantage in the world to come."(D&C 130:18-19.)Provision to excelWe charge you then,brethren andsisters, to be prepared— physically,mentally, spiritually, morally, aesthetically,and in every other way preparefor what the glorious future holds. TheChurch is making every possible provisionfor all of its members to excel.We commend to you some versesthat have inspired some to believe inthemselves and to continue the questfor knowledge:"You may be what you will to be;Let cowards find their false contentIn that poor word environment,But spirit scorns it and is free."It conquers time; it masters space;It cows the boastful trickster chance,And bids the tyrant circumstanceUncrown and fill a servant's place."The human will—that force unseen.The offspring of a deathless soulCan hew its way to any goal,Though walls of granite intervene."We repeat, you may be what youwill to be, if you are willing to paythe price.Strive to be disciples of ChristMay God bless and inspire you tobelieve that because he is your Fatherthere is inevitably something of himin you, and therefore, just as an acommay become an oak, so you, each onepossessing a divine spark, may developinto something like that fromwhich you came.Modem technology has eliminatedall the barriers of time and spacewhich formerly lay between the citizensof our world. Moscow and Washington,D.C., are closer together todaythan Salt Lake City and Ogden were100 years ago. We have becomeliterally one human family, living inthe same territory if not in the samehouse. Former classifications of mankindare no longer valid, for we areneither strangers nor foreigners anymore. God grant that Latter-daySaints may strive to be disciples of theLord Jesus Christ and will be foundin the forefront of those who recognizethe inherent dignity and worth ofevery human being who walks thisearth, regardless of his race, color, orcreed.May he bless and inspire you tobelieve in yourselves and in theavailability of divine guidance. Asone young man in Vietnam was heard

a.106Saturday, April 6GENERAL CONFERENCESecondDayto say as he was going out and notexpecting to come back:"I thank thee, God, that come whatmay,I may stop along the wayAt any time of night or dayAnd talk to thee."A call to be preparedThe war which began in heavenand has been going on ever since—war in which the immortal souls ofthe children of men are at stake—isabout to reach a climactic point. Thisappeal, therefore, is in a very realsense a call to arms.The call to be prepared is sent toeach one of you by and from thePresident of the Church, the Prophetof God. It is vital and of paramountimportance. The preparation mustbegin at the center of your hearts andextend to the end of your fingers andtoes. Each one of you may becomethe master of his fate, the captain ofhis soul.As David Samoff, the best-informedman in his field today, said to a classof students: "You face the new powersconferred by science to wreck or rebuildthe world, and the degree to which youcarry faith in God, in your fellowmanand in yourselves, together with a senseof responsibility and continuing selfdiscipline,by this you will be able todetermine whether these tremendousforces, now coming into your hands,will be used to build a better worldThe world needs the upsurge ofspiritual vitality to resist the currentcynicism and materialism. The gradualelimination of physical hungerswill deepen the more elemental hungerfor faith and salvation, for age-oldvalues beyond the material and thetemporal, they will gnaw at the spiritand the heart of man."Confidence to wax strongWe need stout hearts to meet thefuture, a future pregnant with unbornWeevents and big with possibilities.need faith to try, hope to inspire, andcourage to endure. ". . . let virtuegarnish thy thoughts unceasingly; thenshall thy confidence wax strong in thepresence of God; and the doctrine ofthe priesthood shall distil upon thysoul as the dews from heaven."The Holy Ghost shall be thy constantcompanion, and thy scepter anunchanging scepter of righteousnessand truth; and thy dominion shall bean everlasting dominion, and withoutcompulsory means it shall flow untothee forever and ever." (D&C 121:45-46.)Return again to that beautiful hymn,"O My Father," and think of that boyon his knees, saying:"When I leave this frail existence.When I lay this mortal by.Father, Mother, may I meet youIn your royal courts on high?Then at length, when I've completedAll you sent me forth to do,With your mutual approbationLet me come and dwell with you."That prayer will be progressively answeredupon your heads as youqualify yourselves by getting and continuingan education in all fields towhich you may be led; and whereveryou may be led, remember that God,your Father, is hovering over you,pleading for you, saying unto you,"Come unto me. ." . . (Matt. 11:28.)May his peace and blessing be withus all. May we be inspired, each oneof us, as we leave this building tonight,to make something of ourselves,to be better than we are, moreknowledgeable, more understanding,more sympathetic, more inclined toreach out for the underprivileged, andto those who need help. I pray forhis blessing and peace to be with allof us, humbly, in the name of JesusChrist. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerAt the close of this meeting, I wishto announce that many television andradio stations will carry conferenceproceedings Sunday morning to anationwide audience, including Hawaiiand Alaska.

THIRD DAY 107For the second time, sessions of thisconference are being televised in color,and will be received by many in theUnited States and Canada over mostof those television stations cooperatingto provide the extensive coverage ofthis conference.The international short-wave radiostation WNYW will broadcast theSunday morning session to all parts ofEurope, parts of Asia, Africa, SouthAmerica, Central America, Mexico andthe Caribbean area.Thirty radio stations will broadcastthe translated Sunday morning conferencesession in major cities ofMexico and Central America, togetherwith Spanish programming stations inthis country, to a potential LatinAmerican audience of three millionpeople.The CBS Radio Tabernacle ChoirBroadcast will be from 9:35 to 10o'clock Sunday morning. Those desiringto attend must be in their seatsbefore 9:15 a.m.There will be large crowds attendingthe services on Sunday. Please be considerateand courteous, and avoidpushing and crowding.As thousands leave this great priesthoodmeeting tonight, wherever youare, let us keep in mind the admonitionthat isconstantly being given usto drive carefully. Please obey trafficrules. Courtesy and patience must beshown by drivers in the city and onthe highways.The music for this priesthood sessionhas been furnished by the men of theTabernacle Choir, with Richard P.Condie conducting, and Robert Cxmdickat the organ. We express appreciationto them for their inspiring music.We shall now close this meetingwith the men's chorus singing "TheTeacher's Work Is Done." This hymnwas written to the memory of Karl G.Maeser, "Come, lay his books andpapers by. He shall not need themmore."Following the chorus singing "TheTeacher's Work Is Done," Elder IsaacWilliam Lee, president of the BxirleyStake, will offer the benediction. Thisconference will then be adjourneduntil 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.Singing by the men of the Choir,"The Teacher's Work Is Done."Elder Isaac William Lee, presidentof the Burley Stake, offered the closingprayer.Conference adjourned until Sundaymorning, April 7, 1968, at 10 o'clock.SIXTH SESSIONSunday morning, April 7.Conference reconvened at 10:00 a.m.following the conclusion of the SaltLake Tabernacle Choir and OrganBroadcast, which was presented at 9:35a.m. and concluded at 10:00. A completereport of this broadcast may befound on pages 148 and 149 of thisreport.The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choirfurnished the choral music for thissession, with Richard P. Condie conducting.Elder Alexander Schreinerwas at the console of the organ. Themen's chorus of the Tabernacle ChoirTHIRD DAYMORNING MEETINGsang as a prelude selection, "TheYear's at the Spring."President Hugh B. Brown, firstcoimselor in the First Presidency, conductedthis session and made thefollowing preliminary statement:President Hugh B. BrownisPresident McKay is listening in hisapartment, acting on the advice of hisphysicians, and is not present but hepresiding at this session of the conferenceand has asked me toconduct.It is a great pleasure for us to welcomethose present this morning in thehistoric Tabernacle in Salt Lake City,

108Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Daytogether with the radio and televisionaudience. We welcome also specialguests—U. S. Congressmen, state andeducational and civic leaders—togetherwith the vast television and radioaudience, in this, the sixth session ofthe One Hundred Thirty-eighth AnnualConference of The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The Tabernacle Choir, imder thedirection of Richard P. Condie, withAlexander Schreiner at the organ, willopen this service by singing, "And theGlory of the Lord," following whichElder George W. Poulsen, Jr., formerlypresident of the Hawaii Mission, willoffer the invocation.Selection by the Choir, And theGlory of the Lord."Elder George W. Poulsen, Jr., offeredthe opening prayer.President Hugh B. BrownThe Tabernacle Choir will nowsing, "The King of Love, My ShepherdIs," after which President NathanEldon Tanner of the Firstwill speak to us.PresidencySinging by the Choir, "The King ofLove My Shepherd Is."President N. Eldon TannerSecond Counselor in the First PresidencyOne hundred thirty-five years agoa prophet of God gave us a revelationthat still applies to every man, woman,and child today, and that we shouldheed. "A Word of Wisdom. . . . Givenfor a principle with promise, adaptedto the capacity of the weak and theweakest of all saints, who are or canbe called saints."Behold, verily, thus saith the Lordunto you: In consequence of evils anddesigns which do and will exist inthe hearts of conspiring men in thelast days, I have warned you, and forewarnyou, by giving unto you thisword of wisdom by revelation." (D&C89:1-4.)Among other things, he warnsagainst the use of tobacco and strongdrinks. And then he gives us thispromise: "And all saints who rememberto keep and do these sayings, walkingin obedience to the commandments,shall receive health in their navel andmarrow to their bones;"And shall find wisdom and greattreasures of knowledge, even hiddentreasures;"And shall run and not be weary,and shall walk and not faint."And I, the Lord, give unto them apromise, that the destroying angelshall pass by them, as the children ofIsrael, and not slay them." (D&C89:18-21.)We, as members of the Church,have considered the Word of Wisdomas a direction from the Lord himself,with a warning and a promise. Todaythe whole world, with the scientificevidence now available to everyone,should, regardless of religion or race,observe this scientific warning.Evils of alcohol, drugsand tobaccoWe read daily in newspapers andmagazines such startling headlines as:"Cigarette Blamed in Apartment Fireand Death," "Youth Drug Craze Rises,Ending in Despair," "300 Pilot DeathsLaid to Alcohol."These point up clearlythe dangersof tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Becauseof these great dangers, becauseof my own experiences and observations,and because of the real concernwe have for our youth, who will determinethe future of this great countryand the world, I have chosen todiscuss the evils of alcohol, drugs, andtobacco.Before doing so, however, I shouldlike to make it abundantly clear thatthroughout my life some of my closebusiness associates have been men who

PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER 109used tobacco and alcohol. Many ofthem were very able and successfulin business; they were communitymindedand highly regarded, and Icertainly do not wish to criticize orquestion the character of these or otherusers of tobacco and alcohol. I domost emphatically register my greatconcern about the dangers connectedwith their use. Many men have said:"I wish I had never touched the weed,or drink. They are really a curse."Dangers of tobaccoSo much has been said lately aboutthe dangers of tobacco that it mightseem redundant for me to spend timereviewing these dangers and statisticsregarding smoking. However, I dowish to give a few facts and figuresregarding the evils of cigarettes.The British Royal College of Physiciansreported that 400 Britons perweek, or 20,000 persons, died lastyear in Great Britain from lung cancercaused by cigarette smoking. Righthere in Utah it is estimated that 20million dollars were spent in 1966 forcigarettes, or $21.68 for every man,woman, and child in the state, andthis is below the national average.The American Public Health Associationhas stated that one millionschool age children today are expectedto die of lung cancer before they reachthe age of 70. These startling predictionsshould help us to realize that wemust redouble our efforts to educateyoung people on the evil effects ofsmoking so that they will be better preparedto cope with this problem.Having had a very close friend andrelative die of lung cancer caused bysmoking cigarettes, I feel a strongdesire and determination to do what Ican to save other youth from thisheinous habit. There is a big questionas to how effective any such campaignwill be when our youth are continuallyconfronted with adults, includingmany in the teaching and medical professions,as well as their parents, goingaround with cigarettes in their mouths.Case o{ drug addictNow, turning our attention to drugs.I wish to share with you just two ofmy experiences since the October conference.Just before conference, abishop called me from California tomake an appointment to bring in ayoung man from his ward who wasinvolved with hippies. He felt I mightbe able to help him. They came injust after conference. His long hair,dress, and general appearance left nodoubt that he was a hippie. I askedhim to tell me his story. Briefly, thisis what he said:"I am a returned missionary, a marriedman, and I have a child; andhere I am, a hippie, a drug addict, andI am guilty of many misdemeanorsand even felonies. I am most unhappy.This is not what I want."I asked him how it was that a manwith his background ever got mixedup with these people. He said thatone day when he was feeling despondentand discouraged, he decided thathe wanted to be free, that he did notwant to be bound by any traditions orChurch restrictions in any way. Hewent out with some of these fellows ina spirit of rebellion, and then he said,"Here I am. Instead of being free,I'm a slave. In a way I am a fugitive.I wish you could help me. I just don'tknow what to do."Before he left, he assured me thathe would cut his hair and clean up andbreak away from these people, andthat he would turn himself over to thelaw and do all he could to repentand live as he should. The followingis from a letter written by him anddated March 22, 1968:"Dear President Tanner, I pray thatyou will know the true feelings of myheart at this time. I now live my lifeinside prison walls. It is my desirethat others do not fall into the handsof Satan, as I did. If relating my experiencesto other young people likemyself can be of some worth in theirlives, this is my hope. . . . I'm thankfulthat I was blessed with a bishopwho has been my closest friendthrough all my trials. I'm grateful foryour interest. President Tanner."The reason I use this young man asan example is that his background

noSunday^ April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Dai/should have given him the strength toresist or overcome, and it shows howdangerous it is for a man like him, letalone a youth who has no such ties orresponsibilities, to even associate withthose who tamper with drugs. Hiswas a very sad case, and it touchedmy heart.Experience of young viromanThe next case I wish to share withyou is similar to hundreds and hundredsof others. I have talked to thegirl involved and to her parents; andthough they know that many mightrecognize them as the ones about whomI am talking, they said if it will helpsomeone they would be glad to haveme use their story.She comes from a very fine family.The father is a successful doctor, andthe family has been active in theChtirch and in the community. Theyhave one son who has filled a mission,and another in the field now.They have an older daughter who isvery highly regarded, active in theChurch, and who was married in thetemple. The girl about whom I amspeaking is a fine, bright young girl,but she started chasing around withother girls and boys, some of whomwere using cigarettes, alcohol, anddrugs; and rather than be considereda "square," she began to indulge, findingit easier than resisting the pressure.In fact, she had no fear thatshe would ever become an addict.Through lack of communication andfailing to stay close to their daughter,and under the false assumption thatall was well, her parents were notaware of her actions until they finallylearned, to their great horror andsorrow, that she was using tobacco,alcohol, and drugs. Of course, theywere heartbroken, and terribly embarrassed,as they realized there wasnothing they could do but place herin an institution where they felt shecould best be helped. She is theretoday; but through determination anda real struggle and with the help ofthe institution, she has progressed tothe point where she can come homeweekends and be with her parents.As I talked to her, her big concern,and the concern of her parents, is whatshe will do when she is released. Willshe be free and feel secure? How willpeople accept her? She does feel determinedand sure, and we hope she isright, that she will be completelycured. When I asked her if she wouldhave the courage and strength to keepfree of her former associates, she assuredme she could, and sorrowfullysaid that several of them are eitherin institutions or prison. She alsotold me of some very sad cases in theinstitution—one, a 19-year-old boy,who is entirely helpless. We read alsoof others threatening and committingsuicide.Such experiences should help parentsand youth to understand theproblems and great dangers confrontingthem. Parents, be alert and onguard. One of these could be yourown son or daughter.The alcohol problemNow I should like to direct our thinkingto the alcohol problem, which isso serious wherever we turn. May Itell you as accurately as I can the storytold me by a man whom I knew verywell. He used to be one of the mostsuccessful oil well drillers in theprovince of Alberta, a man who waswell-respected, highly regarded, and agood citizen, but who, as many others,through social drinking, became analcoholic. He was one of the fortunateones who, with the help of AlcoholicsAnonymous and, as he said, with thehelp of the Lord, was able to overcomethis dread disease.One day, as I invited him to speakto a group of young people, his quickresponse was, "If I can help any youthto understand the evil of alcohol andwhat it will do to him, I am anxiousto do it." This was his story:"When I was in business, I used todrink with the boys at cocktail partiesand at receptions, never thinking itwas doing me any harm. In fact, Inever worried about it at all. Evenwhen I found myself taking a third orfourth drink, and wanting a drink duringthe day when I knew I should not

PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER 111be drinking, I had no idea that I wasreally becoming an alcoholic. I refusedto accept the fact until I foundmyself literally in the gutter."The result was that my partner,my business associates, and all whoknew me and even my wife and familyfound that they could not depend onme, and lost respect for me. As aresult, I lost my wife. After pleadingand working with me, she divorcedme, and I found that I was alone. Ihad lost respect for myself, and hadlost my home, family, and everything."When I found myself in the gutter,helpless and alone, I was persuadedto go to Alcoholics Anonymous. Withtheir help and my determination I wasable to overcome the habit aftermonths and months of severe struggle."Then he pointed out that only aboutone out of five is able to overcome thispernicious habit.As he concluded, he said: "No manknows when he takes a single drinkwhether or not he will become analcoholic. Therefore, no man, regardlessof his wealth or his position, canafford to take one single drinJk ofliquor."He pled with every one of them notto touch it, and then emphasized thatone out of every 15 who drink willbecome an alcoholic, and often thebrightest and most capable one, wholeast expects it, is the unfortunate one.Tragedy from drinkingNow here is another story I tell withthe permission of the parents, wholikewise expressed a real desire to doeverything they can to help otheryouth to avert a tragedy such as thatwhich happened to their son.In a file they handed me was anewspaper clipping, written before histragedy, showing the picture of a finelookingyoung lad, who had just beenelected president of the junior classin high school. The article said:"Wherever activity is bubbling orleadership is needed, that's whereyou'll find Jim. As a leading figure inschool plays, student government, andclass activities, his leadership abilitieshave always been outstanding."Here was a boy with the promise ofa happy and successful life. But onenight, he did not come home as usualafter closing up a service station wherehe worked. His worried parentsstarted a search, which ended in theearly morning hours with the fatherfinding his son's beaten and bruisedbody in the back seat of a parkedcar. He had been dead for sometime.Just imagine the shock and sorrow ofhis parents!At the inquest the brokenheartedparents learned that Jim had joined acouple of the hometown boys and acouple from a neighboring town. Afterthey had purchased and consumedliquor, a fight ensued between the localboys and the out-of-towners. Apparentlysomeone knocked Jim down,ran into him with a car, and thenplaced his body in the back seat ofthe car where it was later found. Theparents also learned that this was onlythe third time he had ever been drinking.He never dreamed that takinghis first drink would lead to his untimelydeath.Widespread use of liquorWe could talk on and on and givestatistics, facts, and figures to show thatexperiences similar to those I have relatedare happening by the hundredsand thousands. It is estimated that60 percent of our adult population inthe United States today consumessome quantity of liquor. There aresome outstanding executives, businessand professional men, who are verysuccessful and highly regarded, andfor whom I have great respect, whoindulge in the use of liquor in somedegree.I know too that their using alcoholwill influence many of our youth tobecome social drinkers. It saddens me,however, to know that out of every 15of them, one will become an alcoholic.One's heart always goes out to aneighbor or friend and his family whohave to endure the miseries of alcoholism.I am convinced that our youth donot want to be bad. They do not setout to be alcoholics, nor to be drug

112Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Dayaddicts, nor to suffer and die withcancer of the lungs or some otherpulmonary disease.However, they see people drinkingall around them—^men and womenwho are leading citizens. They see itin their homes with no evident illeffects. They see it advertised in allthe popular magazines, in the dailypress, on every television set, inmany movies, and on the billboards;and they hear it over radio. Yes, andthese advertisements are shown withwell-dressed, healthy-looking, successfulbusinessmen, with big cars and fineoffices, with young men and womenengaged in all kinds of sports, attendingsocials where people are standingaround with a cigarette in one handand a glass in the other, all seemingto have a good time.How can our youth resist withoutour help? These high-power advertisingmedia never show a man orwoman nxirsing a bad headache themorning after, nor do they show thecrumpled cars, the mangled bodies, orthe broken homes, or men lying in thegutter. Nor do they show a man facinga doctor who has just told him thathe has cancer of the throat or lungs, orpatients in a hospital being fed with atube through the nostril because theycannot swallow.I am sure that many will say, "Whyall this gory stuff?" No, I have omittedmuch of the gory stuff, the many, manyreally sad and heartbreaking experi-Alcoholism is one disease which noone needs to have. The only sure wayto be free of it is to never take a drink.Keep the Word of WisdomOn behalf of the First Presidency,and with their approval, 1 appeal toevery member of the Church to keepthe Word of Wisdom strictly, and toall responsible citizens to accept theirresponsibilities, to guard and protectour youth against the evils and designsof conspiring men who are determinedby every available means tolead them to destruction. We cannotstand by and let our youth be destroyedbecause of our neglect. We must leadthem not into temptation, but deliverthem from evil.Protection of youthThere are those who argue that inthe interests of tourism, liquor shouldbe made more easily available. Surelyevery mother, father, and worthy citizencan see the folly of this and whatit would do to our youth. We mustnot sell our heritage for a mess ofpottage. There are better ways toencourage tourists.I caimot imagine any father or neighborwanting to contribute in any wayto his or his neighbor's boy's becomingan alcoholic in order to get totiristsinto our area. Example is the greatestof all teachers. In the interests of ouryouth, I pray that we may all heedthe warning of the Lord that alcoholences happening to families every day. is not good for man. We must takeWe must face the facts; we must do a stand against liquor by the drinkour part.and any and every other move thatwould make liquor more easily available.Avoidance of alcoholismI have read with interest Dr. WilliamTerhune's ten commandments on citizen and in the best interests ofIt is the responsibility of everyhow to lessen the chance that we will our youth and our future to see thatbecome alcoholics. The last two of enforceable restrictive legislation isthem are:enacted and enforced to keep our youth"Never take a drink to escape discomfort,either physical or mental,"from this pernicious practice.and "never take a drink in the morning,Testimonythinking it will offset a hangover."It is my testimony to all that thoseI should like to submit one commandmentas a substitute for his ten through a prophet, and who keep hiswho heed the words of the Lord spokenwhich would be much more effective, commandments, "shall find wisdomand that is: "Never take a drink." and great treasures of knowledge, even

hidden treasures; And shall run andnot be weary, and shall walk and notfaint." And the Lord has promised"that the destroying angel shall passby them, as the children of Israel, andnot slay them." (D&C 89:19-21.)With the testimony I have that Godlives and that Jesus is the Christ, theSavior of us all, and that they areinterested in our welfare, I humblypray that the Spirit and blessings ofthe Lord will help us to do all in ourpower to protect our youth against theevils and designs that do and will existin the hearts of conspiring men, thatwe may lead them not into temptationbut deliver them from evil, for hisis the kingdom, and the power, and theglory forever. Amen.ELDER MARION G. ROMNEY 113President Hugh B. BrownHe to whom you have just listenedis President Nathan Eldon Tanner ofthe First Presidency.The Tabernacle Choir will nowsing, "The Lord Is My Shepherd."After the singing Elder Marion G.Romney of the Council of the Twelvewill speak to us.The Tabernacle Choir sang thehymn, "The Lord Is My Shepherd."Many stations have just tuned in onthis conference, and we wish to extendto them a hearty welcome.Elder Marion G. Romney of theCouncil of the Twelve will nowaddress us.Elder Marion G. RomneyOf the Council of the Twelve ApostlesMy beloved brothers and sisters andfriends, I have chosen to speak a fewwords this morning about the Lord'sway to temporal salvation. I pray thatyou will join with me in a prayer, particularlyyou who do not belong toThe Church of Jesus Christ of LatterdaySaints, because what I say will notmean anytiiing to you unless you havethe Spirit of the Lord or desire it; butheard and obeyed, these words willbring you peace in this life and eternallife in the world to come.Permanence of God's powerRecently, after reviewing the frustrationsencountered in our search forpermanent peace, an editorial in theU.S. News and World Report concludedwith these words: "Basically,there is only one permanence we canall accept. It is the permanence of aGod-governed world. For the power ofGod is alone permanent. Obedience toHis laws is the road to a lasting solutionof man's problems." (David Lawrence,U.S. News and World Report,March 18, 1968, p. 116.)This is a true and commendablestatement as far as it goes. It would bemore enlightening, however, if it containeda definitive statement of thespecific laws of God which, if obeyed,would bring "a lasting solution ofman's problems" and fiiereby establishpermsment peace.In these remarks I shall identify thefirst of these laws and consider withyou the importance of understandingand obeying them.I can think of no more importanttheme, because if men are not speedilybrought to understand these basic lawsand obey them, our civilization willterminate in ruin. The scriptures, history,and current events all testify tothis lamentable conclusion.Prophecies envisioning our dayI call your attention to the followingquotations from the scriptures: Isaiah,envisioning our day, declared: "Theland shall be utterly emptied, andutterly spoiled. . . ." And then, as ifin retrospect, he lamented: "Thereforehath the curse devoured the earth, andthey that dwell therein are desolate:therefore the inhabitantsof the eardiare burned, and few men left." (Isa.24:3, 6.)

114Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird DajiThe resxirrected Savior himself said:". . . it shall come to pass, saith theFather, that . . . whosoever will notrepent and come unto my BelovedSon, them will I cut off from amongmy people. . . ."And I will execute vengeance andfury upon them, . . . such as they havenot heard." (3 Ne. 21:20-21.)As late as 1832, the Lord declaredthrough the Prophet Joseph Smith:". . . I, the Almighty, have laid myhands upon the nations, to scourgethem for their wickedness."And plagues shall go forth, andthey shall not be taken from the earth". . . Until all shall know me, whoremain, even from the least unto thegreatest. . . ." (D&C 84:96-98.)President George Albert Smith,speaking from this stand in 1950, said:"It will not be long until calamitieswill overtake the human family unlessthere is speedy repentance. It will notbe long before those who are scatteredover the face of the earth by millionswill die like flies because of what willcome." (Era, Vol. 53 [May 1950], p.412.)President McKay, in October conference1964, added: "Men may yearnfor peace, cry for peace, and work forpeace, but there will be no peaceuntil they follow the path pointed outby the Living Christ." (Era, Vol. 67[December 1964], p. 1042.)Teachings of historyAs to the teachings of history. Dr.John Lord says: "The world has witnessedmany powerful empires, empireswhich have passed away, andleft 'not a rack behind'. What remainsof the antediluvian world? not even aspike of Noah's Ark. . . . What remainsof Nineveh, of Babylon, ofThebes, of Tyre, of Carthage,—^thosegreat centers of wealth and power?What remains of Roman greatness. . . .What is the simple story of all theages?" Then he answers: " —industry,wealth, corruption, decay, and ruin.What conservative power has beenstrong enough to arrest the ruin of thenations of antiquity?" he concludes.(Beacon Lights of History [New York:William H. Wise Co., 1921], Vol. 3,pp. 128-29.)The answer is obvious. No conservativepower, which the nations ofantiquity would apply, was strongenough to arrest their ruin.Our path todayI am persuaded that today we aretreading the path those nations trod.We have been industrious. We havebecome wealthy. We are going througha period of corruption and decay.Around the comer we shall encounterruin if we continue our present course.Admittedly, this is not an inspiringforecast. I make it not becaxise I likeit but because I know that it is true,that it is imperative that we face it anddo something about it. I make it alsofor the reason that I know that thereis something we can do about it. Ifurther know that for us there is, asthere was for the nations of antiquity,but one way in which we can obtainthe wisdom to solve our problems andavert the impending ruin. And thatway is to learn and implement thelaws which the Lord himself hasprescribed to guide men through to aninspired solution of their problems, topermanent peace. This way he hasrevealed.InspiredsolutionHe revealed it first to Adam. Hetaught and exemplified it while hewas in the flesh. Peter announced thecornerstone of it when to the rulersof the Jews, who demanded of himand John to know "by what power, orby what name" they had healed thelame man, he said:". . . by the name of Jesi:is Christ ofNazareth, . . . doth this man standhere before you whole."Neither is there salvation in anyother: for there is none other nameunder heaven given among men,whereby we must be saved." (Acts4:7, 10, 12.)Believers associate this scripturewith salvation beyond the grave, andproperly so. My message to you today,however, is that it applies withequal force to men's temporal affairs.

ELDER MARION G. ROMNEY 115The first step in that way is faithin the Lord Jesus Christ.". . . if ye believe not that I am he[that is,the Son of God], ye shall diein your sins," he said. (John 8:24.)But, it is said, "If belief in Christ isthe way, why is peace so elusive in thewestern world where people professbelief in Christ?" The answer is simple:Professing is not enough. Menmust accept him for what he in fact is—the very Son of God, man's Redeemer.They must have sufficientfaith in him to take upon themselveshis name in the manner he prescribed.Specifically, the believer must (1) repentof his sins—that is, bring hisconduct in harmony with Christ'steachings; (2) enter into a covenantwith God, that he is willing to takeupon himself the name of Jesus Christand always remember him and keephis commandments at all times and inall things and in all places. Thiscovenant he must solemnize by beingbaptized.All who, through faith in Christ,conform with these requirements receivethe gift of the Holy Ghost.Way to permanent peaceThe foregoing—faith in the LordJesus Christ, repentance, baptism byimmersion for the remission of sins,and the laying on of hands for thegift of the Holy Ghost—are the lawsof God which men must obey in orderto obtain permanent peace.When men do obey them, they receivetwo things that enable them tosolve their problems: (1) a change ofheart, and (2) divine guidance. Toreceive the Holy Ghost is to be bomof the Spirit in the context of Christ'sstatement to Nicodemus that except aman be bom of the spirit as well asof the water, he cannot see the kingdomof God.The function of the Holy Ghost isto guide men in the way of truth andpeace. Jesus referred to him as "theSpirit of truth" when he said to hisdisciples: "Howbeit when he, the Spiritof truth, is come, he will guide youinto all truth: . . . and he will shewyou things to come." (John 16:13.)The Holy Ghost is a personage ofspirit, the third member of the Trinity.His wisdom, like God's, is infinite. Toreceive his companionship is to beled "into all truth." People who walkin the light of his guidance act with anunerring certitude; they do not get intothe troubles the world isin today.Followed in apostolic churchThe above outlined procedure waswell-known and followed in the apostolicchurch. When the Pentacostalcrowd, moved by the apostles' powerfulwitness, cried out, "Men andbrethren, what shall we do?" Peter'sready answer was, "Repent, and bebaptized every one of you in the nameof Jesus Christ for the remission ofsins, and ye shall receive the gift ofthe Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38.)And when Paul found certain baptizeddisciples who had not heardabout the Holy Ghost, he taught themthe true doctrine of Christ, and thenhe baptized them again, this time "inthe name of the Lord Jesus."And when Paul had laid his handsupon them, the Holy Ghost came onthem; and they spake with tongues,and prophesied." (Acts 19:5-6.)Because men, during the dark ages,strayed from these ordinances andbroke their covenants, they lost thegift of the Holy Ghost. In doing sothey lost the true understanding ofthese plain and simple teachings of thegospel of Christ, including the guidanceof the Holy Ghost. Since thenmen have been and now are walkingin darkness of their own wisdom.True gospel restoredThis they need not do any longer,because the true gospel with all itspristine simplicity and power has beenrestored.". . . knowing the calamity whichshould come upon the inhabitants ofthe earth. ." . (D&C 1:17), the Lord,beginning in 1820, again revealed it.In 1830 he organized his Church,which he later named The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heendowed it with his priesthood andcharged the bearers thereof to teach

116Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Dayhis gospel and administer its savingordinances, including baptizing by immersionfor the remission of sins andthe laying on of hands for the giftthe Holy Ghost.During the restoration, the Lord revealedthe principles and procedureswhich, if implemented, would solveall the problems which so disturb thepeoples of the earth today—economicproblems, moral problems, social problems,and political problems.In restoring the gift of the HolyGhost, he made available the powerwhich so transforms the nature ofmen that they desire to and do implementthese revealed principles andpractices.I testify to you that this power is inthe earth, that the authority to conferit upon all who will qualify for it ishere.Urgency of messagereveal it for our temporal as well as forour spiritual salvation.And so I repeat and testify to youthat the "road to a lasting solutionof men's problems" is for men to takeupon themselves the name of Christ,in the maimer prescribed by him. AndI further testify that the way one cando this is to have faith in Christ, repentand be baptized by immersion,and receive the gift of the Holy Ghostat the hands of a duly authorizedmember of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints.I am aware that to some this mayappear to be a presumptuous statement,but it must be made because itis true, and we who know that it istrue are under obligation to declare it."The earth is the Lord's, and theoffulness thereof; the world, and theythat dwell therein." (Ps. 24:1.)Glorious day approachesHe purposes that the earth shallrest and that its inhabitants shalldwell in peace. Such a glorious dayapproaches. It is even now at our doors.The righteousness which will bringit in and sustain it shall come in oneof two ways: as a result of the predicteddestruction of the wicked, or bymen's repenting and taking uponthemselves in the prescribed mannerthe name of Jesus Christ, "the onlyname which shall be given underheaven, whereby salvation shall comeunto the children of men. ." . . (Moses6:52.)God grant men repentance, and giveto us who bear this witness strength tomatch our responsibility, I humblypray in the name of Jesus Christ.Amen.I plead with you, every one of you,not to dismiss lightly this message. President Hugh B. BrownThat it be known, understood, andThe choir and congregation willaccepted is of such lu-gency that God now join in singing: "I Need Theehimself, with his divine Son, made aEvery Hour," following which wevisit to this earth in this dispensation,shall have a brief organ interlude.and sent other heavenly beings, toThe choir and congregation sang thehymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour."Tnis was followed by a brief organinterlude.President Hugh B. BrownFor the benefit of the television andradio audience who have just joinedus, we again announce that we aregathered in the historic Tabernacle onTemple Square in Salt Lake City, continuingour conference.We shall now hear from ElderRobert L. Simpson, first counselor inthe Presiding Bishopric, and he will befollowed by Elder LeGrand Richardsof the Council of the Twelve.

