Leaders

In Joseph Smith, Jr.'s "Lectures on Faith" he teaches many powerful lessons, one of which is:

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)

By this we understand the principle of power which existed in the bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this principle of power existing in the Deity, that all created things exist; so that all things in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, exist by reason of faith as it existed in Him. (Joseph Smith, Jr., "Lectures on Faith" American Fork, 2000 3)

Let's stop and consider, we have been told if we have faith the size of a mustard seed even the mountains would obey if we told them to move. (Matthew 17:20) So how does one gain faith the size of a mustard seed? It's sure harder than it seems at times, for such a simple eternal concept.

Examples of faith can be found in the true stories of Alma and Amulek (Alma 14:23-29); Nephi and Lehi (Helaman 5:37-50) and the Master's calming of an angry sea. (Mark 4:35-39) The stories of faith in the scriptures go on and on, and yet, faith seems to slip through the fingers of so many.

So let's examine, with the aid of Joseph Smith, Jr., the concept of faith.

What is faith? The evidence of things hoped for, but not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

In Hebrews 11:6 we learn it is impossible to please God without faith. If we accept this as truth, and I do, then it follows that we must have faith. Faith that Jesus Christ is our Lord, Savior and Redeemer. Faith that He fulfilled the mission (Moses 1:39) our Heavenly Father sent Him to do. Faith that there is more to life than this brief mortal existence. Faith that we came from more than nothing. Faith that we are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Faith that we are meant to be so much more than we are right now.

To fully understand this, we must understand:

. . . God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fulness and perfection dwell; who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in Him every good gift and every good principle dwell; and that He is the Father of lights; in Him the principle of faith dwells independently, and He is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings center for life and salvation. (Joseph Smith, Jr., "Lectures on Faith" American Fork, 2000 9)

So, if we are to understand this correctly, faith dwells with God. (Romans 1:20) If we believe, have faith, that there is a God whose sole purpose is to provide the path, means and support to bring all of His children home, than we can believe that if we ask for faith, He will give it to us.

There are many instances in the scriptures when God spoke to man: He spoke to Cain after He slew Abel (Genesis 4:1-15); He spoke to Moses (Exodus 34:27-28); He spoke to Noah (Genesis 7:1-5); Joseph Smith, Jr. in the sacred grove (Joseph Smith History 1) and many, many more. Answers to prayers offered in the scriptures are even more abundant, miracles equally so. We trace our knowledge of God, back to the very beginning, from Adam and Eve.

And so to build faith we must accept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our loving and eternal Heavenly Father. From the acceptance of that truth a whole new world opens up to the children of God. And yes, that means you too.

According to Joseph Smith, Jr., three things must exist in order for faith to exist in your life.

First the idea that God actually exists. We've covered that amply.

Second, a correct idea of His character, perfections and attributes.

This takes study of the scriptures. As you pour over and internalize the concepts, practices and principles taught in the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price you will come to know and better understand Jesus Christ, and in doing so, you will also come to know and better understand Heavenly Father. For the Savior does nothing and speaks nothing that is not of the Father. They are of one mind, heart and purpose although not body.

This is what we know of Jesus Christ:

1) He was God before the world was created and remained God after.

2) He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness and that He has always been so and always will be.

3) He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow . . . forever and ever. Therefore, miracles have not ceased. Prophets and apostles, holding the proper priesthood authority, still walk the earth. And His Church exists with the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today.

Third, an actual knowledge that the course of life which He (Jesus Christ) is pursuing is according to His (Heavenly Father's) will. This, we learn as we study the scriptures and examine every aspect of Jesus Christ's life that we may know the path that we too must follow.

Moses 1:39 gives us a clear understanding of the purpose of Jesus Christ's mission on this earth:

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

His humble birth in Bethlehem. (Luke 2) His three year mission teaching and restoring the fulness of His gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (New Testament) His fulfillment of the Law of Sacrifice. (Mark 14:13-31) His agonizing and terrifying Atonement, the greatest act of love and crowning glory of all of mankind. (Mark 14:32-41) His cruel and excruciating trial, torture and crucifixion. (Mark 14:43-27; Mark 15) And His triumph over the grave when He broke the bands of death, forever, upon His resurrection. (Mark 16) All this was to the end of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man . . . yes, again, that is you.

Fourth, He cannot lie, for He is a God of truth.

Fifth, He is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of Him.

This is God. If you kneel down and offer with a sincere and humble heart the fervent desire to know if this true, it will be given to you. God is all that I have described. (Moroni 10:3-5)

You must have an idea of the perfect truth of God before faith can be given unto you. Joseph Smith, Jr. said:

By a little reflection, it will be seen that the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity is necessary to enable any rational being to exercise faith in Him; for without the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity, men could not exercise faith in Him for life and salvation; seeing that without the knowledge of all things God would not be able to save any portion of His creatures; for it is by reason of the knowledge which He has of all things, from the beginning to the end, that enables Him to give that understanding to His creatures by which they are made partakers of eternal life; and if it were not for the idea existing in the minds of men that God had all knowledge, it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in Him. (Joseph Smith, Jr., "Lectures on Faith" American Fork, 2000 51)

As you study the Gospel of Jesus Christ, fervently desiring to know truth from error or falsehood, you will be challenged. You might possibly be verbally or physically attacked, for truth has its enemies.

But know this, with the study of the Gospel comes a protection if you but ask. Study, learn and line upon line the truth and will be given to you. (Isaiah 28:10) And as truth is given to you, so is faith. Until your faith, challenged time and time again, will grow to the size of a mustard seed and beyond. This I testify of as absolute truth.

Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th called prophet of these modern times, wrote a poem several years ago that I just heard for the first time today. The words are so heartfelt, and because I've felt death so recently, it hit me particularly hard.

These gentle words of poetry spoken by a prophet of God pierced my soul. They brought remembrance of who I was before:

One of the most precious things given to us, I believe, is the knowledge of who we were before we came to this earth.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, an apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ, tells us:

"Being subject to law, and having their agency, all the spirits of men, while yet in the Eternal Presence, developed aptitudes, talents, capacities, and abilities of every sort, kind and degree . . . As the ages rolled, no two spirits remained alike. Mozart became a musician; Einstein centered his interest in mathematics; Michelangelo turned his attention to painting. Cain was a liar, a schemer, a rebel who maintained a close affinity to Lucifer. Abraham and Moses and all of the prophets sought and obtained the talent for spirituality. Mary and Eve were two of the greatest of all the spirit daughters of the Father . . . and so it went through all the hosts of heaven, each individual developing talents and abilities as his soul desired." (Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book 1979 1:23 497)

"Eternal Presence" is the presence of our Heavenly Father. We are His spirit sons and daughters, which gives me such a sense of completeness. I know who I am: -- Read More -- (Candace E. Salima, "Who Was I Before Life," Mar 2008, Mormon Basic Beliefs, www.ldsblogs.com)

an acknowledgment that this brief moment of mortality is but a minute or so in the eternal scheme of our lives.