BISHOP ROBERT L. SIMPSON 117Bishop Robert L. SimpsonOf the Presiding BishopricOne evening recently a faithful andwonderful Mutual teacher of highschool age girls stood to present a carefullyprepared lesson when suddenlyshe was prompted to forego the regularlesson and discuss the tragedy of immorality.About halfway through thelesson, impatient horn-honking washeard from the church parking lot.Finally it stopped, and the car withits youthful male occupant sped away.Following the inspirational discussionin the classroom, one tearful but gratefulyoung lady lingered after the othershad departed to confide in her leaderthat the honking had been for her.Then she said: "I had decided thattonight was going to be the biggestnight of my life, and that horn tootwas the signal that all of the arrangementswere complete, and he was waiting.What you said and how yousaid it has saved me from the mostserious mistake of my life, and I shallnever forget it."Concern for girlsJust six and one-half years ago.Bishop Brown and I listened intentlyas President McKay issued a mostvital challenge to a new PresidingBishop of the Church. Among otherthings. Bishop Vandenberg was toldabout his prime responsibility for thousandsof young men throughout theworld. Then came a most explicitdirection from the lips of a livingprophet: "Bishop," he said, "your concernmust be just as great for the girlsof corresponding ages."In the spirit of this firm but kindlydirection of six and one-half yearsago, I choose to talk frankly with thegirls—those young women who listentoday, with stars in their eyes, greathope in their hearts, but in far toomany cases, uncertain minds in a fastmoving,impatient, and ever-changingsociety. I approach my subject with afervent prayer in my heart, a prayerthat you girls will consider my intrusioninto your private world of hopes,dreams, Euid aspirations in a kindlyway, that you will welcome me as afriend, deeply concerned for yourhappiness, anxious for your well-being.Yes, I also have concern for thateternal but elusive hope of fulfillmentthat floods the heart of every normalyoung woman as her thoughts turn tothings tender, things loving, and thingsspiritual; yes, tender thoughts aboutpossible motherhood, loving thoughtsabout loyal and eternal companionship,spiritual thoughts about a sacredcommission given only to the daughtersof a kind and loving HeavenlyFather. You received this commissionpersonally from Heavenly Father uponleaving his presence not too manyyearsago.Here by divine assignmentOnce I heard a girl say, "What'sthe use? What am I good for?" Well,one mighty important point would bethat you are here by assignment fromyour Heavenly Father to prove yourselfworthy of his ultimate blessing.In his own words: ". . . we will provethem herewith, to see if they will doall things whatsoever the Lord theirGod shall command them." In thispassage of scripture. Heavenly Fathertalks about passing a test in order tocome to this earth. This you havedone. You have already demonstratedyour ability to excel. Then, in referringto our performance in this life, hemakes the wonderful promise that allwho prove obedient "shall have gloryadded upon their heads for ever andever." (Abr. 3:25-26.)God's house is a house of order, andyou exist by personal and direct commissionas part of that order and plan.Is it important to you that you arecreated in his image? ". . . God createdman in his own image, in the imageof God created he him; male andfemale created he them." (Gen. 1:27.)How fortunate you are to know andimderstand this simple truth. Relativelyfew in the world accept it.Your

—118Sunday, April 7every thought and action should be ona higher plane just in the knowledgethat you are a part of him, that Godpersonally fathered your spirit, thatin you is a spark of divinity; and withit comes the power to reason and tothink, to achieve dominion and eternalglory, but it can only happen on histerms, on his terms of righteousness."What's the use?" "What am I goodfor?" Why, young lady, without youand others like you, life would stop,and the very foundation of God'smaster plan would be frustrated.Can any young woman remain unmovedin the thought that within heris the potential of creation, of providingearthly bodies for spirits previouslycreated by him? No mortal has honorgreater than this. Yours is a possiblepartnership with Heavenly Father inperpetuating the process of life. Thevery thought is overwhelming. Thedecision to participate with him demandsthe best that is in you. It mustbe premeditated, plarmed, never byimpulse.worthiness.This sacred process requiresInstructions to be followedJust the other day our family purchaseda new radio. We were allanxious to try it out when a memberof the family called attention to thebold print on the attached booklet,which read: "Before playing your radio,read this instruction book carefully."The first thing we found out was thatif it had been plugged into an improperpower source, costly damageswould have resulted. Several otherfacts were revealed that proved importantto the successful operation,preservation, and enjoyment of theinstrument.Vital instructions pertaining to yourlife have been given through a longline of prophets. These instructionsmust be understood and carried out ifyou are to enjoy happiness and success.Is human life less important than a$40.00 radio? You must know therules if you are going to play thegame. you want a particular blessing,Ifyou must be willing to abide thelaw upon which that blessing isGENERAL CONFERENCEThird Daypredicated. (See D&C 130:20-21.)Guidelines in scripturesIt was never intended that we spendour time groping in the dark. Theprophets have provided us with thegreatest handbook of instructions everpublished. In the scriptures we findthe guidelines, the rules of life, theanswer to every problem. It is recordedthat "where there is no vision,the people perish. . ." . (Prov. 29:18.)How is your vision, girls? Is visionpossible without knowledge? Can youreally expect to do well in any gamewithout knowing the rules of thatgame and then following those rulesto the best of your ability? May Iinvite you to know God's will concerningyou.Personal health habitsIf you are to be faced with the sacredobligation of someday providing bodiesfor God's spirit children, it seems tome that your personal health habitsshould be just as perfect as you canmake them. Liquor and tobacco havebeen forbidden by the Lord. PresidentTanner made that very clear to usthis morning. We are all expected toeat proper food, to rest adequately, towork vigorously. Partaking of tiiosebarriers to good health and a soundmind just for the sake of social acceptance,while turning your back onan obligation to be physically preparedfor a divine partnership, is tomy way of thinking inexcusable.Allow me to share with you just onebrief example of how important it is.Did you know, young ladies, that arecent survey revealed that the incidentof stillborn children among prematurebirths is 400 percent higher amongsmoking mothers? That is right, girls400 percent higher. No wonder God hasdeclared: "Know ye not that ye arethe temple of God, and that the Spiritof God dwelleth in you?"If any man defile the temple ofGod, him shall God destroy; for thetemple of God is holy, which templeye are." (1 Cor. 3:16-17.) In reality,it is we who destroy ourselves by ignoringhis counsel.

"Nevertheless neither is the manwithout the woman, neither the womanwithout the man, in the Lord." ( 1BISHOP ROBERT L. SIMPSON 119Cor.11:11.) This is God's equation forexaltation. It is just as true as2 + 2 = 4. It is an eternal truth. Itisunchangeable.Moral code unchangedEveryone talks about the new morality.Any departure from God's moralcode is unapproved in his sight. Heis the same yesterday, today, and forever.His plan for our happiness is nodifferent. It too is unchangeable. Onthis premise, there may be a new immoralityadvocated by deceitful men,but there can never be a new morality.Only the adversary has a vacillating,ever-changing program always gearedto trap the uninformed, the misled,those who choose to run the risk ofquestionable company.Oh, youth of the noble birthright,don't give yourselves to the father ofall lies—that deceitful one who wouldconsider your downfall as a majorvictory. Don't be impatient.Wait for temple marriageSpeaking of impatience, a faithfulyoung lady in Southern California hadthis perplexing problem just last year.Jim was leaving for Vietnam immediately.He was pushing for marriagebefore his departure but had to overcomea particular problem before hecould offer her the kind of marriageshe had always dreamed of. She didlove him. She did want to marry him,but her wonderful parents were insistentthat the three-month courtshiphad scarcely been long enough toreally know. Finally, the decision wasmade to wait.Their correspondence during the ensuing12 months while he was inVietnam was on a very high plane.Their love grew. Each discovered anability to discuss things in letters thathad found no place in their lighterconversation during a date. Now hehas returned. I am happy to reporttheir love for one another has beensealed in the House of the Lord, andbefore this year is finished, their firstlittle one will be a reality, and anotherwonderful family unit is well on itsway to exaltation and eternal life.Urged to stay sweetYoung ladies, the highway of disillusionmentis teeming with girls whosaid, "Just this once," or "Everybodyelse does it." Do these phrases soundfamiliar? Another favorite trap soundslike this: "You would if you reallyloved me." Just imagine the irony ofgiving up all that is good, all that istruth, all that is sacred, including thetrust and faith of loved ones andChurch leaders, plus your own goodname and personal dignity, just on thebasis of a smooth talker who feignslove with his lips but wants only touse you for a few minutes of selfishlust and animal gratification. Girls,you stay sweet. If you've made a mistake,correct it. It will be about thebest decision that you will ever make.The Lord stands ready to help, for wehave his word: "Behold, I stand at thedoor, and knock: it any . . . hear myvoice, and open the door, I will comein to him, and will sup with him, andhe with me." (Rev. 3:20.)Partnership with GodBut please remember, you must makethe first move. It is you who mustopen the door. He will be there andvery likely in the form of a faithfulteacher who feels prompted to changeher prepared lesson. It could be youwho will say in return, "Thanks.What you said and how you said it hassaved me from the most serious mistakeof my life, and I shall never forgetit." God loves you wonderful girls.Don't you let him down. You have aspecial function to perform with Godas your partner. Be worthy of thatprivilege. And this final thought, girls:the priesthood cannot achieve its ultimatedestiny without a faithful femalecompanion. No girl will ever achieveher ultimate destiny without a worthypriesthood companion at the head ofher home. May this be your undeviatinggoal, I pray in the name of theLord Jesus Christ. Amen.

—120Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEElder LeGrand RichardsOf the Council of the Twelve ApostlesThird DayBrethren and sisters,I rejoice in theprivilege of attending this great conferencewith you and listening to thetestimonies of my brethren and hearingthe counsel and the advice they havegiven.I would that all of our Father'schildren the world over would not onlylisten in but would also obey theircounsel and their advice; this thenwould be a better world in which tolive. In your presence this morningI want to express my love for myFather in heaven and for his SonJesus Christ, and for his great atoningsacrifice, and for the great honor thatis mine to be one of his witnesses inthe earth, and I thank you Latter-daySaints for your love and your kindnessto me.Know God other than by hearsayThe story is told that there was anew minister who moved into the communitywhere Thomas Carlisle lived,and he went to the office of Carlisleand asked this question: "What do thepeople of this community need morethan anything else?" And Carlisle'sanswer was: "They need a man whoknows God other than by hearsay."You know, I have thought a lotabout that. I think what this worldneeds today more than anything elseis to know God other than by hearsay,to know why he created this earth andwhy we are here, where we are going,and how to get there, so that we willknow what life is really for. I havecome to feel that one of the greatestnecessities even in this Church is thatwe have a strong testimony, the powerof conviction. As I read the holyscriptures, it seems to me they makeit very plain that we, his children,through obedience can know Godother than by hearsay.Jesus said:". . . My doctrine is not mine, buthis that sent me."If any man will do his will, heshall know of the doctrine, whether itbe of God, or whether I speak of myself."(John 7:16-17.)This is a promise to all men, andthis promise is just as binding todayas when Jesus spoke it: if we will dothe will of the Father, we may knowother than by hearsay that his messageis from God, the Eternal Father.Then, you will remember, he said:"And this is life eternal, that theymight know thee the only true Goa,and Jesus Christ, whom thou hastsent." (John 17:3.)This is a promise that we mightknow him, or at least it infers thatwe might know him other than byhearsay.We speak that we do knowYou remember that when Nicodemuscame to Jesus by night, he indicatedthat he knew he was a prophet sent ofGod, for no man did the things thathe did save God was with him. Thenafter he had explained to Nicodemus,as Brother [Marion G.] Romney madeplain today, the message of baptismto take upon him the name of ChristNicodemus could not understand him,and Jesus said, after repeating it: "Artthou a master of Israel, and knowestnot these things?" He said: "We speakthat we do know, and testify that wehave seen; and ye receive not our witness."(John 3:10-11.) Every trueservant of God who is sent in hisname to administer the holy ordinancesof the gospel speaks that hedoes know, and testifies that he hasseen, as our brethren here in thisconference have done during the pasttwo days.Now, that is the strength of thisChurch. Years ago, when our missionarieswere being severely persecutedin England, the Englishgovernment sent a representative toUtah to study our people. They wantedto know what it was that caused theChurch to keep sending its missionariesthere when they were being sopersecuted. After that individual hadspent some time in our midst, he returnedto his native land and told

ELDER LEGRAND RICHARDS 121them that the black secret of Mormonismwas the fact that each memberknew he had the truth. Now, isn'tthat what we ought to have? Isn't thatjust what Jesus promised—that if youwill do the will of the Father, you"shall know of the doctrine, whetherit be of God, or whether I speak ofmyself"? (John 7:17.)God's eternal truthA few years ago a group of ministerswere passing through Salt Lake enhis solemn witness that he knew thatJesus was the Christ, that Joseph Smithwas his prophet, that the Book ofMormon was true. He knew it otherthan by hearsay. Then, when heclosed his testimony, he turned tothose ministers and said, "Which oneof you can testify that you know thatyou have the truth?" After a briefpause, the leader of the group said,"Well, we hope we are right."When I was a missionary over inHolland, in the city of Utrecht, therewas a seminary where young men weretrained for the ministry. They usedto come and attend our meetings, andthen they would remain afterwardsand discuss religious principles withus. I haven't time to go into detail,but one night I proved to one of thoseyoung men that they were not teachingthe principles of the gospel of theLord Jesus Christ, and he turned tome and said: "Do you think the Lordwill hold us responsible for teachingthings that we know are not fully inaccord with the scriptures?"I said that I would rather let theapostle Paul answer that question, forPaul said, ". . . though we, or an angelfrom heaven, preach any other gospelimto you than that which we havepreached unto you, let him be accursed."(Gal. 1:8.) Brothers andsisters, we have God's eternal truth,and I thank him for it.Experience of the Apostle PaulI would just like to remind you nowof the experience of the apostle Paul.You will remember how he persecutedthe saints, and then on the way toDamascus for the same purpose, a lightappeared brighter than the noondaysun, and those who were with him allfell to the earth, and a voice fromheaven said, "Saul, Saul, why perse-route to Los Angeles to attend a cutest thou me? it is hard ... to kickministerial convention. They stopped against the pricks." And Saul said,over in Salt Lake City. They wanted "Who art thou, Lord?" "I am Jesusto ask some questions about our teachings,and arrangements were made for 15.) Then we follow Paul's greatwhom thou persecutest." (Acts 26:14-them to meet one of the Twelve in ministry, as described by the Savior,the conference room in the Church and he was persecuted as no others ofOffice Building. After that member the brethren were. He was flayed andhad answered their questions, he bore stoned; then he stood before the greatgovernor Festus and King Agrippa, inbonds, and they desired to hear fromPaul.There Paul related his marvelousexperience, for he knew other than byhearsay that Jesus was the Christ.When he had finished his testimony,Festus said: "Paul, thou art besidethyself; much learning doth make theemad," to which Paul replied: "I amnot mad, most noble Festus; but speakforth the words of truth and soberness."And then Agrippa replied:"Almost thou persuadest me to be aChristian." (Acts 26:24-25, 28.) Andthen you remember that Paul said,"I would to God, that not only thou,but also all that hear me this day,were both almost, and altogether suchas I am, except these bonds." (Acts26:29.)Story of Joseph SmithThere is another great story thatall the world ought to know that iscomparable to the one I have justrelated of the apostle Paul, and thatis the story of Joseph Smith, who inhis youth saw the confusion in hiscommunity and knew not whichchurch he should join. Then he readthe words of James:"If any of you lack wisdom, let himask of God, that giveth to all men

122Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Dayliberally, and upbraideth not; and it owned in all this world was his witnessthat this is the truth and thatshall be given him." (Jas. 1:5.)Joseph said that he realized that if Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.any man needed wisdom, he did, and The next man we called may behe went into the woods to pray. And sitting in this audience. He was thejust like that glorious light that shone head of one of the governmentover Paul, brighter than the noonday organizations in Washington. He boresun, after Joseph had had the powers the same testimony.of darkness fall upon him until he Then we called a president of afelt like his very life would be great university, and he bore the samecrushed from his body, a light appearedto him brighter than the noondaysun. God was repeating insubstance an experience such as Paulhad to usher in this, the dispensationof the fulness of times. He saw in thatlight two glorious messengers, theFather and his Son. He was told byJesus that he should join none of thechurches, because they all taught fordoctrine the commandments of men.Later he bore his testimony, and hesaid he felt like Paul of old. He couldnot understand why people wouldpersecute him for telling the truth.You know, he was in prison somethirty times, and he finally sealed histestimony with his blood. He saidhe knew that he had seen a vision; heknew that God knew it; and he darednot deny it, because he knew that byso doing he would offend God andcome under his condemnation. (SeeJoseph Smith 2:25.)Testimony worth morethan all elseI would like to say to allthose whoare within the sound of my voice thisday, and who are not members of thisChurch and do not know the truth ofthis testimony other than by hearsay:I promise you, as one of his apostlesof this dispensation, that if you willstudy his message and ask God, theEternal Father, he will manifest thetruth of this unto you, and it will beworth more to you than all else in thisworld.I was back in Washington, D.C.,holding a conference a few years ago,and we had over 2,000 present in thatbuilding. We heard from the stakepresident, a multi-millionaire. Hestood before those people and told themthat the greatest thing he had andtestimony.Then we called a new convert, ayoung mother with two children, andshe stood there and told them thatwhen the missionaries came to herhome, they read to her the promise inthe Book of Mormon that if she wouldread it and ask God, the EternalFather, in the name of Christ theLord, he would manifest the truth ofthat book unto her by the power ofthe Holy Ghost. She said she gotdown on her knees and asked God ifit were true, and then she read it, andshe said her whole soul was illumined.Then we called on a returned missionarywho had just spent three yearsin the mission field at his own expenseor that of his family. I had talkedwith him before the meeting and said,"Did you feel like the time you spentin the mission field was a waste oftime, that you should have been homegetting your schooling and gettingready to marry?" "Oh," he said,"Bishop, if the brethren want to makeme happy, just let them load me on aplane in the morning and send meback toReadiness tothe Argentine."testifyThen I said to that great audienceof over 2,000: "Which one of you, ifcalled upon, could come and occupythis pulpit and testify that you knowbeyond any shadow of doubt that thiswork is divine, that it is the work ofGod, the Eternal Father, that Jesusis the Christ, and that Joseph Smithwas his prophet?" As far as I couldtell,gothere wasn't one hand that didn'tup.If I were to ask that same questionhere today, there wouldn't be a handin these 10,000 present that wouldn'tgo up and bear witness that God has

—ELDER THOMAS S. MONSON 123manifest the truth of this work untothem other than by hearsay, just aswhen Jesus said to his disciples:"Whom do men say that I the Son ofman am?"And they said, some say that thouart . . . one of the prophets.". . . But whom say ye that I am?"And Peter answered, "Thou art theChrist, the Son of the living God."And then Jesus said, "Blessed artthou, Simon Barjona: for flesh andblood hath not revealed it unto thee,but my Father which is in heaven."(Matt. 16:13-17.)By that same power we know otherthan by hearsay that this work isdivine, and that is my witness to youthis day in the name of the Lord JesusChrist. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownThe Tabernacle Choir will now sing"America the Beautiful," after whichElder Thomas S. Monson of the Councilof the Twelve will be our concludingspeaker.Selection by the choir: "Americathe Beautiful."President Hugh B. BrownElder Thomas S. Monson of theCouncil of the Twelve will speak to us.Elder Thomas S. MonsonOf the CouncilTwo thousand years ago the Son ofMan was bom into a world like oursasunder. Sixty-three years had passedsince Roman legions under Pompeyhad conquered Palestine and takenJerusalem. The helmets, broadswords,and eagles of the Roman legionarywere everjrwhere to be seen. The oppressiveyoke of the Caesars was universallyfelt.Advent of promised MessiahDeep in the depths of human heartsthere dwelt a longing, even a yearning,for the advent of the promisedMessiah. When will he come? Thiswas the unanswered question on thelips of the righteous.Generations had lived and died sincethe Prophet Isaiah had declared: "Behold,a virgin shall conceive, and beara son. ." . . (Isa. 7:14.) ". . . the governmentshall be upon his shoulder:and his name shall be called Wonderful,Counsellor, The mighty God,The everlasting Father, The Prince ofPeace." (Isa. 9:6.)With such a promise ringing in hisears, can you and I appreciate thesupreme joy and overwhelming exultationthat coursed through one calledPhilip when he heard the Savior ofof the Twelve Apostlesthe world speak unto him those immortalwords, that divine injunction,"Follow me"? The dawn of promisehad dispelled the night of despair. TheKing of kings, the Lord of lords hadcome.Such knowledge could not be hidden,nor could Philip of Bethsaidakeep to himself such glad tidings."Philipfindeth Nathanael, and saithunto him. We have found him, ofwhom Moses in the law, and theprophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth,the son of Joseph."And Nathanael said unto him. Canthere any good thing come out ofNazareth? Philip saith unto him.Come and see." (John 1:45-46.)Shall we, too, join Nathanael? Comeand see.Can any good come out ofNazareth?Could Nazareth be so honored?Nazareth, the most disregarded valleyin a despised province of a conqueredland?Nazareth, just 80 miles from Jerusalem,was situated on the main traderoute that ran from Damascus throughthe Galilean cities to the Mediterraneancoast at Acre. This, however.