It is so difficult to part with loved ones as they return to our heavenly home. We concentrate on their absence in our lives, rather than their return to a glorious home . . . the home from whence we all came before mortality.

I mourned when President Gordon B. Hinckley died. But I also rejoiced that he had finally joined his sweet and beloved wife whom he missed so desperately.

I mourned when my father died. He was leaving behind a wife who loved and depended on him as well as twelve children, sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who miss him desperately. But he suffered so greatly at the end, it was a quiet, yet heart wrenching, relief when he left mortality and passed through the veil.

As my husband's kidney transplant approaches I have had too much time to think of what could go wrong . . . because the transplant team is making sure we know everything that could go wrong so they don't get sued if something does.

And yet the words of President Hinckley's poem, particularly the second verse offer hope and strength:

This peace spoken of is real and available to all who seek it. It was given to each of us, including my mother, when my father's earthly time was growing to a close. The Holy Ghost whispered to each of us that Dad's time was done and he had much to accomplish on the other side of the veil before the Second Coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. Through the grief, there came a piercing peace which filled our souls. Do we miss him, oh yeah . . . without question.

But President Hinckley reminds us that death:

That is what we must remember most . . . death should not be a time of mourning, just as life should not be a time of wasting this brief moment where we've been given the chance to become more like our Heavenly Father.

Weep for the separation, but not for the purpose. For death is merely the graduation from mortality to the next phase in our eternal existence. When resurrection time comes for each of us, we will move into yet another phase of eternity. Who we are and what we become, in other words, how high we wish to reach, is completely up to us.

Do we want to be as Jesus Christ? Then we must live as Jesus Christ.

Do we want to be as our Father in Heaven? Then we must obey His commandments, given to us by His Son, Jesus Christ.

Do we wish to grow and learn and reach the full measure of our creation? Then we must avail ourselves of the opportunities Jesus Christ has given us.

Did you catch the common theme? Jesus Christ. He is our salvation. In accepting Him, as our Lord, Savior and Redeemer, the Son of God, the God of all who have lived in this world, as the only path through which we might return to our Father in Heaven and back into the presence of Jesus Christ. Through Him, and only through Him, may exaltation be found.

So remember who we are, children of God. Remember the purpose of why we are. And remember where we are going. This knowledge has been restored through Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration. And the Gospel of Jesus Christ is contained, in its fullness, in the Book of Mormon, a second testament of Jesus Christ. The scriptures hold such precious truths which guide us through every aspect of our lives.

And this beloved prophet of God, President Hinckley tells us:

Baptism is something that is common to many Christian factions across the globe. Many favor the "sprinkling" method, while other Christians, like Mormons, use the "immersion" method as was the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first saving ordinance of the gospel and is necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation. All who seek eternal life must follow the example of the Savior by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, www.lds.org - Definition of Baptism)

In other words, when you are brought up out of the water you are clean from every sin and are as a newborn baby, fresh and new. It is at that moment in time you will be the most perfect you will ever be since your birth. It is an exhilarating feeling, although the occurrence in my life took place in a distant time.

President Lorenzo Snow, the fifth called prophet in these modern times, spoke of his baptism and the expectations which existed within him:

I was baptized by Elder John Boynton, then one of the Twelve Apostles, June 1836, at Kirtland, Ohio. Previous to accepting the ordinance of baptism, in my investigations of the principles taught by the Latter-day Saints [Mormons], which I proved by comparison to be the same as those mentioned in the New Testament taught by Christ and His Apostles, I was thoroughly convinced that obedience to those principles would impart miraculous powers, manifestations and revelations. With expectation of this result, I received baptism and the ordinance of laying on of hands by one who professed to have divine authority; and having thus yielded obedience to these ordinances, I was in constant expectation of the fulfillment of the promise of the reception of the Holy Ghost. The manifestation did not immediately follow my baptism as I had expected. (Lorenzo Snow as quoted by Preston Nibley, "The Presidents of the Church, Deseret Book 1945)

This is not an uncommon response, even for a future prophet of God. Sometimes it takes awhile before we feel the full manifestation of the Holy Ghost in our lives. In a moment when we are earnestly seeking truth in sincere prayer, oh yes, the influence of the Holy Ghost can be felt as a soft whisper in your heart that sweeps through your entire body. Or it can be felt as a sense of certain rightness and truth. The Holy Ghost manifests itself in many, many ways . . . but all of them identifiable.

President Snow goes on to say:

Some two or three weeks after I was baptized, one day while engaged in my studies, I began to reflect upon the fact that I had not obtained a knowledge of the truth of the work-that I had not realized the fulfillment of the promise, "he that doeth my will shall know of the doctrine," and I began to feel very uneasy. I laid aside my books, left the house and wandered around through the fields under the oppressive influence of a gloomy, disconsolate spirit, while an indescribable cloud of darkness seemed to envelop me. I had been accustomed, at the close of day, to retire for secret prayer, to a grove a short distance from my lodgings, but at this time I felt no inclination to do so. The spirit of prayer had departed and the heavens seemed like brass over my head.

At length, realizing that the usual time had come for secret prayer, I concluded I would not fore go evening service, and as a matter of formality, knelt as I was in the habit of doing, and in my accustomed, retired place, but not feeling as I was wont to feel. I had no sooner opened my lips in an effort to pray, then I heard a sound, just above my head, like the rustling of silken robes; and immediately the spirit of God descended upon me: completely enveloping my whole person, filling me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and O the joy and happiness I felt.

No language can describe the almost instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of mental and spiritual darkness into a refulgence of light and knowledge, that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and of the restoration of the Holy Priesthood, and the fulness of the Gospel. It was a complete baptism. (Ibid)

And so President Snow described his own experience of feeling the Holy Ghost for the first time. The specific responsibility of the Holy Ghost is to testify of truth, all truth. And as Lorenzo Snow reluctantly knelt to pray, the heavens opened and truth was testified of in a tangible and sweeping manner.

Sometimes, when we expect the burning bush or the parting of the Red Sea in order for God to prove himself we shall receive nothing. For they who seek signs have no real testimony of God or understanding of His mission and purpose in the eternities. But . . . there is one manifestation of the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, which is almost felt each time we seek acknowledgment of truth. For me, it is a warmth and surety which sweeps over my body and my brain's acceptance of truth as it is testified to me without conscious thought. Meaning, I don't say to myself:

"Okay, I'm ready. Hit me."

My spirit hears the testimony of the Holy Ghost and consciously recognizes that spiritual transaction of knowledge with sure realization of truth.

As the prophet Moroni promised in the last chapter he wrote before burying the plates and fleeing his enemies:

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:3-5)

At all times and in all things the Holy Ghost will testify of truth. After baptism, performed by one in authority, the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed upon you. At this time you make a choice, will you live your life in such a way that you may have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, live up to the covenants you've made with Christ and begin your first steps on that journey to our heavenly home, or revert to your old ways turning from all you've just been given.

The Holy Ghost will be your companion and comforter, as described by Jesus Christ, guiding you through this treacherous journey we call mortality. You may not received a sudden and magnificent manifestation of his presence, but if you pray and listen quietly, asking for clarification or testimony of a truth, you will feel him as he testifies to you.

It is a precious, precious gift the Lord left with the early saints when He ascended to heaven. President Joseph F. Smith said of his own experience:

. . . the influence and power of the Holy Spirit that I experienced when I had been baptized for the remission of my sins. The feeling that came upon me was that of pure peace, of love and of light. I felt in my soul that if I had sinned-and surely I was not without sin-that it had been forgiven me; that I was indeed cleansed from sin; my heart was touched, and I felt that I would not injure the smallest insect beneath my feet. I felt as though I wanted to do good everywhere to everybody and to everything. I felt a newness of life, a newness of desire to do that which was right. There not one particle of desire for evil left in my soul. (Joseph F. Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Report, April 1898 66)

And so it is, the Holy Ghost, the third member of the godhead, testifies of truth . . . even to the recognition of the purity of our spirits living in this physical reality. He is a gift from God, a compass as it were, that we may be carefully guided on our journey home.

President Thomas S. Monson, the sixteenth called prophet in these modern times, teaches the children of God through stories. With an unfailing gentle voice, sweet and tender spirit, a godlike love for each of our Father in Heaven's children, he teaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ through story.

In teaching of the hope that Jesus Christ represents to mankind, he shared this story:

First, may I tell you about Arthur. He had blond, curly hair and a smile as big as all outdoors. He stood taller than any boy in the class. I suppose this is how, in 1940, as the great conflict which became World War II was overtaking much of Europe, Arthur was able to fool the recruiting officers and enlist in the navy at the tender age of 15. To Arthur and most of the boys, the war was a great adventure. I remember how striking he appeared in his navy uniform. How we wished we were older or at least taller so we too could enlist.

Youth is a very special time of life. As Longfellow wrote:

How beautiful is youth! how bright it gleams
With its illusions, aspirations, dreams!
Book of Beginnings, Story without End,
Each maid a heroine, and each man a friend!2

Arthur’s mother was so proud of the blue star which graced her living room window. It represented to every passerby that her son wore the uniform of his country and was actively serving. When I would pass the house, she often opened the door and invited me in to read the latest letter from Arthur. Her eyes would fill with tears; I would then be asked to read aloud. Arthur meant everything to his widowed mother.

I can still picture Mrs. Patton’s coarse hands as she would carefully replace the letter in its envelope. These were hardworking hands; Mrs. Patton was a cleaning woman for a downtown office building. Each day of her life except Sundays she could be seen walking along the sidewalk, pail and brush in hand, her gray hair pulled back into a tight bob, her shoulders weary from work and stooped with age.

In March 1944, with the war now raging, Arthur was transferred from the USS Dorsey, a destroyer, to the USS White Plains, an aircraft carrier. While at Saipan in the South Pacific, the ship was attacked. Arthur was one of those on board who was lost at sea.

The blue star was taken from its hallowed spot in the front window of the Patton home. It was replaced by one of gold, indicating that he whom the blue star represented had been killed in battle. A light went out in the life of Mrs. Patton. She groped in utter darkness and deep despair.

With a prayer in my heart, I approached the familiar walkway to the Patton home, wondering what words of comfort could come from the lips of a mere boy.

The door opened, and Mrs. Patton embraced me as she would her own son. Home became a chapel as a grief-stricken mother and a less-than-adequate boy knelt in prayer.

Arising from our knees, Mrs. Patton gazed into my eyes and spoke: “Tommy, I belong to no church, but you do. Tell me, will Arthur live again?” To the best of my ability, I testified to her that Arthur would indeed live again.

In general conference those long years ago, as I related this account, I mentioned that I had lost track of Mrs. Patton but that I wanted to once more answer her question “Will Arthur live again?”

I referred to the Savior of the world, who walked the dusty paths of villages we now reverently call the Holy Land; who caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the dead to live; to Him who tenderly and lovingly assured us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”3

I explained that the plan of life and an explanation of its eternal course come to us from the Master of heaven and earth, even Jesus Christ the Lord. To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life.

explained that the plan of life and an explanation of its eternal course come to us from the Master of heaven and earth, even Jesus Christ the Lord. To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life.

I indicated that in this dispensation, the Lord declared: “And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn.”4 “Man was also in the beginning with God.”(Thomas S. Monson, “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 21–24)

President Monson went on to talk about the continuity of life and the eternities. He taught of premortality and what we did there. He spoke of this life and what awaits those who pass through the veil separating this world from the heavens.

When Jesus Christ entered the Garden of Gethsemane that fateful night 1,975 years ago, He did so with the intention of paying the ransom for the souls of mankind, every single one of His children.

He accomplished that very thing upon completing His mission. Hope was restored and the eternities were open to man once again because of His incredibly loving act of sacrifice. Death was forever crushed in the grave and the resurrection of man began when the Savior rolled forth the stone of His tomb and stepped into the sunshine.

Life does not end with death. It is merely, as my father liked to put it, our graduation. When he died, one year ago, he was so anxious to get on with finishing his mission of spreading the Gospel on the other side of the veil. He hated to leave my mother, the cancer left him no choice. I miss my father, but there is no question that he lives and will do so throughout the eternities.

So, as President Monson said, "Yes, Mrs. Patton. Arthur lives." To each of you I repeat the same to those who have lost loved ones due to illness, senseless crime, accident, old age, whatever the case may be . . . your loved one lives.

I encourage all of you to click on the link to President Monson's talk and read it in its entirety. He answers so many questions which plague the minds and hearts of those who have had to say goodbye: Yes Mrs. Patton - The Story Continues.

In 1996 President Gordon B. Hinckley, the fifteenth called prophet in these modern times, sat down with reporter, Mike Wallace in an unprecedented interview. They discussed a variety of topics, but in particular, Mr. Wallace asked about the state of the nation.

Mike Wallace: “Since World War II, we seem to be splintering; we seem to be becoming more selfish, more self-absorbed, less community minded. Families don’t seem to mean so much, and morality has gone to hell [his expression] in a handbasket. Why?”

Gordon B. Hinckley: “The basic failure is in our homes. Parents haven’t measured up to their responsibilities. It is evident. A nation will rise no higher than the strength of its homes. If you want to reform a nation, you begin with families, with parents who teach their children principles and values that are positive and affirmative and will lead them to worthwhile endeavors. That is the basic failure that has taken place in America. And we are making a tremendous effort to bring about greater solidarity in families. Parents have no greater responsibility in this world than the bringing up of their children in the right way, and they will have no greater satisfaction as the years pass than to see those children grow in integrity and honesty and make something of their lives. …” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “This Thing Was Not Done in a Corner,” Ensign, Nov 1996, 48)

President Hinckley addressed a critical problem we face in America, and really across the world, today. Society is falling apart. Now, at this time, President Hinckley didn't go into much more detail, but in a previous talk to the general membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormons, he gave specific instructions on how to turn society around within a generation or two.