——124Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Daywas not to be the village's claim tofame. Nor was its glory to be foundin the beauty of its environs. Nazarethwas the scene of more lasting eventsand profound consequence than routesof trade or landscapes of beauty.To a city of Galilee, called Nazareth,came the Angel Gabriel, sent fromGod. To a virgin whose name wasMary, he declared, "Fear not, Mary:for thou hast foimd favour with God."And, behold, thou shalt conceivein thy womb, and bring forth a son,and shalt call his name Jesus."He . . . shall be called the Son of. . . God." (Luke 1:30-32.)After the birth of the Christ Child,and following the flight into Egypt,the sacred record reveals, "And hecame and dwelt in a city calledNazareth: that it might be fulfilledwhich was spoken by the prophets. Heshall be called a Nazarene." (Matt.2:23.)From Nazareth came sightIn Nazareth, the boy Jesus grew"in wisdom and stature, and in favour Second, let us turn to Judea and examinethe testimony of one who waswith God and man." (Luke 2:52.)From Nazareth came he who made bom blind—^him for whom it wasblind men see, lame beggars walk always night. No day — just night. Buteven the dead live. He set before us let him provide his own accountan example to emulate. He lived the how darkness was turned to light.perfect life. He taught the glad tid-Astonished neighbors, noting his newlyings which changed the world. Letus examine more closely and individuallythese epochal events, that wemay know for ourselves if any goodthing came out of Nazareth.From Nazareth came thePerfect OneFirst let us turn to him of whomJesus himself spoke: "Verily I say xmtoyou, among them that are bom ofwomen there hath not risen a greaterthan John the Baptist. ." . . (Matt.11:11.) John, "the Baptist," standscould look back on a long line ofprophets—his spiritual forebears.forth like a colossus from the bleaknessand confusion—^the "wilderness" of hisown age. Knowing that one "mightierthan he" was coming, he threw himselfwith superhuman fervor into thetask of "making straight the way." Hiswas the agony, and the distinction, ofbeing both an end and a beginning.Astride the watershed of time, heLettinghis eye range over the fertileplains ahead, he was the first to seethat Light to which he would bearwitness."And it came to pass in those days,that Jesus came from Nazareth ofGalilee, and was baptized of John inJordan." (Mark 1:9.)"And John bare record, saying, Isaw the Spirit descending from heavenlike a dove, and it abode upon him.". . . he that sent me to baptize withwater, the same said imto me. Uponwhom thou shalt see the Spirit descending,and remaining on him, thesame is he which baptizeth with theHoly Ghost."And I saw, and bare record thatthis is the Son of God." (John 1:32-34.)From Nazareth came the perfect oneto be baptized— an example for all.acquired vision, asked: "Is not thishe that sat and begged? . . .". . . others said. He is like him:but he said, I am he."Therefore said they unto him. Howwere thine eyes opened?"... A man that is called Jesusmade clay, and anointed mine eyes,and said imto me. Go to the pool ofSiloEun, and wash: and I went andwashed, and I received sight." (John9:8-11.)When the disbelievers urged, "GiveGod the praise: we know that this manis a sinner," he rejoined: "Whether hebe a sinner or no, I know not: onething I know, that, whereas I wasblind, now I see." (John 9:24-25.)From Nazareth came sight.From Nazareth came strengthNext, let us journey to Bethesda toinquire of him who now walks, but whofor 38 long years walked not. "When

Jesus saw him lie, and knew that hehad been now a long time in thatcase, he saith unto him, Wilt thoube made whole?" The impotent man'sreply of frustration, mingled withELDER THOMAS S. MONSON 125hope, was met with the gentle, yetdivine command, "Rise, take up From Nazareth came peacethybed, and walk." (John 5:6, 8.)With sorrow we read each day ofFrom Nazareth to a withered body young men and those not so youngcame new strength.who bravely die, who give their allupon the altar of freedom.From Nazareth came lifeIn a hurried moment, one such tookJesus of Nazareth restored sight, removedlameness, but could it be truethat he raised the dead to life?In Capernaum, Jairus, a ruler of thesynagogue, came to the Master, saying,"My little daughter lieth at the pointof death: I pray thee, come and laythy hands on her, that she may behealed; and she shall live." Thencame the news from the ruler's house,"Thy daughter is dead," to which theChrist replied: "Be not afraid, onlybelieve." He came to the house,passed by the mourners and said tothem, "Why make ye this ado, andweep? the damsel is not dead, butsleepeth."And they laughed him to scorn,knowing that she was dead. And heput them all out, and took her by thehand, and called, saying, "Maid, arise.""And straightway the damsel arose,and walked. . . . And they were astonished.. ." . (Mark 5:23, 35-42.)From Nazareth came life where oncethere was death. And with that miraclecame the perfect pattern wherebyour own lives may be made fruitful:"Be not afraid, only believe." (Mark5:36.)From Nazareth came divine deedsOut of Nazareth and down throughthe generations of time come his excellentexample, his welcome words,his divine deeds.They inspire patience to endure affliction,strength to bear grief, courageto face death, and confidence to meetlife. In this world of chaos, of trial,of uncertainty, never has our need forsuch divine guidance been moredesperate.Lessons from Nazareth, Capemaimi,Jerusalem, and Galilee transcend thebarriers of distance, the passage oftime, the limits of understanding, andbring to troubled hearts a light and away.in hand a stubby pencil, a scrap ofpaper, and wrote to anxious love,"Soon we go into battle. The enemy iswell fortified; loss of life will be heavy.Mom, I hope I live, but I'm not afraidto die, for I'm square with God."Mother received the precious note.On the same day another messagearrived. "We regret to inform youthat your son has been killed inaction."Friends loved ones comforted,visited,but peace came only from himwho called Nazareth his home.All battles are not fought in farawayplaces with strange soundingnames. Nor do the participants beararms, hurl grenades, or drop bombs.From Nazareth came courageA few months past I witnessed sucha conflict—not in the steaming junglesof Vietnam, but on the fourth floor ofthe Los Angeles Orthopedic Hospital.There were no shrill sounds of mortarfire to be heard, no disarray of menand equipment to be seen. Yet a lifeor death struggle was in progress.Happy, handsome Paul Van Dusen,age 15, had just lost the first skirmishwith the dreaded foe called cancer.Paul loved life. He excelled insports. He and his parents hoped,then prayed, that the doctors' fearswould not be confirmed—^that hisprecious right leg would not be amputated.Shattered and stunned, theyaccepted the sad news. To save hislife, he must lose his leg.The surgery completed, Paul rested.Entering the room, I was attractedimmediately by his cheerful and infectiousgrin. He breathed hope. Heemanated goodness.

126Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird DayThe crisp, white sheet lay noticeablyflat where once there was a leg.Flowers from friends bedecked hisbedside.stood close by.Parents, grateful for his life,I noticed a cord strung along theexercise bar stretching the length ofthe bed. Gaily colored cards coveredthe entire span. Paul invited me toread them. One carried the message:"We love you, Paul. We're praying foryou." It was signed by members ofhis Sunday School class. Another expressedthe wish, "May you get wellsoon. We think you're great." Thisfrom his schoolmates at high school.Still another from home teachers hadthe inscription, "May God bless you.Tomorrow we'll visit you again."What did the Carpenter fromNazareth say of such? "Inasmuch as yehave done it unto one of the least ofthese my brethren, ye have done itunto me." (Matt. 25:40.)The spirit of prayer came easy thatday. A perfect peace filled the room.Smiles of confidence crept across lipsmoist with tears. From distantCapernaum we seemed to hear theecho, "Be not afraid, only believe."Then Paul said, "I'll be all right."Today Paul Van Dusen is in attendanceat this session of conferencein this historic Tabernacle. Today hewalks, runs, hikes, and swims. Anartificial limb makes this possible.But behind it all one sees a faith-filledheart and a countenance that reflectsgratitude. Faith in whom? Gratitudefor what?From Nazareth Came Christ"Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King!Triumphant over death. Life thoudidst bring.Leaving thy Father's throne. On earthto live,Thy work to do alone, Thy life togive."(Hugh W. Dougall, Hymns, 86.)Can any good thing come out ofNazareth?From Nazareth came example.From Nazareth came sight.From Nazareth came strength.From Nazareth came life.From Nazareth came faith.From Nazareth came peace.From Nazareth came courage.From Nazareth came Christ.To him Nathanael declared, ". . .thou art the Son of God; thou art theKing of Israel." (John 1:49.) To youI testify, he is Lord of lords. King ofkings, PrecioiK Savior, Dear Redeemer—^Jesus Christ of Nazareth. There isnone other name under heaven givenamong men whereby we must besaved. May we live his teachings, maywe emulate his example, may we followin his footsteps to life eternal, Ipray humbly, in the sacred name ofJesus Christ, the Lord. Amen.President Hugh B. BrownWe express our thanks and appreciationto the Tabernacle Choir fortheir inspirational music. Some of usare aware of the many hours theyspend in practice in the devoted servicethey render to the Church andto the world.This session has been broadcast bymany radio and television stations inthe west; and by shortwave in Englishover Station WNYW to Europe, SouthAmerica, Central America, Mexico,Africa, and parts of Asia.Translations of this session havebeen broadcast over thirty radio stationsin major cities of Mexico andCentral America, together with Spanishprogramming stations in thiscountry, to a potential Latin Americanaudience of three million people.This session has also been carried bydirect wire from the Tabernacle overoceanic cables to a large number ofmembers and friends assembled inchapels throughout Great Britain,Germany, Austria, Holland, Sweden,and Norway.We shall conclude this session ofour conference with the choir singing"Praise Ye the Lord," after which thebenediction will be pronounced byElder Marlon S. Bateman, presidentof the Sandy Stake, and this conferencewill then be adjourned until 2:00 thisafternoon.The choir sang the anthem, "PraiseYe the Lord," after which the benedic-

THIRD DAY 127tion was pronounced by PresidentMarlon S. Bateman of the Sandy Stake.Conference adjourned untilp.m.2:00SEVENTH SESSIONThe concluding session of the conferenceconvened Sunday afternoon,April 7, with President N. EldonTanner, second counselor in the FirstPresidency, conducting the service.The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choirfurnished the music for this session,with Richard P. Condie and Jay E.Welch conducting. Robert Cundickwas at the organ.President Tanner made the followingopening remarks:President N. Eldon TannerPresident McKay is with us in spiritand is watching the proceedings of thissession of the conference by television,and is presiding at this session. Hehas asked me to conduct the meeting,and to extend to all his heartfelt greetings.Members of the Church are convenedin the Tabernacle on TempleSquare in Salt Lake City, Utah, in theseventh and concluding session of the138th Annual Conference of TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints.This afternoon many television andradio stations throughout the westernpart of the United States will carry theproceedings of this concluding sessionTHIRD DAYAFTERNOON MEETINGof the conference.Sessions of this conference havebeen televised in color and received bymany in the United States and Canadaover most of those stations cooperatingto provide the extensive coverage ofthis conference.The full proceedings of both sessionstoday will be re-broadcast to fardistantplaces by radio stations KSL,KIRO (at Seattle), KMBC at KansasCity, and WRFM at New York Cityon Monday, April 8, 1968, begiimingat midnightSaturday evening an inspirationalmeeting of the priesthood of theChurch was held in the Tabernacle.The proceedings of this meeting wererelayed by closed-circuit broadcast,originating in the Tabernacle, tomembers of the priesthood assembledin approximately 500 separate locationsin all parts of the United Statesand in Canada. Approximately onehundred thousand holders of thepriesthood participated in this meetingby direct wire, in addition to thosewho received the broadcast over KSLRadio and Television.We extend a cordial welcome to allpresent this afternoon—special guests,educational leaders, our stake presidenciesfrom near and far, templepresidencies, bishoprics, members ofthe general auxiliary boards, membersof the Church, and many friendseverywhere who are listening in byradio and television.The music for this session will berendered by the Tabernacle Choir,with Richard P. Condie and Jay E.Welch conducting. Robert Cundick isat the organ.We shall begin this service by thechoir singing, "Lo, My Shepherd IsDivine," conducted by Jay E. Welch,Assistant Director.The invocation will be offered byElder Lyle R. Cooley, president of theSmithfield Stake.The choir sang, "Lo, My ShepherdIs Divine."The invocation was offered by ElderLyle R. Cooley, president of theSmithfield Stake.President N. Eldon TannerThe Tabernacle Choir, under thedirection of Richard P. Condie, will

128Sunday, April 7now sing, "Behold, God, the Lord,Passed By."After the singing. Elder Harold B.Lee of the Council of the Twelve willaddress us.The choir sang, 'Behold, God, theLord, Passed By."GENERAL CONFERENCEThird DayPresident N. Eldon TannerElder Harold B. Lee of the Councilof the Twelve will be our first speakerthis afternoon. He will be followed byElder ElRay L. Christiansen, Assistantto the Twelve.Elder Harold B. LeeOf the Council of the Twelve ApostlesFor some reason I have had occasionto recall an experience I had in thisTabernacle several years ago when Ipresided over an afternoon session ofthe Pioneer Stake conference. Ourvisitor was President Brigham H.Roberts of the First Council of theSeventy. Brother Roberts had justcome out of the hospital, where hehad undergone a severe and painfuloperation that resulted in the amputationof part of his foot. When I askedhim if he felt up to speaking in theTabernacle, which is always an extramarked trend of so-called knowledgeaway from a belief in God and todeny the continuance of the universe;and with that, of course, would fall allhope of immortality and eternal life,promised in the revelations of God.He spoke for about half of the session,and his strength was waning. Heturned to the Tabernacle Choir memberswho were there and asked if theywould sing while he recovered some ofhis strength. After a few moment'srest he then addressed himself to themost glorious part of his whole sermon.He spoke of the restoration of the gos-pressure, as 40 or more of us here todaycan testify, he said after some thought,pel of Jesus Christ as not merely"I understand there is an official sweeping away the rubbish of pastChurch stenographer to take down the ages, such as disputations as to thesermons delivered there. I have a feelingthat some of our members aremode of baptism, or how one's sins areremitted, or the various forms offollowing the philosophies of the world church government. But he impressedand are in danger of slipping from the fact that a new dispensation of thetheir moorings in the fundamental gospel had been ushered in, built upondoctrines as taught by our early leaders.I have felt that there are a few and prophets, Jesus Christ himself asa strong "foundation of the apostlesthings I would like to speak where they the chief comer stone." (Eph. 2:20.)can be recorded, things which mightThose called to the ministry receivedtwo significant instructions bybe read after I am gone."Address of Brigham H. Roberts revelation as to how they should beprepared for the ministry to which theyNow you can understand how I feltwere called in this restored Church ofabout that stake conference session, toJesus Christ. The doctrines of the kingdomand the ordinances of the templelisten to this message that he wasaddressing to me and to all of mygeneration to be read after he hadwere instituted, the Lord said, thatgone. Somehow what he said on thatthey might be "instructed more perfectlyin theory, in principle, in doc-occasion has come back to me againand again recently, and the Lord willing,I should like to introduce a part things that pertain unto the kingdomtrine, in the law of the gospel, in all."of what he said and then add to it of God, that are expedient for you. . .some of my own reflections.(D&C 88:78.)He began with a recital of the statementsof scientists which indicated a oft-repeated passage which hasThen President Roberts read thatbeen

ELDER HAROLD B. LEE 129mentioned two or three times in thisconference, that teachers of the gospelwere to interest themselves in secularlearning in all fields. After he hadsaid this, he then quoted another profoundstatement addressed to all otherswho "hath not faith." Possibly thismeant, in its broadest sense, those whohad not yet matured in their religiousconvictions. This is what the Lordsaid: "And as all have not faith, seekye diligently and teach one anotherwords of wisdom; yea, seek ye out ofthe best books words of wisdom; seeklearning, even by study and also byfaith." (D&C 88:118.)A call to higher wisdomNow, with that as the introductorypart of what I would wish to say, Iwould like to address myself to thatlast thought, "seek learning, even bystudy and also by faith." This was acall to higher wisdom that had beentrumpeted through all the ages by theprophets. The apostle Paul asked thissoul-searching question: "For whatman knoweth the things of a man,save the spirit of man which is inhim?" and then he declared that mostprofound statement to all those whowould drink more deeply of inspiredwisdom than merely the teachings ofmen: "But God hath revealed themunto us by his Spirit: for the Spiritsearcheth all things, yea, the deepthings of God."Said he, "Eye hath not seen, norear heard, neither have entered intothe heart of man, the things whichGod hath prepared for them that lovehim." (See 1 Cor. 2:9-11.)It was a wise prophet who warnedhis brethren about being content withthe teachings of vain men whohearken not unto the counsels of God."O that cunning plan of the evil one!O the vainness, and the frailties, andthe foolishness of men! When theyare learned they think they are wise,and they hearken not unto the counselof God, for they set it aside, supposingthey know of themselves, wherefore,their wisdom is foolishness and itprofiteth them not. And they shallperish."Then this great prophet-teacher putthe learning of men and the wisdom ofGod in their proper relationship whenhe declared, "But to be learned is goodif they hearken unto the counsels ofGod." (2 Ne. 9:28-29.)Fortunately there are great menschooled in worldly learning who attestto the need of a kind of learning thatcomes beyond secular knowledge. MayIillustrate a few.Faith of space scientistA letter from Colonel Edward H.White, a national hero who eventuallygave his life while engaging in anexperiment designed for exploration ofouter space, was printed in the localpress a few years ago. In answer toan inquiry as to his beliefs in law andorder in the universe, he answered inthis rather unusual way: "I believethat law and order exist in God's creations,and that God has surely givenlife to others outside our earth. Inour vast universe there are no fewerthan billions and billions of solarsystems comparable to our own—indimension and magnitude far beyondthe ability of the finite mind tocomprehend. 'Out there' could beplaces where life, similar our own,toperhaps superior or perhaps inferior,may be a reality. We would be ratheregotistical to believe that ours is theonly life among all those possiblesources."How accurately this man's learningby faith has brought him into fullaccord with what the Lord declared ina great revelation to his prophetMoses: "And worlds without numberhave I created; and I also created themfor mine own purpose; and by theSon I created them, which is mineOnly Begotten."And the first man of all men haveI called Adam, which is many." (Moses1:33-34.)Moses was not an astronomer. Hetells us that he "beheld the earth, yea,even all of it; and there was not aparticle of it which he did not behold,discerning it by the spirit of God."(Moses 1:27.)Colonel White concluded with this

130Sunday, April 7declaration of his own personal faith:"As to evidence of God's presence duringour journey in space and duringthe short period that 'I walked inspace,' I did not feel any nearer tohim there than here, but I do knowthat his sure hand guided us all theway during that four-day mission."Presumably he is telling us that hewas guided by faith in God, whichtranscended his scientific knowledge.Supreme intelligencedesigned universeOne of our own great scientists, Dr.Henry Eyring, in the field of physicalchemistry, a few years ago wrote anarticlefor one of our Church periodicalsunder the heading "Myriads ofWorlds."He quotes from a professor-emeritusof astronomy at Harvard University[Harlow Shapley], in which the professordeclares that out of the millionsof suns, at least one sun in athousand would have acquired planets,and that of those with planets at leastone in a thousand has a planet theright distance for life. And then Dr.Eyring wrote: "Thus one concludes thatthere should be at the very minimumone hundred million planets in spacewhich could support life, and thenumber is probably many times more.Thus, from the scientific point ofview, it is hard to doubt that there aremyriads of worlds suitable for humanhabitation. . . ."The mysteries of the universe leadmost men to worship the SupremeIntelligence who designed it all."Then mark you this next statementfrom Dr. Eyring: "However, the greatblessing of the Gospel is the additionalavenues it opens up for developing thisfaith into a perfect knowledge. Now,as always, sure knowledge of spiritualmatters can only come by faith, byprayer, and by living in such a wayas to have the companionship of theHoly Ghost as is promised to all thefaithful." (The Instructor, November1961, p. 373.)The principle of revelationThe great volume of American his-GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Daytory known as the Book of Mormon,we are told by the Lord, was translatedby the Prophet "through themercy of God, by the power of God"(D&C 1:29), and "the interpretationthereof by the gift of God." (Titlepage of Book of Mormon.)The Prophet Joseph Smith tells ussomething of the process by whichknowledge by faith may come: "Aperson may profit by noticing the firstintimation of the spirit of revelation;for instance, when you feel pure intelligenceflowing into you, it maygive you sudden strokes of ideas, sothat by noticing it, you may find itfulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.)those things that were presented untoyour minds by the Spirit of God, willcome to pass; and thus by learning theSpirit of God and understanding it,you may grow unto the principle ofrevelation, until you become perfectin Christ Jesus." (Joseph FieldingSmith, Teachings of the ProphetJoseph Smith, p. 151.)Scientific discoveries inspiredA similar comment will illustratethe working of the Spirit of God or thelight which lightens every person whocomes into the world, as a man of sciencenot of the Church would defineit. Some years ago in a class ofseminary teachers at Brigham YoungUniversity, Dr. Edwin D. Starbuck, aUniversity of Iowa professor, remarkedthat "every great scientific discoverycame as an intuition to the mind ofthe discoverer." When he explainedwhat he meant by intuition, his studentssaid they called it inspiration.The professor said that a carefulsearch of the records and a contactwith great living scientific discoverersmade by him "explained that thescientist studies his problem, saturateshis mind with it, puzzles over it,dreams about it, but seems to findprogress impossible, blocked, as it were,by a black impenetrable wall. Thenat last and suddenly as if 'out of thenowhere' comes a flash of light, theanswer to his quest. His mind is nowillumined by a great discovery." Theprofessor was positive that no great

ELDER HAROLD B. LEE 131discovery had been made by purereasoning. Reason would lead to theborderland of the unknown, but itcould not tell what was within.No easy road to knowledgeCertainly learning by faith is notan easy road or a lazy means to knowledge.For instance, a prophet tellsus there are times when no miraclescan be found among the people: "Andthe reason why he ceaseth to do miraclesamong the children of men isbecause that they dwindle God in the still small voicein unbelief,and depart from the right way, and Yes, as our great Tabernacle Choirknow not the God in whom they has just sung, God isn't in the earthquake;he isn't in the whirlwind; heshould trust." (Morm. 9:20.)And then concerning directly the isn't in the fire; but he is in the still,working of miracles, which of course is small voice. Always we won't havean evidence of the wisdom of God him in sight, but if we are living asworking through men, the prophet we ought to live, we can always be sureNephi declared: "And now it came to he is there. Some of the most severepass that according to our record, and taskmasters that the world can knowwe know our record to be true, for are sometimes beating us into a shapebehold, it was a just man who did so we can pass such tests as necessarykeep the record—for he truly did many to gain that divine privilege.miracles in the name of Jesus; and I bear you my testimony that thethere was not any man who could do Master, as the apostle Paul spoke ofa miracle in the name of Jesus save he him, "Though he were a Son, yetwere cleansed every whit from hisiniquity." (3 Ne. 8:1.)Gifts of Spirit enjoyed by faithfulThus, you see, such heavenly gifts ofthe Spirit are only to be enjoyed bythose who have learned by faith andliving worthily to receive the right toexercise these divine powers. To onewho would be so taught, remember theLord's command: "Search diligently,pray always, and be believing, andall things shall work together for yourgood, if ye walk uprightly and rememberthe covenant wherewith ye havecovenanted one with another." (D&C90:24.)Our own Prophet who gave us thefirst revelations of this dispensationsaid, "We would say to the brethren,seek to know God in your closets, callupon him in the fields. Follow the directionsof the Book of Mormon, andpray over, and for your families, yourcattle, your flocks, your herds, yourcom, and all things that you possess;ask the blessings of God upon all yourlabors, and everything that you engagein. Be virtuous and pure; be men ofintegrity and truth; keep the commandmentsof God; and then you willbe able more perfectly to understandthe difference between right and wrong—between the things of God and thethings of men; and your path will belike that of the just, which shinethbrighter and brighter unto the perfectday." (Teachings of the ProphetJoseph Smith, p. 247.)learned he obedience by the thingswhich he suffered;"And being made perfect, he becamethe author of eternal salvationunto all them that obey him." (Heb.5:8-9.)I know this through the refiningprocesses of some severity. May I notfail whatever test the Lord may have toqualify me for the place which I amnow occupying. With all my souland conviction, and knowing the seriousnessand import of that testimony,I tell you that I know that he lives.I am conscious of his presence muchof the time when I have needed himmost; I have known it out of thewhisperings of the night, the impressionsof the daytime when there werethings for which I was responsible andon which I could receive guidance. SoI testify to you and tell you that heis closer to tibe leaders of this Churchthan you have any idea.Listen to theleaders of this Church and followtheir footsteps in righteousness, if youwould learn not only by study but also

132 GENERAL CONFERENCESunday, April 7by faith, which testimony I bear mosthumbly and sincerely in the name ofthe Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerHe to whom we have just listenedThird Da;;is Elder Harold B. Lee of the Councilof the Twelve.Elder ElRay L. Christiansen, Assistantto the Twelve, will be our nextspeaker. He will be followed by ElderA. Theodore Tuttle of the First Councilof Seventy.Elder ElRay L. ChristiansenAssistant to the CouncilSeventy-five years ago yesterday, themagnificent Salt Lake Temple, whichstands on this block, was dedicated tothe Lord. An indispensable part ofthe Lord's work and purposes is carriedon in holy temples.Why templesToday, it seems to me, more andmore people are interested in the templeserected by the Latter-day Saints.Invariably, interested persons ask thisquestion: "Why do you people buildthese temples?" The answer is, "TheLord commanded that they be built."There is ample evidence that wheneverthe higher priesthood has beenupon the earth, and when his peoplehave proven their allegiance to hislaws and commandments, the Lord hasrequired them to build temples. Thesetemples are dedicated to him and aresacred precincts wherein the Lord mayreveal important knowledge essentialto the full salvation of his children.In the words of the Lord, templesare built so "that I may reveal mineordinances therein unto my people."(D&C 124:40.)Even while the children of Israeltraveled through the wilderness, theywere commanded to build a portabletabernacle (which served temporarilyas a temple). In it sacred ordinanceswere administered for thebenefit and blessing of the people.Ancient templesWhile it is true that ancient Israeldid not have the fullness of ordinancesof the Twelveas we have today, their similarity,nevertheless, is striking. The magnificentstructure built by King Solomonabout 1000 B.C., and later thetemple known as Jerubabal, and thetemple built during the reign of KingHerod the Great were erected by greatnumbers of dedicated people. It issaid that after the heavy labor andenormous personal sacrifices involved,the people wept and rejoiced at thecompletion of these structures.Throughout their history, the Nephiteswere a temple-building people.The record states:"And I, Nephi, did build a temple;and I did construct it after the mannerof the temple of Solomon save it werenot built of so many precious things;for they were not to be found uponthe land " (2 Ne. 5:16.)The Kirtland TempleFollowing the pattern of biblicaltimes, the Lord has commanded theSaints of the latter days to erect templesto his name. (See D&C 57:3.) Thefirst to be completed in this dispensationwas dedicated in 1836 at Kirtland,Ohio. (See D&C 95 and 97.)Even though money was scarce,members were few, and persecutionwas unrelenting, in building the KirtlandTemple the people had the courageto match their faith! Seldom has apeople shown greater unity and madegreater sacrifices for a common causethan was shown in completing thattemple.Edward Tullidge wrote in 1877:"With very little capital exceptbrains, bone, and sinue combined withunwavering trust in God, men andwomen and even children worked with

—ELDER ELRAY L. CHRISTIANSEN 133their might ... all living as abstemiouslyas possible so every centmight be appropriated to the grandobject, while their energies were stimulatedby the prospect of participatingin the blessing of a house built underthe direction of the Most High andaccepted by Him." (Women of Mormonism[1877 Edition], p. 82.)Evidently the Kirtland Temple wasnot designed structurally for such ordinancesas baptisms or endowmentsfor the dead, but rather as an appropriateplace in which certain ofthose chosen for the work in theministry were endowed with essentialblessings, keys, and power from onhigh. In it the Savior appeared inperson to the Prophet Joseph Smithand Oliver Cowdery, and he acceptedit as his house. This glorious visionwas followed by personal visitations ofMoses, Elias, and Elijah, who appearedin succession, and each one of themcommitted the keys of this dispensation,which he rightfully held, into thehands of the Prophet Joseph Smith,saying: "Therefore, the keys of thisdispensation are committed into yourhands; and by this ye may know thatthe great and dreadful day of the Lordis near, even at the doors." (D&Cupon the earth, that they, my saints,may be baptized for those who aredead"For this ordinance belongeth to myhouse, and cannot be acceptable tome, only in the days of your povertywherein ye are not able to build ahouse unto me."And verily I say imto you, let thishouse be built unto my name, that Imay reveal mine ordinances thereinunto my people;"For I deign to reveal unto mychurch things which have been kepthid from them before the foundationof the world, things that pertain to thedispensation of the fulness of times."(D&G 124:27-30, 40-41.)Temple work increasingSince the restoration of the gospel,the Church has erected 15 temples, 13of which are now in operation daysand evenings, with the volume of workdone in them constantly increasing.In fact, in endowments and sealingsalone, there were in 1967 nearly onehalfmillion more ordinances administeredthan in the previous year.As you know, the sites for two newtemples have been selected and theplans are nearing completion. Inci-110:16.)dentally, I have learned that withoutCan we realize fully the significance any personal contacts being made, theof these personal visitations and of members of one ward in one of thesehaving the keys of this dispensation new temple areas provided in onecommitted into the hands of those week more than 130 percent of theirchosen men? But think of it: These share of the suggested financialsame keys, all of them, are vested in contribution.the prophet of this day—our belovedPresident David O. McKaylPriesthood ordinancesadministeredThe Nauvoo TempleThe Latter-day Saints do not buildLess than two years after the templewas completed, the Saints were architectural and structural beauty;temples merely to be admired for theirforced to leave Kirtland, and only neither are they built as places forthree years later the Lord called upon ordinary worship. Temples are erectedhis people to build in Nauvoo a and specially dedicated for the expresstemple for "The Most High to dwell purpose of administering the ordinancesof the holy priesthood—all fortherein," for he said:". . . there is not a place found on the edification and endowment of theearth that he may come to and restore faithful sons and daughters of God.again that which was lost unto you, Many people, even some in theor which he hath taken away, even Church, do not realize that thesethe fulness of the priesthood.temple ordinances have come to us"For a baptismal font there is not by revelation from the Lord, who said:

134Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Day"And I will show unto my servantJoseph all things pertaining to thishouse, and the priesthood thereof, andthe place whereon it shall be built."(D&C 124:42.)These ordinances of the priesthoodare administered, and their purposetaught, in what might be termed"closed revelation," that is, they arenot revealed to the unprepared worldin the ordinary way. Tliose who enterthe temple "hungering and thirsting,"as it were, have revealed to themknowledge and understanding of theirrelationship to God, and they learnwhat they need to do to gain thegreatest gift of God—eternal life andexaltation with their loved ones. Thus,one might in reverence refer to thetemple as the "university of the Lord."And because God is just, the templeordinances are administered not onlyfor the living but also by proxy fortheir deceased relatives.Promise of eternal growthAll who live or who have lived inmortality will, through the power ofthe Redeemer, be resurrected in duetime. All will live foreverl All willreceive some degree of salvation, if theright to it has not been forfeited. Butthose who receive the ordinances ofthe endowment and are properly sealedor married and who keep the covenantsthey made with the Lord are promisedby him that "these are they who shallhave part in the first resurrection."These are they who shall comeforth in the resurrection of the just."These are they whose bodies arecelestial, whose glory is that of thesun, even the glory of Gk)d, the highestof all. .". . (D&C 76:64-65, 70.)Thus, the temple ordinances givethe promise of eternal intellectualgrowdi and development, of endlessblessings, and of continued associationwith those we love.I testify that the ordinances administeredin the temple are divinely given,in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerElder A. Theodore Tuttle of the FirstCouncil of Seventy will now addressus.Elder A.My dear brethren and sisters:An English teacher at Ricks Collegereturned a composition to a young manwith this comment, "This is poeticand lovely—largely because of evidentsincerity. Please give it to your dad."While it has more value for youngpeople, its message is helpful to parentsas well. May I share his thoughtfulreflections with you?LoveTheodore TuttleOf the First Council of the SeventyLost"Thinking back on things I thoughtI used to hate,I at last realize they were the thingsI loved:The days I earned my pay at a hundredtwenty in the shade.And smelled the diesel of a tractorthrough rising waves of heat;"Saving newborn calvesWet and freezing from the Januarywind of an open country,Then watching them frisk when finallythey struggled through for good."I wish I could go back to changethose thingsWhich robbed me of a parent's pride.To love those things I once despised.. . .I'd love school and church and idlemoments.. . . But most of all I'd love my dad."Joy in home experiencesI wanted to share this especiallywith the youth of the Church—^youwho are struggling to find yourselves;you who want to love your dad andgive expression to this yearning but