Four simple things, which I believe bear repeating:

Let parents and children (1) teach and learn goodness together, (2) work together, (3) read good books together, and (4) pray together." (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Four Simple Things to Help Our Families and Our Nations,” Liahona, Jun 1996, 3)

For too long God has been pushed out of American families, society and government. And yet, Patrick Henry, one of America's fiercest patriots in our battle for freedom from Great Britain, said:

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” (Patrick Henry as quoted by Robert W. Pelton, America: A Christian Nation? Here Are The Facts, 2008)

George Washington said,

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." He also said, ""Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

A prophet of God has told us that if we pray as a family, along with the other three things, we can turn society around. So Mr. Wallace, there is the full and complete answer to your question.

Prayer is one of the most beautiful gifts our Father in Heaven has given us. Through this medium we are allowed to petition the God of the Universe at any time, day or night, 365 days a year. He is never too tired, frustrated or busy to listen to us pour out all the confusion, pain, frustration, even the joy, love and happiness our mortal hearts can hold. If we ask, He will guide us, protect us (unless it's our time to go or we have something to learn) and inspire us. I thank Him, most profusely, for this beautiful gift.

A family that kneels in sincere and heartfelt prayer, morning and night, will be a family more cemented together with eternal bonds. Oh yes, trouble will creep in, but prayer is a protection unlike most.

So this nation, crumbling at the seams, turn to God and remember He who gave you life awaits your call.

President John Taylor, the third called prophet in these modern times was an highly educated man. He was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, referred to as the Mormons, while still living in England. After joining the Church he traveled to America and was with the saints (Mormons) during their travails as the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ gained a foothold in the world once again. He was in the Carthage jail cell when the prophet, Joseph Smith and his brother, the patriarch, Hyrum were assassinated by a mob with their faces painted black. He was critically wounded by that same mob, during that same event, and lay near death for weeks.

This man stayed true to his testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel, regardless of the great personal cost demanded of him. One of the things he treasured the most was the value of a good education. It was said of him:

John Taylor’s many writings on gospel subjects included letters, tracts, hymns, pamphlets, newspaper articles, and books. One of his books, entitled The Government of God, was praised by a noted American historian, who wrote: “As a dissertation on a general and abstract subject, it probably has not its equal in point of ability within the whole range of Mormon literature. The style is lofty and clear, and every page betokens the great learning of the author. As a student of ancient and modern history, theologian, and moral philosopher, President Taylor is justly entitled to the front rank.”

In addition to his many writings, President Taylor’s command of language, coupled with his testimony of the gospel, resulted in countless inspiring and instructive sermons. Elder B. H. Roberts wrote: “The Saints who listened to him for half a century will remember as long as they live his commanding presence, his personal magnetism, the vigor and power of his discourses and the grand principles of which they treated. … His eloquence was a majestic river full to the point of overflowing its banks, sweeping grandly through rich regions of thought.” (“Chapter 10: The Value of Education,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 87)

He believed wholeheartedly in being "alive for the cause of education" for ourselves, our children, our friends and neighbors. And why is that? Well certainly, a literate people are difficult to crush. A literate people reach lofty and precious goals bringing them ever closer to the heaven or hell of their choosing. A literate people can be servants of God like no other, as long as they never forget that God is in charge.

We are taught, as Mormons, that we are not here to imitate or follow the world. But we are taught to be of the world, but not in it. In other words, Jesus Christ has given us the restoration of His magnificent gospel that we might be enlightened and instructed in the following of His footsteps back to our heavenly home.

President Taylor taught both secular and religious knowledge and never eschewed his burning desire to learn and grow. We are here in this mortal probation to learn and gain knowledge, to grow, to strengthen our hearts, minds and spirits ever engaged in the cause of righteousness.

President John Taylor lived this principle to his dying day, always trumpeting the value of an educated mind.

"If what you're doing doesn't have eternal consequences, why are you doing it?" Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tonight, I was listening to Glenn Beck, a national radio personality, talk about the passing of Gordon B. Hinckley. He, as so many of us were, was in complete awe of President Hinckley. Glenn spoke to his millions of listeners and asked for a moment of understanding as he spoke about this great man who effected his life so profoundly. He had once spoken with Larry King about President Hinckley and when asked if he'd met the Prophet, Glenn answered, "No."

Larry told him he'd call Gordon (I prefer President Hinckley) right up and get it set up right away. Glenn told him, "No, no. I don't want to meet him. I'm in awe of him."

This gave me pause for thought. Had the opportunity arisen would I have answered in the negative. My answer is no . . . I would have jumped at the chance to be in the presence of a living prophet of God.

I was born and raised in the Church, and as the years and decades of my life have gone by, my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has grown, line upon line, precept upon precept until I now crave the time I am allowed to immerse myself in the scriptures, both ancient and modern. As each new bit of spiritual knowledge is found within these sacred words, my heart sings a little more and my spirit brightens even more than that. I rejoice as more and more knowledge is imparted to me.

So if I were given the opportunity to sit at the feet of a prophet of God, I would jump at the chance. Not to say I'd done it. Not to lord myself over others for having been in the presence of a prophet of God. Not for anything but a deep and burning desire to be in the presence of one who has walked and talked with God. One, who with the very weight of his prophetic calling, would know things far beyond my knowledge and comprehension. But most importantly I would bask in the righteousness and beauty of his spirit and allow my spirit to briefly recall that heavenly home where we all walked, talked and called each brother and sister. My spirit would rejoice in the presence of one who was totally and completely dedicated to God and the building of the Kingdom of God.

It is an exciting time in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons.) By next week a new prophet of God will have been chosen and ordained to the highest office in the Melchizedek Priesthood, living Prophet of God and President of His Church. As Mormons we look forward to the next prophet of the Church and the knowledge he will be entrusted to impart to the world on behalf of Jesus Christ, the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New.

Just as in the days of old, when prophets such as Adam, Moses, Noah, Abraham and more roamed the land, in this very day, we too have a living prophet who speaks with God. We are saying goodbye to Gordon B. Hinckley and will miss him greatly, but we now look to the future and the new prophet of God.

So it is with little wonder that when I sit down and evaluate my life, as I often do, I hear the same words of wisdom from President Hinckley that Glenn Beck hears:

"If what you're doing doesn't have eternal consequences, why are you doing it?"

Since the assassination of Joseph Smith, Jr. on June 27, 1844 there has been a clear and established transfer of this prophetic calling to the next man, called of God, to serve in the capacity of prophet, seer and revelator.