—who do not quite know how; you whoare a bit rebellious when counseledELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE 135or restrained.Can you learn a lesson from one ofyour peers in the thoughts just quoted?Are you missing the opportunity ofbringing joy to your parents? Areyou robbing yourselves "of a parent'spride"?Can you who are still at homedoing the chores and meeting responsibilityand keeping the faith—can youfind joy in these experiences and see alittle more clearly how fortunate youreally are?The Lord has semaphored fromSinai a great commandment: "Honourthy father and thy mother," and thenthe Lord included a unique promise,"that thy days may be long upon theland which the Lord thy God giveththee." (Exod. 20:12.)Questions foryoung menYoung man, what are your answersto these questions:1. Is there honor in your home forthose who bore you and reared you?2. Do you show respect and courtesyto your mother by never speakinga disrespectful word?3. Do you see anything wrong withbeing obedient to your parents, whoare more wise and experienced thanyou?4. Are you maintaining the standardsof virtue, honesty, and servicethat you have been taught?5. Do you willingly accept thenecessity of chores you have to do, andrealize that by the very nature ofchores strength of character and selfdisciplinedevelop in you?6. Do you ever take the initiativeto do the obviously necessary jobsaround the home?7. Are you learning to study foryourself (not for the teacher or yourfolks) and to strive for excellence inyour learning?Questions for young ladiesYoung lady, how do you measure upto these questions:1. Do you carry your share of thehousehold duties?2. Do you have really good visitswith your mother about life and loveand things?3. Do you do something special foryour father just to show your love?4. Do you honor your parents byyour modesty of dress and the purityof your life?5. Are you learning how to manageand care for a home?6. Are you developing your talentsby practice and by sharing?7. Are you living the laws that willlengthen your days on the land theLord gave you?Questions for parentsWe have been talking about childrenhonoring their parents. I wonderif there is another dimension to thisparents honoring their children. Canyou as parents respond to thesequestions:1. Can you rise to meet the challengeof teaching and guiding yourown?2. Are you examples of the believers,practicing the virtues of idealLatter-day Saint parents?3. Are you overly permissive, anddo you allow your children too muchfreedom for their years?4. Do you indulge them excessivelyas to their physical wants and thenexpect them to be completely circumspectmorally? Is there not a greatlesson in the wise counsel GeneralRobert E. Lee is said to have givento a mother regarding her son, "Teachhim to deny himself"?5. Do you ask instead of tell yourchildren to do something?6. When discipline and correctionare necessary, do you reaffirm yourlove by "showing forth afterwards anincrease of love toward him whom thouhast reproved. . . ."? (D&C 121:43.)7. Do you teach your children "topray and walk uprightly before theLord," and also to observe "the sabbathday to keep it holy"?8. Do you read the scriptures in yourhome and reaffirm the authority ofthe scriptures in the lives of yourchildren?9. Do you teach that the foundation

136Sunday^ April 7of a happy home is laid diiring premaritaldays in the virtue and purityof youthful lives?10. Parents, do you know whereyoxu- children are each night at ten?11. Do you teach by example andprecept that marriage is a sacred andeternal covenant that should be performedin the temple of the Lord?12. Do you frequently tell yourchildren, individually, that you lovethem?Your parents love youYoung people, do you know thatyour parents love you very much?Many of you remember a story toldin the first Family Home EveningManual. It concerned a little girlnamed Kathy, who asked: "Mother,why am I so stupid? I got lowermarks than any of my friends, and Imissed more spelling words than anyoneelse. I am the dumbest girl inthe thirdgrade."When her mother heard this, sheput her arm around Kathy, led herto the couch, drew her down besideher, and said, "Kathy, we will help}'ou more at home with your lessonsso that you can do better in school.But there are things you can do verywell. The fact that you carmot spellmeans only that you take after yourfather, but you are not stupid. Rememberwhen you came home andhelped me with the children, how theyenjoyed having you tend them!"Kathy said, "Yes, that is becausethey are my brothers and sisters.""Yes, but you do it for other childrentoo." And her mother went on totell Kathy how well she succeeded andhelped in the home. Then her mothersaid, "Kathy, you are very special tous.""Why am I special. Mother?""You are special because you areours."Why God loves usAs I was relating this story to agroup of missionaries, I received anadditional insight—I finally understoodwhy God loves us. He loves usbecause we are his.GENERAL CONFERENCEThird DayHe desires that we show the samehonor to him that we show to ourearthly parents—respect and obedience.Some years ago I heard an eminentchild psychologist speak to agroup of parents. She discussed howto establish the proper relationshipbetween parent and child and gavemany helpful and practical suggestions.At the close of the lecture sheinvited questions from the floor. Ayoung mother, evidently bewilderedby all she was supposed to do andremember, said, "I have not donemany of the things you have suggested,and I am afraid I cannot remember ordo all the things that you have said."This master teacher's reply was mostcomforting. She said, "Do not worry,my dear; if you really love your children,you cannot do anything that willseriously impair their growth anddevelopment."Family to be perfectedIt is one of the salient teachings ofthis Church that the family is to beperpetuated and perfected in theeternities to come, and that we willenjoy our family relationships thereas we do here, if we follow the Lord'splan.Youth, remember the counsel of theLord. "Honour thy father and thymother: that thy days may be longupon the land which the Lord thyGod giveth thee." (Exod. 20:12.)Perhaps we as parents must cometo understand and appreciate that themantle of leadership is not the cloakof comfort but the robe of responsibility.Perhaps we too will come tolook back on our entire life as thisboy looked on his youthful experiences,and come to know that his compositionhas meaning for us. I concludewith his words:"I wish I could go back to change thosethingsWhich robbed me of a parent's pride,To love those things I once despised.. . .I'd love school and church and idlemoments.. . . But most of all I'd love my dad."

ELDER JOHN LONGDEN 137I bear you my witness that we havea Father in heaven, that he is ourFather, that we are his children, andthat he loves us very much. I bearyou my witness that his Only BegottenSon was sent to this earth to teach usthe plan of salvation; that he was tolive, to die, to resurrect; that throughour repentance and acceptance of theplan of salvation, as taught by thisChurch, we could come back into thepresence of our Father in heaven, inthe name of Jesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerElder A. Theodore Tuttle of the FirstCouncil of Seventy has just spoken toThe congregation and choir willnow join in singing, "Now Let UsRejoice in the Day of Salvation," conductedby Jay E. Welch.After the singing. Elder John Longden,Assistant to the Twelve, willaddress us.The choir and congregation joinedin singing the hymn, "Now Let UsRejoice."President N. Eldon TannerElder John Longden, Assistant to theTwelve, will now speak to us. He willbe followed by Elder Paul H. Dunnof the First Council of Seventy.Elder John LongdenAssistant to the Council of tlie TwelveIn President David O. McKay's keynoteaddress at the commencement ofthis conference, this statement wasmade: "One supreme wish in my heartis that the spirit of this conferencecould be felt in every home in thisworld." I pray for that same influenceto permeate the homes of the world.During this conference, we haveagain raised our hands to sustain ourProphet, the First Presidency, andother General Authorities of theChurch. We have welcomed into thisgroup some new young men, andothers have been reassigned, but allfor one purpose and with one overridingcall—to be personal representativesof Jesus Christ on the earthtoday.It's a fair guess to say that throughoutthe Church today there will beseveral thousand people, yoimg andold, called to positions of leadershipand service in their respective branches,wards, stakes, and missions.May I suggest that there is a solemnduty upon both groups to bring beautiful,spiritual peace to the earth.Prepare yeThe Lord, speaking to the ProphetJoseph Smith, said: "Prepare ye,prepare ye for that which is to come,for the Lord is nigh." (D&C 1:12.)The scriptures are replete with admonitionsto "prepare ourselves andour fellowmen for the good life hereand hereafter.""Hearken, and lo, a voice as of onesent down from on high, who ismighty and powerful, whose goingforth is unto the ends of the earth,yea, whose voice is unto men—Prepareye the way of the Lord, make hispaths straight." (D&C 65:1.)The preamble to the 65th section tothe Doctrine and Covenants states:"Revelation given through JosephSmith the Prophet, . . . 1831. TheProphet designates this revelation as aprayer.—Commitment of the keys ofthe kingdom of God unto man—^Thekingdom of God and the kingdom ofHeaven named separately—Supplicationthat the kingdom of God, alreadyon earth, may go forth that the kingdomof Heaven may come."This is scripture and is for all inhabitantsof the world.Keys of the kingdomThe Lord further states in this samesection of the Doctrine and Covenants:"The keys of the kingdom of God

138Sunday^ April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Dayare committed unto man on the earth,and from thence shall the gospel rollforth unto the ends of the earth, asthe stone which is cut out of the mountainwithout hands shall roll forth,until it has filled the whole earth."Yea, a voice crying—Prepare yethe way of the Lord, prepare ye thesupper of the Lamb, make ready forthe Bridegroom."Pray unto the Lord, call upon hisholy name, make known his wonderfulworks among the people."Call upon the Lord, that his kingdommay go forth upon the earth, thatthe inhabitants thereof may receiveit, and be prepared for the days tocome, in the which the Son of Manshall come down in heaven, clothed inthe brightness of his glory, to meet thekingdom of God which is set up onthe earth.may kingdom"Wherefore, theof God go forth, that the kingdom ofheaven may come, that thou, O God,mayest be glorified in heaven so onearth, that thine enemies may be subdued;for thine is the honor, power andglory, forever and ever. Amen."(D&C 65:2-6.)Most powerful weaponFormer President Eisenhower oneevening had a few close friends at theWhite House in Washington, D. C.They were discussing world problems.For a long while, the President listened;then he said:"My friends, the biggest, most powerfulweapon in the world is not theatomic bomb, or even the fightingability of men. It is their moral andspiritual strength. Nothing can everconquer that strength. Remember this,gentlemen, because that is the weaponour enemies really fear."Our message to the world is thatmoral and spiritual courage are neededto prepare the way.Meaning of preparednessPreparedness has many connotations,and perhaps each of us thinksof it differently, at the same timeagreeing on itsbasic principle.Preparedness means to get ready fora given event; if we are entertainingfriendsin our homes, we make readythe home and the refreshments, and soforth.Unexpectedly I visited a home sometimeago. In this home was a younglady afflicted with a dreadful disease.The mother answered the door andsaid, "Oh, Brother Longden, come in.I wondered why I was cleaning thehouse so well this morning. I didn'tknow a servant of God would becalling."In this home they are already preparedand doing their bit to help othersprepare the way. The gospel of JesusChrist is their way of life, and it isthat simple.If we are holding a meeting, we preparefor that. Planning for a trip ora vacation, we prepare well in advance.A few months ago I visited amortuary in respect to a choice ladywhom I had known for many years.In visiting with some of her diildren,one of the daughters said, "Mother wasprepared to die, but Mother was preparedto live all her life." Knowingthis lady, I concurred in this sinceretribute. Because of this one woman,many lives were better prepared tolive.Constant preparation neededThe Lord, speaking to the ProphetJoseph Smith in 1832, said:"And all things shall be in commotion;and siu'ely, men's hearts shallfail them; for fear shall come uponall people."And angels shall fly through themidst of heaven, crying with a loudvoice, sounding the trump of God,saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitantsof the earth; for the judgmentof our God is come. Behold, and lo, thebridegroom cometh; go ye out to meethim." (D&C 88:91-92.)We can be prepared to meet him,either if we should be called to leavehere, or if we should still be here athis second coming.Three or four years ago, two younghigh school students were driving onWasatch Boulevard in Salt Lake City.It was reported a man under the influ-

ELDER JOHN LONGDEN 139ence of liquor, driving the car comingin the opposite direction, came overthe center line and rammed into theirsmall car. They were killed instantly.Each of them was a fine young man,not only holding the office of priestin the Aaronic Priesthood but honoringthat priesthood by the way he lived.attended the funeral service of one ofthem. Never have I attended one likeit. The chapel and cultural hall werefilled to overflowing, mostly by youngpeople.The remarks of a young studentspeaker impressed upon me the needfor constant preparation, the need to beconstantly prepared.He said, addressing his remarks tothe bereaved parents, "I have neverseen your son say or do anything youwould be ashamed of."Prepared to live eternallyThirty-nine years ago, we buriedour firstborn. Elder Adam S. Bennionspoke these words at ourdaughter's service:"There are out beyond today forthis young couple two gates. Theywill choose to open one of them. Thefirst one swings to the touch of grief.It will open quickly and easily. Itleads out into doubt and despair, evento bitterness. The other gate opensmore slowly, isn't so promising to lookat. It yields to the push of patience.I'm not sure that it doesn't swing betterto a pull, but if it may be pulledthrough patience, it opens to hope andfaith and confidence in God, consolationand mutual benediction. I knowthese two young people well enoughto know which gate they will enter."May I say now, after nearly fortyyears, this is true: pulling on that gatebrings a deep sense of spiritual peace;come what may, it has helped us toride over several stormy parts of ourlives. Someone helped prepare theway for us. What have we done tohelp others? There may be sorrow,tragedy, commotion, frustration, tension,pressures, strife, troubles, andproblems in this fast-moving world.Yet, in the gospel of Jesus Christ isthe pattern which will extend comfort,Ihope, and peace to the world. Livingby its tenets, we are prepared to die;but more important, to live eternally.The parables of Jesus, the scriptures,old and new, are filled with admonitionstoprepare ourselves and help toprepare tiie way for others.Example ofbeing preparedIt was my privilege this morning,just before the commencement of thisconference, to shake hands with aformer missionary companion. Fortysixyears ago was our first meeting, ashe indoctrinated me into the missionaryservice. Our paths have crossed manytimes. To me he is a living exampleof constantly being prepared. He nowholds the high office of patriarch inthe Hunter Stake.I am reminded of a series of talksgiven from this podium by a prophetof the Lord several years ago; hisname: Elder Albert E. Bowen. I wouldremind each of us of the title of thesediscourses, "Constancy Amid Change."In the firstprayer opening this conference,this statement was uttered:"May we get a stimulation to greataction."And now in conclusion, may I giveyou a thought from President DavidO. McKay: "Most earnestly do I hopethat we shall never lose the great convictionthat the world is our field of activity.Can you think of anything morepotent in moving a people to action?"But what a responsibility this entailsof leading good men and goodwomen all over the world to knowGod, and to know what their missionis on earth!" (Instructions to RegionalRepresentatives of the Twelve, September27-28, 1967.)I pray that we will constantly beprepared and know our mission onearth, and pray for his blessings uponus in the name of the Lord JesusChrist. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerWe have just listened to Elder JohnLongden, Assistant to the Twelve.We shall now hear from Elder PaulH. Dunn of the First Coimcil of Seventy.

140Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEElder Paul H. DunnOf the First Council of the SeventyThird DayI am grateful once again, my brethrenand sisters, to be in this greathistoric Tabernacle and to enjoy thespirit of the conference. I greet allwho are listening, both seen andunseen.I have reflected with great interestand personal satisfaction upon themessages of this conference, particularlythe keynote address by the President,as he brought to our attentionvery forcefully the conditions of theworld and of this nation.School thy feelingsdivine. I have reflected upon that.My mind was brought quickly to thehymn that we often sing, penned byCharles W. Penrose, which suggeststhat we school our feelings. Let mejust refer to the first verse as perhapsa text that I would like to develop:"School thy feelings, O my brother;Train thy warm impulsive soul;Do not its emotions smother.But let wisdom's voice control.School thy feelings; there is powerIn the cool, collected mind;Passion shatters reason's tower.Makes the clearest vision blind."(Hymns, 340.)I thought about that as we listenedto the comments of others concerningthe condition of our nation, the riots,pestilence in the land, some of theconcerns that we all have today. Itis interesting to note that these conditionsstart in such small ways, withthe individual, in the home. Ournation and our communities are nostronger than the individual or thehome and its basic make-up.Personal experienceI hope my wonderful partner willforgive me if I share a little experiencethat occurred during our adjustmentperiod shortly after we weremarried. I recall that one day as Iwas at my work I felt ill, a little blue,and sensing the need for added physicalcomfort and attention, I left myoffice a little early to go home. Theheavy traffic of the Los Angeles freewaydid nothing but add to myanxieties. When arrived home, IIfound that my wife was not there.Here I was, expecting tender love, care,and understanding, and of all days shecould have picked, this was the oneshe decided not to be at home. IOne of the things that impressed me couldn't imagine why she couldn't readdeeply was the comment that President my mind.McKay made concerning the need for When I arrived home, I settled myselfon the couch, actually growing aself-conquest. He indicated that inthe life of our Savior self-control was little more angry with each momentthat she was absent. And then finally,after about an hour of anxious waiting,she appeared on the scene. Can youimagine what she had been doing?Shopping! I looked at her somewhatwonderingly and asked where she hadbeen. "Couldn't you be more thoughtfulof your husband?" I said.She responded, "I couldn't knowthat you were coming home early."I was still a bit upset.She wanted to show me the treasuresshe had just purchased, and I wasn'tparticularly interested. One by oneshe unwrapped the various purchases,and finally getting to the last she hadsaved for the big surprise, she said,"Just wait until you see the materialthat I finally found to cover thecouch." And she showed it to me.She said, "What do you think?"I said, "It is terrible."She was hurt, and with her emotionsshowing she left the room. I was stillupset, so I let her go. An hour passed.And you know women sometimes havean interesting way of striking back. Itwas one of my first lessons on thissubject. Without saying a word, shejust did not fix my supper.Well, one act begets another, and Ithought, "Two can play this game."