Gordon B. Hinckley died on January 27, 2008 and the First Presidency was dissolved and the counselors returned to their positions in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which now total fourteen. Until the new prophet is chosen, the Church will be run by the Apostles.

It has already been announced by the Church that the new prophet will not be chosen until the conclusion of President Hinckley's funeral in the next few days.

When that time comes, the Apostles will gather together and through great prayer and inspiration will unanimously choose the next prophet, seer, revelator and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

From the Church's website we learn:

The appointment of a new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints happens in an orderly way that — remarkably in today’s world — avoids any trace of internal lobbying for position or rank. Viewed by members as a divinely revealed process, it is devoid of electioneering whether behind the scenes or in public.

Moreover, it is not only the structure of Church organization that governs this process. There is also a deeply ingrained tradition in the Church that personal aspiration for leadership at any level is inappropriate. Instead, the emphasis is on personal worthiness and a humble willingness to serve when invited. (Succession in the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - www.lds.org Newsroom)

Traditionally it has been the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who is Thomas S. Monson, called as the next prophet. Whomever that prophetic mantle falls on next, will then choose his counselors, generally from among the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. The new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with the rest of the quorum, will then lay their hands upon the head of the new prophet, seer and revelator and through a special prayer known as a blessing, set him apart as the new Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since Brigham Young was called to follow Joseph Smith, Jr. as the prophet of the Church, it has always been conducted in a mannerly fashion. Gordon B. Hinckley was the 15th prophet of the Church called in these modern times.

My beloved prophet has died. Gordon Bittner Hinckley passed away tonight from age related causes at the age of 97. He was surrounded by his family and was anxious to be reunited with his sweet wife who had passed away four years ago.

I heard one reporter say that President Hinckley had done more for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, otherwise known as the Mormons, save for Joseph Smith, Jr. To understand the full impact of that statement, you must read the words written by another prophet of God about the assassination of Joseph Smith, Jr.

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated! (D&C 135:3)

Gordon B. Hinckley was called to the office of prophet, seer and revelator on March 12, 1995, after the death of President Howard W. Hunter. At that time there were 47 working temples in the world. As of this night, when President Hinckley has returned to his heavenly home, the Church is closing in on 150 working temples. A huge accomplishment and one driven by this beloved prophet determined to bring the covenants and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every people.

President Hinckley reached out to the world, one of the most visible prophets the world has ever known. He has traveled to every land where saints (Mormons) gather, has taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who would hear and has loved the membership of the Church with a love only a prophet of the Lord God Jesus Christ could feel. He has brought the Church from obscurity into the forefront of the news with instances such as agreeing to be interviewed by the likes of Larry King and Mike Wallace.

But more than all this was the loving and delightful way in which he shared the gospel. Always with a twinkle in his eye, but a loving and sincere heart, he would beseech the world to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. He always invoked a prophetic blessing on the members of the Church twice a year. And each time this blessing was spoken, my heart leaped for joy. Oh the peace that comes into the heart of one who understands the great gift given in a living prophet of God. And my heart is no different.

And yet, tonight I am saddened by his passing, but also have no doubt that he is now reunited with Marjorie, his loving wife. He has missed her so much. He has, without question, been greeted by the prophets of the ages and a great celebration has arisen in the heavens at the return of one of Heavenly Father's most valiant sons and one of Jesus Christ's prophets. There is no question in my mind that he has been gathered into the arms of our Savior and told, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." And indeed, he was a much loved prophet, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.

We shall not be long without a prophet, for an established and sacred pattern has been followed 15 times in these modern days. The next prophet will be the 16th prophet of the Church, and will most likely be President Thomas S. Monson, who is the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. However, the new prophet will not be called, ordained or announced until after President Hinckley's funeral.

But before we say goodbye to this man, this prophet of God, I came to love, admire, respect and revere as the mouthpiece of the Lord, I'd like to remember some of his teachings:

Are we Christians?

“Are we Christians? Of course we are! No one can honestly deny that. We may be somewhat different from the traditional pattern of Christianity. But no one believes more literally in the redemption wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ. No one believes more fundamentally that He was the Son of God, that He died for the sins of mankind, that He rose from the grave, and that He is the living resurrected Son of the living Father.

“All of our doctrine, all of our religious practice stems from that one basic doctrinal position: ‘We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.’ This is the first article of our faith, and all else flows therefrom” (meeting with Religion Newswriters Association, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 14 Sept. 1997).

Becoming Leaders

“I urge you with all the capacity that I have to reach out in a duty that stands beyond the requirements of our everyday lives; that is, to stand strong, even to become a leader in speaking up in behalf of those causes which make our civilization shine and which give comfort and peace to our lives. You can be a leader. You must be a leader, as a member of this Church, in those causes for which this Church stands. Do not let fear overcome your efforts, for as Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind’ (2 Tim. 1:7). Fear comes not from God but from the evil one. The adversary of all truth would put into your heart a reluctance to make an effort. Cast that fear aside and be valiant in the cause of truth and righteousness and faith. If you now decide that this will become the pattern of your life, you will not have to make that decision again. You will put on the ‘armour of God’ and raise your voice in defense of truth, whatever the circumstances now and in all the years that lie ahead (see Eph. 6:11)” (Brigham Young University devotional, Marriott Center, 17 Sept. 1996).

The Book of Mormon

“I would like to urge every man and woman … and every boy and girl who is old enough to again read the Book of Mormon during this coming year. This was written for the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Living Son of the Living God. And, my brothers and sisters, that is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book. May I suggest that you read it again and take a pencil, a red one if you have one, and put a little check mark every time there is a reference to Jesus Christ in that book. And there will come to you a very real conviction as you do so that this is in very deed another witness for the Lord Jesus Christ” (Corpus Christi, Texas, regional conference, 7 Jan. 1996).

Mandate to the Church

“Nobody, no group of people who ever walked the earth, has received a more all-encompassing mandate than have we. We are responsible for the whole human race, past, present, and yet to come. It is for this reason that we have missionaries—to bless the human race of this generation. It is for this reason that we have temples—to bless the human race of past generations. And we shall continue to be engaged in this work through all the generations yet to come” (fireside in Crawley, England, 26 Aug. 1995).

Of Women

“I hope you recognize that the greatest asset you have in time or eternity is the woman with whom you joined hands over the altar in the house of the Lord, and to whom you pledged your love and loyalty and affection for time and for all eternity in those sacred precincts. Those covenants are tremendously important—so very, very important” (Tacoma, Washington, regional conference, priesthood leadership meeting, 19 Aug. 1995).

Rearing of Families

“There is too much of selfishness. There is too much of worldliness in our homes. We need to get back to the basics of respect one for another and concern one for another, love and appreciation for another, working together, worshiping together, and living together as families who love the Lord and look to Him for light and strength and comfort. Rear our families in the nurture and admonition of the Lord as He instructs us to do. That’s my message” (Church News, 7 June 1995).