ELDER PAUL H. DUNN 141So in my moment of real concern, Istarted to play the mature adult gamethat sometimes goes on in the homesof people—it is known as the silenttreatment. I didn't talk to her forthe rest of the evening, and she respondedby not answering.I am sorry to confess to you thatwe retired to our beds that nightwithout saying a word, and I was stillunfed. That night as I tried to findcomfort and solace in the night, Ifailed to go to sleep. It was a monthlater before Idiscovered that the twoof us were having a like experience.All night I lay clinging to my side ofthe mattress, being fearful that Imight roll over and touch her.The next day added more to ouranxieties, and it was not until thefollowing night that I gained controlof my compassion and feeling andtook her by the hand into the livingroom, where we knelt down togetherand sought our Heavenly Father. Theimpression of the great discovery wasthat I was able in part to school myfeelings. I had remembered an oathand a covenant that I had taken inthe temple before my Heavenly Fatheras a husband and as a father-to-be.These are great challenges in ourlives, brethren and sisters, and I seein this a direct relationship to a conditionof our nation and of the world,that to understand why is to discoverthe great eternal truths.Things that cause angerNot long ago, in fact itlast New Year's eve,was just ona very interestingexperience unfolded before me thatbrought to my mind again this greatverse and the comment of our President.One of my very close associatesmade a promise concerning his newyear's resolution that I thought wasvery interesting. He swore on thatoccasion that he would not commitanother sin as long as he lived. Hesaid he had made a lot of mistakes inthe past, but from that time on he wasgoing to exercise perfect self-control.And then when another acquaintancewho was standing nearby commencedto make fun of him and his resolution.the first man became so angry that hewanted to fight.Someone has said that "the measureof a man is the things that make himangry." And I believe that we haveplenty of confirmation of this statementin the life and teachings of Jesus,as well as in the experiences of othernoble souls who have lived since histime.Jesus' anger against evil practicesWe note that, although Jesuswarned his disciples against the evilresults of uncontrolled temper, he becameangry himself, and on at leastone occasion he prepared to use force,if necessary, in driving evil practicesfrom the halls of the temple. (SeeJohn 2:15.) But think, if you will, ofthe size of the things that aroused hisanger. Men called him the prince ofdevils, and he paid little attention totheir criticism. They had said that hewas ignorant, but this had not causedhim to lose his temper. They hadspit in his face, mocked him, hit him,and later even hanged him to the cross,but he did not lose control of hisfeelings.It was quite different, however, whenthey criticized him for doing good onthe Sabbath. Realizing that the Sabbathwas made for man, and not manfor the Sabbath, he started to heal apoor fellow on the sacred day. Andwhen he found the crowd in a criticalmood, he "looked round about on themwith anger. . . ." (Mark 3:5.)So long as men held him up personallyto ridicule, he paid little attention.But in the presence ofinjustice, when men would be unfairand unkind toward each other, hethrew the influence of his great,tempered personality against their evilpractices. No one could hurt him byattempting to punish him as an individual,but they touched his heartwhen they were cruel to each other.Let us not confuse the wellcontrolleduse of unselfish enthusiasmwith the harsh roaring of a weak,tempestuous spirit. In the teachingsof Jesus there is a definite place forthe former; there is neither time nor

142Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Dayplace for the latter. "Ye have heardthat it was said to them of old time,Thou shalt not kill; and whosoevershall kill shall be in danger of thejudgment:"But I say unto you, That whosoeveris angry with his brother . . . shall bein danger of the judgment. . . ." (Matt.5:21-22.)Self-control requiresdetermined effortComing back to my friend whobecame angry, after making the newyear'sresolution that he was going toexercise perfect self-control, Iguess thepoor fellow did not realize that such agoal required determination and aplan of accomplishment. Sometimesone has to work all kinds of tricks onhimself to hold his emotions in check.He had set for himself a desirablegoal that would be meaningful in thelives of all of us.An energetic person works hard andstudies several hours a day sometimesto develop other types of abilities. Isit not worth some practice to gain controlover one's emotions? I believethat it is, but from my own experienceI am quite sure that it is no easy job.It is a happy and successful person whocan gain control of his emotions anduse them to improve his relationshipswith others and bring into his ownlife greater peace, joy, and serenity thatare so desperately needed in our worldtoday. Suppose we look for a momentat some of the plans that others havefound helpful in controlling temper aswell as developing other desirablehabits and characteristics.Lindbergh's plan forcharacter growthWhen Colonel diaries Lindberghwas asked what method he used, hesaid that he came to the conclusionthat if he knew the difference betweenthe right way to do a thing and thewrong way to do it, it was up to himto train himself to do the right thingat all times. So he drew up a list ofcharacteristics that he wished to developand wrote them, one under theother, on the left side of a sheet ofpaper. Then each evening he wouldread off this entire list of characteristics.After those that he felt he haddeveloped to some extent during theday, he would place a red check, andafter those character factors that hefelt he had violated, he would draw ablack check. Those that he had notbeen called upon to demonstrate thatday would receive no mark.After checking himself in this wayover a definite period of time, hewould compare the number of red andblack checks to see whether or not hewas getting any better. He said thathe was generally glad to note improvementas he grew older. He hadaltogether developed 58 characterfactors, among which were altruism,calmness in temper, clean speech,justice, modesty, no sarcasm, andpunctuality.Others have noticed considerabledevelopment in character by pickingone person who has achieved an extraordinarydegree of moral strength andthen by judging all his own actions bythe life of this ideal. Have I been asgood and kind in all of my own dealingsthis day as he would have been?If not, then I need to be more carefultomorrow. Do I have as perfect controlof my temper, am I as sympathetic,do I go out of my way as muchas he does to help someone in trouble?Only when we can say yes to suchquestions dealing with the whole fieldof moral endeavor may we be satisfiedwith our accomplishment of selfcontrol.And if we pick some personalitythat is sufficiently perfect, weshall no doubt be struggling upwardto the end of our lives.Christ asan idealSheldon's book In His Steps laidemphasis on the value of picking JesusChrist as an ideal for every activity ofthe day, to do as he would do if hewere here today. Reaching back overa period of nearly two thousand years,toa time when conditions were quitedifferent from those of the presentday, one senses the difficulty ofJesusknowing in every case whatwould do. Yet in the face of this ob-

ELDER PAUL H. DUNN 143stacle, I have a feeling that our veryattempt to catch his spirit and followhis example, the example of the greatestpersonality of all time, will provea constant stimulus to higher living inthe present day.It was Jean Paul Richter who said:"He is the mightiest among the holyand the holiest among the mighty. Hehas, with his pierced hands, liftedempires off their hinges, turned thestream of centuries out of itsand still rules the ages."channels,In the words of a great modem religiousleader, David O. McKay,"Christ's life was a life of unselfishservice—always helping those whowere living incompletely to live completely—hismission was to give themlife. In his life and death, Christ notonly fulfilled the law of sacrifice buthe fulfilled every conceivable conditionnecessary for man to know inorder to rise or progress from earthlylife to eternal life."I am convinced, my friends, mybrethren and sisters, that regardless ofthe technique that we may employ,there are as many techniques as thereare individuals hearing my voice; thatif we will apply a method, using JesusChrist as our ideal, we will come toknow that he is the Christ; and thatthere is waiting for us, not only in thislife but in the life to come, peace, joy,and eternal happiness.May I too leave my witness in thisconference that I know that Jesus isthe Christ, that God lives, that he isreal, that we have a living prophetto direct us.I give you my solemn witnessand testimony in the name ofJesus Christ. Amen.President N. Eldon TannerElder Paul H. Dunn of the FirstCouncil of Seventy has just spoken tous.We have a wire from the SouthAfrican Mission: "Thrilled by clearand inspirational messages of the firstsession of conference. Anticipatingothers."President McKay has asked me toexpress our deep appreciation to thefollowing who have furnished thesinging for this conference:The Tabernacle Choir, for theirexcellent singing on Saturday morningand Sunday morning, and again thisafternoon; and the men of the TabernacleChoir, who furnished the musicfor the Saturday evening priesthoodmeeting.The Combined Brigham YoungUniversity Choruses, who furnishedthe music for the sessions on Friday;and the Logan LDS Institute Choir,who furnished the music for the Saturdayafternoon session.We also express thanks and deepappreciation to the conductors andorganists.President McKay also has asked meto express his appreciation to all whohave in any way contributed to thesuccess and inspiration of this greatconference:He is especially grateful to hisbeloved associates, the General Authorities,who have thrilled us with theirinspiring and uplifting addresses.We appreciate the cooperation ofthe local and national press representatives,and the representatives of radioand television in reporting the sessionsof this conference.We deeply appreciate the efficient,helpful service of the city officials, thecity traffic officers handling carefullyand ably the increased traffic; the FireDepartment and Red Cross, who havebeen on hand to render assistance andservice whenever and wherever needed.We thank the Tabernacle ushers forthe courteous service they have renderedin seating the great audiencesof these conference sessions.As heretofore mentioned, v/e aremost grateful to the owners and managersof the many radio and televisionstations throughout the nation and inother countries, who have carried thesessions of this conference from coastto coast in the United States, toHawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Guatemala,and Canada; and, by short-wave, tolisteners in many countries of theworld.We thank the translators for theiruntiring efforts in translating the messagesof conference for the peoples ofthe world.We again express our gratitude andthanks for the lovely flowers on the

144Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird Dayrostrum. The Tacoma Stake made arrangementswith the Puyallup ValleyDaffodil Festival for these 3,000 KingAlfred Daffodils, and the calla lilieswere sent to us by the Oakland-Berkeley Stake High Priests quorum.Tonight, the Deseret Sunday SchoolUnion conference will convene in thisbuilding at 7 o'clock. All SundaySchool workers will wish to be in attendance.The public is cordiallyinvited. This meeting will be televisedfor the first time over Station KBYU(Channel 11).It is understood that ward sacramentmeetings will be held, where practicable,this evening in the various wards.We do remind you again aboutdriving in the city and on the high-ways. Please obey the traffic rules.Good manners, patience, and alertnessare necessary if we are to reduce thenumber of automobile accidents.President David O. McKay hasasked his son, David Lawrence McKay,General Superintendent of the DeseretSunday School Union, to read hisclosing message, after which the TabernacleChoir will favor us with "Ofthe Father's Love Begotten," and then"Sing We Now at Parting," conductedby Richard P. Condie.The benediction will be offered byElder Delmont H. White, formerlypresident of the Central AtlanticStates Mission, after which this conferencewill stand adjourned for sixmonths.President David 0. McKay(Read by his son,David Lawrence McKay)With all my heart I rejoice withyou, my brethren and sisters, for theblessings of the Lord during the inspirationalsessions of the past fewdays. His Spirit has been with us inridi abundance!During these closing moments ofthis great conference, I pray that theLord will guide and direct me ingiving you the thoughts that are inmy heart.Instructions of conferenceI am grateful and thankful for theadmonitions and specific instructionsthat have been given by the GeneralAuthorities of the Church. As youcan testify, they have been guided andinspired by the Holy Spirit in theirmessages.With all my soul, I plead withmembers of the Church, and withpeople everywhere, to think more aboutthe gospel; more about the developingof the spirit within; to devotemore time to the real things in life,and less time to those things whichwill perish.I am in hearty accord with the admonitionsgiven during this conferenceto resist the various temptations in ourmidst. If members of the Churchwould adopt these suggestions, thatalone would be sufficient to make thispeople a "light" upon a hill, a lightthat could not be hidden. We referto such teachings sometimes as "littlethings," but indeed they are thegreatest things in this life. If we wereto pay more attention to such advice,and devote more study to the modemrevelations as contained in the Doctrineand Covenants, we would growin appreciation of the magnitude ofthe great work that has been establishedin this dispensation.It is often said that the Church isthe greatest thing in the world, andit is! The more attention we give toit—realizing how well adapted it is toour individual life, to our home life,and to our social life—the more westudy it from the standpoint of scientificdiscoveries, from the standpointof man's destiny,the more our heartsare made to rejoice for God's goodnessto us in giving us the privilege ofknowing the gospel of Jesus Christ.Faith in ChristWhat we need today is faith inthe living Christ, which is more thana mere feeling, but a power that movesus to action—a failii that will put

—PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY 145purpose into life and courage into theheart. We need the gospel of application—agospel that is preached bynoble acts that command the attentionand respect even of enemies. Amere belief in Jesus as a great teacher,or even as the greatest man who everlived, has proved inadequate in combatingthe ills of society and the world.Manifestly, the need of the worldand particularly in the light of presentconditions that surround us on everyside—is more than a mere acceptanceof the Man of Galilee as the greatestof all men. What is really essentialis faith in him as a divine being—asour Lord and Saviorl It is such faithas the apostle Peter experienced whenhe declared: "Thou art the Christ,the Son of the living God." (Matt.16:16.)Acquire truth and virtueMembers of the Church are admonishedto acquire truth by study, byfaith and prayer, and to seek aftereverything that is "virtuous, lovely,or of good report or praiseworthy."(Article of Faith 13.)Schools and churches should radiatethe fact that there are in life certainfundamentals that never change,which are essential to the happiness ofevery human soul. Parents and officersin the Church must teach moreearnestly and diligently the principlesof life and salvation to the youth ofZion and to the world in order to helpyouth keep in proper balance throughthe formative period of their lives.Government by priesthoodI remind you men who bear theHoly Priesthood to study again thatdivine revelation, so simply but powerfullyexpressed, with regard to governmentby the priesthood:"No power or influence can or oughtto be maintained by virtue of thepriesthood, only by persuasion, bylong-suffering, by gentleness andmeekness, and by love unfeigned;"By kindness, and pure knowledge,which shall greatly enlarge the soulwithout hypocrisy, and without guile"Reproving betimes with sharpness,when moved upon by the Holy Ghost;and then showing forth afterwards anincrease of love toward him whomthou hast reproved, lest he esteem theeto be his enemy." (D&G 121:41-43.)This is a wonderful admonition andlesson in regard to government, notonly in quorums of the priesthood, butalso in our home life, and indeed inallphases of association in society.Gospel our anchorBrethren and sisters, the gospel isour anchor. We know what it standsfor. If we live it and feel it, if wespeak well of it, of the priesthood, ofour families, of our neighbors, weshall feel happier, and in reality weshall be preaching the gospel of JesusChrist. The responsibility has beengiven to us to convey the gospel to ourfellowmen. Some of us wait untilsome special opportunity is given tous to proclaim the gospel of JesusChrist, and yet the duty devolves uponeach of us to proclaim that good newsevery day of our lives. We proclaimit in our acts—in the home, in business,in social circles, in politics; indeed,everywhere that we mingle withmen we have the responsibility restingupon us to give the good news to thepeople ofthe world.Let us guard our thoughts and ourtongues. One of the best ways ofbuilding up our home, be it a domicile,a city, a state, or a nation, is always tospeak well of that home, city, state,or nation. Let the tongue be undercontrol at all times.God bless the members of thisChurch for their devotion and loyalty,and for their sustaining prayers inbehalf of all the General Authoritiesand officers. You may know, and Iwish to assure you, that these prayersareeffective.Divine protection realI testify to you, and to all the world,that the inspiration and protectingcare of a kind Father in heaven arereal! He is close to the Church, and Iknow with my whole soul that he isnot just an absent, far-away source,as some may think. He is a kind

146Sunday, April 7GENERAL CONFERENCEThird DayFather, solicitous of the welfare of hischildren, and ready and willing tohear and answer their call. Theanswer may be negative, as sometimesa wise parent gives a negative answerto the pleadings of a child, but he isever ready to hear and to answer at atime when it is best for the oneconcerned.Gratitude for missionariesGod bless our missionaries who arein the 78 worldwide missions of theChurch. They are splendid youngmen and women, with strong testimoniesof the gospel, who are rich infaith and who are excellent representativesof the Lord and his Church.We are proud of them. We aregrateful to our mission presidents andto these missionaries for their willingand able service. We are grateful alsofor the fathers and mothers and otherswho support these missionaries.Loyalty of servicemenall for human freedom and otherinherent rights of man. My heart isfilled with thankfulness and gratitudeas I listen to reports that have beenbrought directly to me of their faithin God, of their loyalty, and of thelong distances they travel to attendChurch meetings. Think what an assurancein Christ, their Redeemer,means to them while they are enduringthe temptations, hardships, andhorrors of war! It gives them comfortin the hour of homesickness or discouragement;it makes more effectivetheir determination to keep morallyclean and fit for service; it gives themcourage in the performance of duty;it awakens hope when they are ill orwounded; and if and when they mightface the inevitable, it fills their soulswith the peaceful confidence that asChrist lived after death so shall theylMay God bless and protect these menin the armed forces.Blessing for officers and membersGod bless you Regional Representatives,stake presidents, bishops, and allofficers in the Church who are servingand giving of your time and means forthe upbuilding of God's kingdom.May you fathers and mothers beblessed in your homes; may you seekfor wisdom and understanding togiveto your children health and character,spotless and unstained. Thegreatest duty that fathers and mothershave to perform is the religious trainingand development of their child'scharacter.May God be with each of you andall people everywhere. May we turnto him and seek for the better andmore spiritual values of life. He isour Father; he knows our desires andour hopes; and he will help us if wewill but seek him and learn of hisways.My prayerful blessings go with youas you return to your homes. God helpWords cannot express the heartacheus all to discharge our responsibilitiesand the sorrow that we feel for theby making an environment in home,sufferings that have come to some in school, in Church, and in our communitieshomes because of the casualties ofthat will be uplifting, wholesome,and faith-inspiring, I pray in thewar. Our prayers are ever with ouryoung men who are offering their name of Jesus Christ. Amen.The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choirsang the anthem, "Of the Father'sLove Begotten," and then sang thehymn, "Sing We Now at Parting."Elder Delmont H. White pronouncedthe benediction.Conference adjourned for six months.The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choirfurnished the musical numbers for theSaturday morning and Sunday morningand afternoon sessions of the conference;Richard P. Condie, conductor,and Jay E. Welch, assistant conductor.The men of the Tabernacle Choirfurnished the choral music for theGeneral Priesthood meeting on Saturdayevening, with Richard P. Condieconducting.The choral music for the Fridaymorning and afternoon sessions wasfurnished by the Brigham Young

THIRD DAY 147University Combined Choruses, withRalph Woodward conducting.The Logan LDS Institute Choir furnishedthe music tor the Saturdayafternoon meeting, under the directionof James L. Bradley.Richard P. Condie directed thesinging of the Salt Lake TabernacleChoir on the Tabernacle Choir andOrgan broadcast Sunday morning.Accompaniments on the organ wereplayed by Alexander Schreiner, RobertN. Cundick and Roy M. Darley,Tabernacle organists.JOSEPH ANDERSONClerk of the Conference