Of Our Divine Heritage

All of earth’s children are the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. Fatherhood denotes brotherhood and sisterhood. We are of His family, you and I. We have within each of us something of His divinity. We have an obligation one to another. We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is the Light of Christ which has brought into the world an enlarged sense of brotherhood. While there is much of darkness and strife, of brutality and evil in our time, there is yet more of appreciation and respect, of reaching down and helping, of giving and loving than at any previous period in the history of the world, I so believe.

At this glad season how grateful we should feel. “He, watching over Israel, slumbers not nor sleeps” (see Ps. 121:4). He walked the earth as our teacher, our leader, our exemplar, our Lord. Through His matchless Atonement, He did for each of us what we could not do for ourselves. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor. 15:55). Through His great atoning sacrifice, He cut the knot of the cords that bound us and gave us freedom to go forward on the road to immortality and eternal life. He is our Lord, our Master, our Redeemer, our King, our Ruler, and our God. Without Him there is no salvation. (Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and James E. Faust, “First Presidency Christmas Devotional: ‘My Redeemer Lives’,” Ensign, Feb 2001, 70–73)

Learn, Study and Grow

“Get the whole picture of this glorious gospel of salvation. The whole picture which encompasses all of mankind—those living now, those who have lived in the past, and those who will yet come upon the earth. That’s the breadth and depth and height of our responsibility as men who hold the priesthood in this Church, and we must go forward on a bold front doing all the work that is expected of us and doing it faithfully as well” (Vacaville/Santa Rosa, California, regional conference, priesthood leadership meeting, 20 May 1995).

He has been my prophet for 13 years and I have grown in the gospel to the level of theologian under his stewardship. Like 13,000,000 plus other MOrmonss across the world, we all mourn his passing but in equal fervor, express our gratitude for his unfailing service, love and devotion to Jesus Christ and His kingdom on the earth. I testify to the world, would even shout it upon the rooftops if I could, that Gordon B. Hinckley was a prophet of God, so chosen by Him, to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through this exciting and troubled phase of the world. He was the prophet for our time.

And now, we look to a new era in the Mormon Church under the stewardship of the next prophet. It will be an exciting time and I look forward to it. Goodbye, President Hinckley.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley Dies at 97
Feature Story: Gordon B. Hinckley
Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley
Timeline of Significant Events of Gordon B. Hinckley as President of the Church
New York Times: Gordon B. Hinckley Dead

Of his calling to the highest and holy office in the world, Howard W. Hunter, the fourteenth called prophet in these modern times, said:

“I have shed many tears and have sought my Father in Heaven in earnest prayer with a desire to be equal to the high and holy calling which is now mine.

“My greatest strength through these past hours and recent days has been my abiding testimony that this is the work of God and not men, that Jesus Christ is the authorized and living head of this church and he leads it in word and deed. I pledge my life, my strength, and the full measure of my soul to serving Him fully. …

“To the membership of the Church in every country of the world and to people everywhere I extend my love. … I pray that we might treat each other with more kindness, more courtesy, more humility and patience and forgiveness. …

“I … invite the members of the Church to establish the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of their membership and the supernal setting for their most sacred covenants. It would be the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church be temple worthy. I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not allow immediate or frequent use of it.” (James E. Faust, “‘The Way of an Eagle’,” Ensign, Aug 1994, 2)

Yes, President Hunter encouraged all of us to attend the temple and to do so frequently. It was the deepest desire of his heart that we find ourselves comfortable within the walls of the holy temples which can be found across the globe. He also invited all those who had left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) to come home. Of this wonderful man, Elder James E. Faust said,

Trying to describe this charming, charismatic, exceptionally gifted President Hunter is rather like trying to capture “the way of an eagle in the air.” (Ibid)

His ancestors hail from Scotland, Scandinavia and the United States. Of their exposure to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, his great-grandmother wrote:

“I went to hear the Mormon preacher [Joseph Smith] with great caution, hoping not to be deceived. His subject was the second coming of Christ. I had the testimony that he spoke the truth, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, called and ordained of God to do a great work, because he had brought forth the truth as it was taught by Jesus Christ and his apostles. I asked to be baptized.” (Ibid)

A good son, a wonderful brother, husband and father, Howard W. Hunter was known for his goodness, his charm, even his charismatic personality. An Eagle Scout, he was, ever and always, devoted to God. His sister, Dorothy said, "I have never known him to do a wrong thing in my life." She went on to say:

Howard was always doing something; he always had a job. He sold papers, did all kinds of things, won a xylophone. Our parents had a long living room, and against one wall Howard had all his instruments—he has perfect pitch. He worked in arts school, before school, and learned to frame pictures.” Another boyhood pursuit was picking up broken alarm clocks that had been discarded. He took them apart, repaired and lubricated them, and got them in working order. Then he would sell them for pocket money. (Ibid>

At fifteen year's of age, President Hunter put together his own orchestra and tagged it "Hunter's Croonaders." They played high school socials in the Boise area and after graduation played on a cruise ship.

On June 10th of 1931, Howard W. Hunter married Clara (Claire) Jeffs. They began married life during the depression, but ever resourceful, President Hunter found work where it was available, door-to-door soap salesman, bridge painter, etc.

Three years later, they became the parents of a beautiful little boy, Billy. He was not long to live with them, for he died later that summer. A tragic and far-reaching event which certainly tore at the hearts and souls of these young parents.

As evidenced by his Eagle Scout Award, Howard W. Hunter was not a slacker. Ever one to excel, President Hunter looked for a job that would support his wife and further his education at the same time.

That same year of 1934, Howard managed to get a job in the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, assisting attorneys with evidence and preparation for trials. With the steady income that job afforded, he went back to school and, based on his experience, decided to work for a degree in law. For the next few years he worked full-time and took a full class load of ten credit hours. He graduated, cum laude, in June of 1939, passed the bar examination, and in January of 1940 was sworn in and admitted to practice law in California. From then on he was financially secure, for he has always been an astute steward of everything with which the Lord has blessed him. A frugal man, he is nevertheless most generous with his time and talents to all who meet him. (Ibid)

He served as bishop, stake president and in October of 1959 he was ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a calling which upon being sustained as an Apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ, he said, "My heart increased its pounding as I climbed the steps. Elder Hugh B. Brown moved over to make room for me and I took my place as the twelfth member of the Quorum. I felt the eyes of everyone fastened upon me as well as the weight of the world on my shoulders. As the conference proceeded I was most uncomfortable and wondered if I could ever feel that this was my proper place." (Ibid)

Oh yes, he came to wear this mantle most comfortably. It was not an easy thing to do, to leave his profession, home and life in California and move to Utah. But he had long established an order to things in his life, service to God ranked above all things. And so to Utah they moved.