148 GENERAL CONFERENCESALT LAKE TABERNACLE CHOIR AND ORGAN BROADCASTThe following broadcast, written andannounced by Richard L. Evans, andoriginating with Station KSL, SaltLake City, Utah, was presented from9:35 to 10:00 a.m. Sunday, April 7,1968, through the courtesy of ColumbiaBroadcasting System's network,throughout the United States, parts ofCanada, and through other facilitiesto several points overseas.(Organ begins playing "As the Dew"on signal at 9:34:00 continuing until9:34:50)(At 9:35:10 on signal Organ and Choirbreak into "Gently Raise" singingwords to end of second line, and hummingto end of verse for announcer'sbackground)Announcer: Once more we welcomeyou within these walls with Music andthe Spoken Word from the Crossroadsof the West.CBS and its affiliated stations bringyou at this hour another presentationfrom Temple Square in Salt Lake City,with Richard Condie conducting theTabernacle Choir, Alexander Schreiner,Tabernacle Organist, and the spokenword by Richard Evans.(Pause)Announcer: The Tabernacle Choirturns to a traditional song of a triumphantscene—suggested by a New Testamenttext: "Green wave the palmsalong the path today; Blossoms of goldand purple greet the King. Jesus, ourLord, in triumph leads the way; O, dryyour tears and joyful homage bringi"(Choir: "The Palms"—Faure, arr.Ringwald)(Organ background)Announcer: Alexander Schreinermoves to the music of Edvard Grieg,with a thoughtful mood of the quiethours of evening: "Nocturne."(Organ: "Nocturne"—Grieg)(Organ background)Announcer: The Tabernacle Choirsings a traditional song from the 12thcentury: "Beautiful Savior, Lord of thenations. Son of God and Son of Man;Glory and honor, praise, adoration;now and forever more be thine."(Choir: "Beautiful Savior"—arr.Christiansen)(Organ background)THE SPOKEN WORDAnnouncer: There were scenes oflight and triumph, overcoming scenesof darkness, death, and despair. Weoften see people bereaved and wonderhow they face the irrevocable fact. Butthey face it because life goes on, andbecause the fact is there to face. Theyface it with an awareness that all ofus shall face this ultimate eventuality.We all one day leave life and lovedones, or our loved ones leave us, £uidwe go on, calmly as we can, as wemust, because we must. "In every . . .age the thoughts of men have traveled. . . beyond the narrow bounds ofmortal life," wrote a distinguishedwriter, "and, while the mystery ofdeath has been deeply and oftentragically felt, it has never been acceptedas a finality in human experience.. . . The tide of vitality in theheart and soul of man . . . sweeps pastthe mystery of death . . . into the undiscoveredworld beyond."^ "How[then] shall we think of the dead?... I can tell you how I think of . . .[them]. I think that there are nodead; I think that there is no death;. . . that life goes on unbroken by whatwe call death. ... I think of deathas a glad awakening from this . . . life;... as a graduation from this primarydepartment into some higher rank . . .of learning. I think of the dead aspossessing a more splendid equipmentfor a larger life . . . than was possibleto them on earth—a life in which Ishall in due time join them if I amcounted worthy of their fellowship inthe life eternal."^ It is this that sustainsus as our loved ones leave—notthe immortality of memory only, butthe immortality of a literal personalcontinuance. And so we come againto a reaffirmation of faith—faith inthe eternal continuance of truth, ofintelligence, of personality, of progress

TABERNACLE CHOIR AND ORGAN BROADCAST 149—faith in the eternal plan and purposeof our Father, who made us inHis own image, and whose intent it isthat we should have everlasting lifewith our loved ones, with family andfriends. As Henry de LaFayette Webstersaid, "There is a future, O thankGodl"^—a future where our loved oneswait.(Organ: Without Announcement—"More Holiness Give Me"—Bliss) Astime permits(Organ background)Announcer: Alexander Schreiner haspresented a hymn melody by Phillip P.Bliss: "More Holiness Give Me." TheTabernacle Choir brings now to thishour, Joseph Holbrook's setting forthese words of Charles Wesley: "Jesus,Lover of My Soul, Let me to thy bosomfly, while the nearer waters roll. Whilethe tempest still is high. Hide me, Omy Savior, hide, till the storm of lifeis past; Safe into the haven guide;Oh, receive my soul at last."(Choir: "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"—Holbrook)(Organ background)Announcer: With the music ofCampbell-Tipton we hear from theTabernacle Choir, the moving, thankful,fervent words from the 9th Psalm."I will give thanks unto the Lord; withmy whole heart will I praise thee, OGod. . . . For thou hast not forsakenthem that love thee."(Choir: "I Will Give Thanks Untothe Lord"—Campbell-Tipton)(As the Dew)Announcer: Again we leave youwithin the shadows of the everlastinghills. May peace be with you, this day—and always.This concludes the two-thousandand sixteenth presentation, continuingthe 39th year of this traditional broadcastfrom the Mormon Tabernacle onTemple Square, brought to you byCBS and its affiliated stations, originatingwith KSL in Salt Lake City.Richard Condie conducted theTabernacle Choir. Alexander Schreinerwas at the organ. The spoken wordby Richard Evans.In another seven days, at this samehour. Music and the Spoken Word willbe heard again from die Crossroads ofthe West.This isthe CBS Radio Network.Êditorial, The Outlook, March 29,19022Dr. Lyman Abbott, How Shall WeThink of the Dead? January 4, 1902'Henry de Lafayette Webster, Lorena

IndexAnderson, Elder Joseph 68, 147Clerk of the ConferenceAuthorities Present 1, 2Auxiliary Officers Sustained 72BBennett, Elder Harold H 69Bermion, Elder Lowell L 94Joseph Smith sought wisdom, 95; Continued search for truth, 95;Education encouraged, 95; Education today, 96; Training needed, 96;Education fulfills life, 96; Cages we make, 96; Things of the spirit,97; Qualities of the mind, 97; Gospel must be understood, 98; Faithand education, 98; Committed to God and learning, 98; Light acandle, 99.Benson, Elder Ezra Taft 49Breakdown of law and order, 49; Qualification for civil liberty, 50;Greatest threat, 50; Erosion of national morality, 50; Responsibilityfor chaos, 51; Gradual encroachments, 52; Appreciation for Americansystem, 50; Right to be uncommon, 52; Heritage threatened, 53; Theway of safety, 53.Brown, President Hugh B 3, 4, 10, 12, 15, 19, 21, 24, 69,107, 108, 113, 116, 123, 126Brown, President Hugh B 100Cultivate appetite for learning, 100; Be prepared, 100; Dangerousdetours, 101; Education our first obligation, 101; Devotion to learning,102; Education a necessity, 102; Need for guidance, 102; Technicaltraining, 103; Combine training with spiritual growth, 103; BrighamYoung University, 103; Church colleges, 104; Institutes of Religion,104; Other educational programs, 104; Aim of true education, 105;Provision to excel, 105; Strive to be disciples of Christ, 105; A call tobe prepared, 106; Confidence to wax strong, 106.Brown, Bishop Victor L 81Importance of bishops, 81; The Welfare program, 81; Finances, 81;Spiritual responsibilities, 82; Wisdom of bishops, 82; Helpers tobishop, 82; Who is the bishop? 83; Family shares responsibility, 83.CChristiansen, Elder ElRay L 132Why temples, 132; Ancient temples, 132; The Kirtland Temple, 132;The Nauvoo Temple, 133; Temple work increasing, 133; Priesthoodordinances administered, 133; Promise of eternal growth, 134.Cullimore, Elder James A 36The Lord is risen, 36; The conquest of death, 36; Gift of eternallife, 37; Died for men's sins, 37; Story of the resurrection, 38;Actuality of the resurrection, 38; Evidence of Christ's divinity, 38;Witness of apostles, 39; Scriptures testify of immortality, 39; A fulnessof joy, 40.

152 INDEXDDunn, Elder Paul H 140School thy feelings, 140; Personal experience, 140; Things that causeanger, 141; Jesus' anger against evil practices, 141; Self-controlrequires determined effort,142; Christ as an ideal, 142.142; Lindbergh's plan for character growth,Dyer, President Alvin R 78The way to eternal life, 78; Experiences bring new birth, 78; Callsbring renewal of effort, 79; Gratitude for President McKay, 79;This is the Lord's work, 79; Assurance in time of trouble, 80; Be stilland know that I am God, 80.EEvans, Elder Richard L 85Safety in counsel, 86; All need counsel, 86; Counsel in church assignments,86; Counsel from the past, 87; The source of security, 87;Common ground for parents and children, 87; Basic rules unchanged,87; Counsel with parents, 88; Live by God's light, 88.Evans, Elder Richard L 148FFifth Session 89Finance Committee Report 69First Day—Âfternoon Meeting 25First Day—Morning Meeting 3Fourth Session 67GGeneral Authorities and Officers Present 1, 2General Authorities and Officers Sustained 70General Priesthood Meeting 89HHanks, Elder Marion D 54Where are you in your world, 54; Human potential elusive, 54;University survey results, 55; Believing, 55; Motivation of faith,56; The need to believe, 56; Application of spiritual truths, 56; Importanceof belonging, 57; Climate for growth, 57; Giving and serving,58; Loving and being loved, 58; Evidences of love, 58.Hinckley, Elder Gordon B 21War in Vietnam, 21; Desire to teach gospel, 22; Prayer of dedication,22; Church being established, 23; Houses of worship constructed,23; Missionary labors of servicemen, 23; Silver thread in tapestry, 24;Letter from Vietnam, 24.Hunter, Elder Howard W 63Law must be sustained, 63; The kingdom of God, 63; Dual sovereignty,64; Question of allegiance, 64; Answer to Pharisees question,64; Jurisdiction defined, 65; Church belief on governments and laws,65; Allegiance to sovereignty, 66.

INDEX 153KKimball, Elder Spencer W 73All this is mine, 73; Would you rob God? 74; The earth is theLord's, 75; Do you pay tithes? 75; Tithing is not for God, 76; Thethings that are God's, 77.Lee, Elder Harold B 128Address of Brigham H. Roberts, 128; A call to higher wisdom, 129;Faith of space scientist, 129; Supreme intelligence designed universe,130; The principle of revelation, 130; Scientific discoveries inspired,130; No easy road to knowledge, 131; Gifts of Spirit enjoyed by faithful,131; God in the still small voice, 131.Longden, Elder John 137Most powerful weapon, 138; Meaning of preparedness, 138; Constantpreparation needed, 138; Prepared to live eternally, 139; Exampleof being prepared.MMonson, Elder Thomas S 123Advent of promised Messiah, 123; Can any good come out of Nazareth,123; From Nazareth came the Perfect One, 124; From Nazareth camesight, 124; From Nazareth came strength, 124; From Nazareth camelife, 125; From Nazareth came divine deeds, 125; From Nazarethcame peace, 125; From Nazareth came courage, 125; From Nazarethcame Christ, 126.McConkie, Elder Bruce R 19Salvation in Christ, 19; Record of American prophets, 19; Restorationof gospel, 20; Confirms divinity of work, 20; An added witness,20; Book of Mormon is true, 21.McKay, Elder David Lawrence 4, 90, 143McKay, President David 4Thanksgiving for blessings, 4; The greatest event of history, 5; Realityof the resurrection, 5; A stupendous miracle, 5; Gloom of death banished,6; Testimony of eyewitnesses, 6; Latter-day witness, 6; The way,the truth and the life, 6; Virtues of perfect character, 7; Love of truth,7; Justice, 7; Honesty, 7; Wisdom, 8; Benevolence, 8; Virtue of selfcontrol,8; Loss through indulgence, 8; A troublous age, 9; True guideto mankind, 9; Testimony of risen Lord, 9; Divinity of restoredchurch, 9.McKay, President David 90Impression made by guide, 90; Authority given from on high, 90;Youth need religion, 90; Religion stabilizes society, 90; Religionsatisfies the soul, 91; Three great needs, 92; Religion gives purposeto life, 92; Immortality and eternal life, 92; God a personal being,92; Stand on true education, 93; The role of religion, 93; Promulgationof truth, 93; Development of moral and spiritual values, 94;Responsibility of priesthood, 94.McKay, President David 143Instructions of conference, 144; Faith in Christ, 144; Acquire truthand virtue, 145; Government by priesthood, 145; Gospel our anchor,145; Divine protection real, 145; Gratitude for missionaries, 146;Loyalty of servicemen, 146; Blessings for officers and members,146.

154 INDEXPPacker, Elder Boyd K 33Call to military service, 33; Repudiation of responsibilities, 33;Nephites taught defense, 34; Message of First Presidency, 34; Citizenshipresponsibility, 35; Exemplars of righteousness, 35; Righteous notlost, 35; Stay close to Church, 35.Passed Away, Those Who Have 69Petersen, Elder Mark E 59America's divine destiny, 59; A crucial time, 59; Need divine help,60; Threat of atheism, 60; Warning of wise men, 60; Editorial urgesaction, 61; Means for survival, 61; God can solve problems, 61;Obedience required, 62; Evil cannot bring good, 62; Put trust in God,62; Serve the God of the land, 62.Priesthood Meeting, General 89RRichards, Elder Franklin D 13Qualities necessary for success, 13; Experiences develop patience, 13;A stabilizing influence, 13; Ways to develop patience, 14; Need forpatient preparation, l4; Patience in family life, 14; Patience inchurch work, 14; A mighty virtue, 15; Gospel incorporates patience, 15.Richards, Elder LeGrand 120Know God other than by hearsay, 120; We speak that we do know,120; God's eternal truth, 121; Experience of the Apostle Paul, 121;Story of Joseph Smith, 121; Testimony worth more than all else, 122;Readiness to testify, l22.Romney, Elder Marion G 113Permanence of God's power, 113; Prophecies envisioning our day,113; Teachings of history, ll4; Our path today, 114; Inspired solution,114; Ways to permanent peace, 115; Followed in apostolicchurch, 115; True gospel restored, 115; Urgency of message, 116;Glorious day approaches, 116.SSalt Lake Tabernacle Choir and Organ Broadcast 148Second Day—Afternoon Meeting 67Second Day—Morning Meeting 48Second Session 25Seventh Session .....127Sill, Elder Sterling W 15We would see Jesus, 16; This is life eternal, 16; Jesus found in differentways, 16; A well of living water, 17; The greatest enrichment,17; Black night of apostasy, 17; Gospel shall be preached, 18;Testimony of modern prophet, 18; Unseen spiritual powers, 18.Simpson, Bishop Robert L 117Concern for girls, 117; Here by divine assignment, 117; Instructionsto be followed, 118; Guidelines in scriptures, 118; Personal healthhabits, 118; Moral code unchanged, 119; Wait for temple marriage,119; Urged to stay sweet, 119; Partnership with God, 119.

INDEX 155Sixth Session 107Smith, Elder Eldred G -..- 42Jesus Christ the creator, 43; Literal Son of God, 43; Before Abrahamwas I Am, 43; The resurrection and the life, 43; Thou art the Christ,44; Dominion over creations, 44; Christ's great mission, 44; OurSavior and Redeemer, 44.Smith, President Joseph Fielding 67, 73, 78, 80, 83, 88Smith, President Joseph Fielding 10Reasons for prayer, 10; Segregation after resurrection, 11; Gift ofeternal life, 11; Freedom to obey, 11; Habits easily formed, 11; Workfor man's benefit, 12; Importance of service, 12.Sonne, Elder Alma 40Formula for peace, 40; Plan for man's redemption, 40; Mission of theChurch, 41; The gospel plan, 41; Mission of the Holy Ghost, 41; Mana child of God, 42; No substitute for God's plan, 42; A modemprophet, 42.Spoken Word, The 148Stapley, Elder Delbert L 26Voice to all men, 26; Light and truth forsake evil, 26; Teach childrenlight and truth, 26; Example in life of Jesus, 27; The bondage of sin,27; Obedience brings blessings, 27; God is light, 28; Unfruitful worksof darkness, 28; Opposing forces in lite,29; Life made up of choices,29; King Benjamin's message, 30; Easier to walk in the light, 30.Statistical Report 1967 68Sustaining of General Authorities and Officers - 70Tabernacle Choir and Organ Broadcast 148Tanner, President N. Eldon 25, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42, 45, 47, 48, 49, 54,59, 63, 66, 89, 94, 99, 105, 127, 128, 132, 134, 137, 139, 143Tarmer, President N. Eldon 108Evils of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, 108; Dangers of tobacco, 109;Case of drug addict, 109; Experience of young woman, 110; The alcoholproblem, 110; Tragedy from drinking. 111; Widespread use ofliquor. 111; Avoidance of alcoholism, 112; Keep the Word of Wisdom,112; Protection of youth, 112; Testimony, 112.Taylor, Elder Henry D 30What is man, 31; Mission of Adam and Eve, 31; Ideal home environment,31; Security never granted, 31; "Men are that they might havejoy," 32; Rewards of life, 32; Greater blessings promised, 32.Third Day—Afternoon Meeting 127Third Day—Morning Meeting 107Third Session 48Tuttle, Elder A. Theodore ...134Love Lost, 134; Joy in home experiences, 134; Questions for youngmen, 135; Questions for young ladies, 135; Questions for parents, 135;Your parents love you, 136; Why God loves us, 136; Family to beperfected, 136.

156 INDEXVandenberg, Bishop John H 45Preexistence of man, 45; Divine purpose to life, 46; Futility in falseidols, 46; Followers of Christ, 46; Appreciation of home teacher, 46;Follow the Lord, 47.Young, Elder S. Dilworth 84Stirring times for seventies, 84; Call to preach the gospel, 84; Workto be orderly, 84; Accomplishments through faith, 85; Witness ofliving testimony, 85.

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