“Among his associates, Howard Hunter is described as a man of sound judgment and quiet wisdom. He rarely talks about himself and his accomplishments or shares his personal feelings. His concern is for the accomplishments and feelings and comfort of others. …

“The Twelve and those who work with them have learned that Elder Hunter weighs matters carefully before jumping in with opinions, conclusions, or solutions, undoubtedly a result of his legal training. He listens carefully as others express their opinions and feelings. If consensus isn’t reached or anyone in the group still has strong feelings about a matter, he will table it rather than force a vote.” (Ibid)

His service to the Lord was underlined with humility, meekness and yet a strength that came from knowing who he was, what he had to do and the God he served.

In 1983 his beloved wife, Clara, died. He had cared for her tenderly since a debilitating stroke several years earlier. The sweetheart of his youth had now passed from mortality, and he was left to struggle with that loss while continuing his service to God. President Gordon B. Hinckley, who lost his wife, Marjorie, said no one who has not experienced it can understand the "absolute devastation and consuming loneliness, which increases in intensity and gnaws at one's very soul." Yet in the darkest nights, there comes a voice that whispers "all is well, all is well, with a peace, certainty and unwavering affirmation that death is not the end" and that "as surely as there has been separation, there will be a joyful reuniting." (Carrie A. Moore, Deseret Morning News, Wednesday, July 28, 2004 9:44 a.m. MD)

This must certainly have been what was uppermost in President Hunter's mind and heart, broken as it was. James E. Faust relates the following:

In April 1988, with the aid of a walker, he stood at the pulpit to deliver his conference message. Near the middle of the talk he lost his balance and fell backwards. President Monson, Elder Packer, and a security guard quickly lifted him up on his feet, and he continued his talk as though nothing had happened. At the close of the conference session, with his ever-present sense of humor intact, he said: “I landed in the flowers!”

In December 1988, after drawing on the faith and prayers of the Saints, he was able to walk to the council room in the temple where the Brethren were meeting.

At the weekly temple meeting on Thursday, April 12, 1990, after all the agenda items had been covered, President Hunter asked, “Does anyone have anything that is not on the agenda?” No one spoke, so he said, “Well, then, if no one else has anything to say, I thought I’d just let you know that I’m going to be married this afternoon.” There were gasps, then he went on to explain, “Inis is an old acquaintance from California. I’ve been visiting with her for some time, and we’ve decided to get married.”

This was a delightful surprise for the Brethren, who had been concerned about President Hunter’s being alone. And now, happily, they learned that he would have a companion who is outgoing, warm, cordial, and gracious. Since the time of their marriage, Inis has been unfailing in her concern for President Hunter and in her attentiveness to him. It has been a delight for him to have a traveling companion and to show her something of the dimension of Church service, with the many and varied assignments and responsibilities a man of President Hunter’s stature carries. For her part, she has experienced all the joys and emotions that come to the wife of a General Authority, and she quickly learned to speak extemporaneously as she was called on repeatedly to speak in Church settings and missionary meetings. Sister Hunter continues to be a comfort and a joy to him. (James E. Faust, “‘The Way of an Eagle’,” Ensign, Aug 1994, 2)

While still an apostle, a year prior to being called, ordained and sustained as the 14th prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President exhibited the true measure of his character:

On 7 February 1993, he was on the Brigham Young University campus to speak at a nineteen-stake fireside and Church Educational System broadcast. As President Hunter rose to address the nearly twenty thousand young adults assembled in the Marriott Center, an assailant threatened him, shouting, “Stop right there!” The man claimed to have a bomb and a detonator and ordered everyone to leave the stand except President Hunter. Many people did leave, yet President Hunter resolutely stayed at the pulpit, with two security guards. Although threatened by what looked like a gun, President Hunter firmly declined to read the written statement the man handed to him. When students spontaneously began to sing “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” the assailant was momentarily distracted. A security guard rushed him and took him into custody. Other security guards lowered President Hunter to the floor for safety.

There was, of course, a considerable commotion in the audience, but soon a reasonable calm returned. After a few moments to collect himself, President Hunter made a second approach to the microphone and read the opening line of his prepared text: “Life has a fair number of challenges in it.” He stopped, looked over the audience, and added, “As demonstrated.” Then he went on with his message as though nothing had happened. (Ibid)

A man who was described as meek, humble and ever in the service of his fellowman, demonstrated all the strength and resolution of character in this instance that truly showed to all listening, that Howard W. Hunter trusted God over all, even in a deadly circumstance such as this.

Of him, President Boyd K. Packer said,

“Sometimes people have asked me about the real Howard W. Hunter: ‘You have known him and have worked very closely with him for many years. What is he really like?’ The answer to that question is disarmingly simple: President Howard W. Hunter is just as you see him to be. A quiet, wise, uncomplicated man. He is pleasant to work with and has a quick sense of humor. Few men know the doctrines and procedures of the Church as he knows them. He has never shied away from the difficult decisions and is firm in his convictions. I find no mystery in him at all. The ‘real Howard W. Hunter’ is just as you see him to be.”(Ibid)

And so we come full circle. On June 5, 1994 Howard W. Hunter was called and ordained the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . . . a living prophet of God. During his short tenure as prophet, he displayed such love and belief in the membership of the Church, that we could succeed in our eternal goals of living our lives as Jesus Christ lived His, following all the teachings and principles of His gospel and return to live with Him once again.

My own personal memory of that historic time is as follows:

It was President Ezra Taft Benson's funeral. President Hunter, as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve was sure to be our next prophet, for the line of succession has always followed that path. He was old and infirm and I feared for his ability to carry out that sacred calling. He made his way slowly to the pulpit and as the mantle of that sacred call fell upon his bowed shoulders, he straightened to his full height, his shoulders back, his eyes clear and his voice piercing my heart and the Spirit testified to me at that very moment, this is the prophet of God. Sustained and strengthened by the Lord, he fulfilled his prophetic calling, drawing upon the strength, wisdom and experience of his years as a servant of God.

President Hunter equated the role of prophets in the Church today with those in Old Testament and Book of Mormon times: “to stand at the head of the church and to provide spiritual bearings for those who espouse the gospel.” He went on to say, “Popularity is not the basis for teaching certain doctrines, though some feel that popularity makes them right. … We follow the course of teaching scripture and following strictly the teachings of the Savior as contained in scripture” (Twila Van Leer, “Christian Living Is Way to Reverse Moral Decline,” Deseret News, 3 July 1994, sec. A, pp. 1, 5).

On March 3, 1995, Howard W. Hunter passed away, having fulfilled the purpose of his creation. He served as a loyal and dedicated servant of God in all that he and said. From the beginning of this modern Church, a full restoration of Jesus Christ's Gospel established in the meridian time, from Joseph Smith to Howard W. Hunter, the keys of the prophetic calling were passed down.

Because of the volatile political season Americans find themselves in, the spotlight has shone brighter on Mormons than it has in a very long time. It is wonderful then, to hear a prophet of God, one who has already shuffled off this mortal coil, to clearly and definitely state:

“My greatest strength through these past hours and recent days has been my abiding testimony that this is the work of God and not men, that Jesus Christ is the authorized and living head of this church and He leads it in word and deed” (Ensign, July 1994, p. 4).

...

“If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor,” Ensign, May 2000, 59)

...

"I bear solemn and grateful witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Certainly he is the center of our worship and the key to our happiness. Let us follow the Son of God in all ways and all walks of life. Let us make him our exemplar and our guide.

"We are at a time in the history of the world and the growth of the Church when we must think more of holy things and act more like the Savior would expect his disciples to act. We should at every opportunity ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and then act more courageously upon the answer. We must be about his work as he was about his Father’s. We should make every effort to become like Christ, the one perfect and sinless example this world has ever seen." (Howard W. Hunter, “Follow the Son of God,” Ensign, Nov 1994, 87)

More about Howard W. Hunter:

• “President Howard W. Hunter: The Lord’s ‘Good and Faithful Servant’,” Ensign, Apr 1995, 8
• Howard W. Hunter, “‘Exceeding Great and Precious Promises’,” Ensign, Nov 1994, 7
• Howard W. Hunter, “Being a Righteous Husband and Father,” Ensign, Nov 1994, 49

When Gordon Bitner Hinckley was announced on March 13, 1995 as the Lord's new prophet he was asked by journalists what his message would be. He replied,

“Carry on. Yes. Our theme will be to carry on the great work which has been furthered by our predecessors.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “President Gordon B. Hinckley: Stalwart and Brave He Stands,” Ensign, Jun 1995, 2–13)

And indeed, President Hinckley has carried on even into his late nineties and approaching the century mark. His enthusiasm for life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ Himself and for the members of the Church is unparalleled. He carries the heaviest mantle of any man on earth, that of a prophet of God. He is charged with the spiritual welfare and care of every human being on the face of the earth. He is charged with leading the introduction of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into every land across the globe. Under his direction, two official proclamations from the Lord's prophet to the world have gone out: The Living Christ and The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

As a boy President Hinckley did not enjoy good health. His family moved to a small community where he could run and play in the sunshine and fresh air. As time went on, he eventually strengthened. Of this time he said,

“After a day of good, hard labor, my younger brother Sherm and I would sleep out under the stars in the box of an old farm wagon,” President Hinckley recalls with a wistful look and smile. “On those clear, clean summer nights, we would lie on our backs in that old wagon box and look at the myriads of stars in the heavens. We could identify some of the constellations and other stars as they were illustrated in the encyclopedia which was always available in our family library. We identified some of the more visible patterns in the heavens, but our favorite was the North Star. Each night, like many generations of boys before us, we would trace the Big Dipper, down the handle and out past the cup, to find the North Star.

“We came to know of the constancy of that star,” he recalls. “As the earth turned, the others appeared to move through the night. But the North Star held its position in line with the axis of the earth. Because of those boyhood musings, the polar star came to mean something to me. I recognized it as a constant in the midst of change. It was something that could always be counted on, something that was dependable, an anchor in what otherwise appeared to me a moving and unstable firmament.” (Ibid)

And this is Gordon B. Hinckley, a constant in an ever moving sea of change. His testimony of Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God, our Savior, our Lord, our Redeemer and King, remains strong and ever growing. His testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains strong and inviolate. He ever testifies of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Jesus Christ and the truths within its pages holding all that we need to know in order to gain eternal salvation.

It is clear, even as a child, this prophet of God looked deeper, seeking truth. And in this we can thank him for his example.

Because of him I study my scriptures and the words of modern-day prophets, apostles and general authorities, ever seeking deeper knowledge and understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of him my heart is kinder and softer, looking to my fellow man to see who is in need of aid. Because of him my horizons have been broadened as I see the never failing optimism which rules his life. Through him I have come to know my Savior better. For as the the life of the Savior helped us to know Heavenly Father, so too, does the life of Gordon B. Hinckley give me a glimpse of what the Savior would be like if He walked and talked amongst us today.

In response to a question by a New York Times reporter, he replied,

“We have every reason to be optimistic in this world,” President Hinckley insisted. “Tragedy is around, yes. Problems everywhere, yes. But look at Nauvoo. Look at what they built here in seven years and then left. But what did they do? Did they lie down and die? No! They went to work! They moved halfway across this continent and turned the soil of a desert and made it blossom as the rose. On that foundation this church has grown into a great worldwide organization affecting for good the lives of people in more than 140 nations. You can’t, you don’t, build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen.” (Ibid)

And so it is, in this world rife with tragedy, wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, with criminals and despots running amuck, we have a beacon of light in Jesus Christ and through Him, His chosen prophet on the face of the earth today, Gordon B. Hinckley.

God has not abandoned us, nor will He ever. To this day revelation pours from the heavens and we have only to listen to know the answers to all that we seek. A living prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, informally known as the Mormons, today and will do so until his mission in mortality is done.

Until then, I give thanks to my Father in Heaven every day for the optimism and righteousness of Gordon B. Hinckley. For he is a prophet of God, so chosen to lead the Church in these perilous times. If we but listen to the words of this prophet we will be prepared for all that is coming, whether it be unemployment, the death of a breadwinner, the loss of a mother, hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake or war . . . listen and you will be as prepared as you can possibly be, for the Lord always warns His people through His prophets and Gordon B. Hinckley is that prophet today.

John Taylor, the third called prophet of these modern times, has a unique testimony of Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet of the restoration. President Taylor was in Carthage Jail with Joseph and Hyrum Smith when the mob, faces painted black, charged the jail and assassinated the prophet and patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons.

Before the mob attacked, Joseph asked John Taylor to sing his favorite hymn, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." As his beautiful tenor voice rose in song, the prophet listened with heavy heart, knowing he would not return from this imprisonment.

The words of this song I will share with you now, imagine the words sung to the haunting notes of the melody, if you can:

Source: Joseph Smith, B. H. Roberts, ed, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed. rev. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1974) 6:614-615.

To this day, this song, although not a favorite of President Taylor's, rips at my heart. Would I have recognized my Savior? Would I have helped this man in need, regardless of who he was? Would I have died for him?

I know that Joseph Smith would have recognized Jesus Christ in those circumstances, more importantly, I know that he recognized the lesson to be learned for the listener of the song. And Joseph Smith did die for his testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and gospel of Christ restored through this chosen prophet of the restoration.

Of Joseph Smith, President Taylor said, "If there is no other man under the heavens that knows that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God I do, and I bear testimony of it to God, angels and men." (“Chapter 9: Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 77)

There was nothing particular about [Joseph Smith], he was a man like the balance of us. But the Lord, for certain reasons of his own, I suppose, selected him to be his mouthpiece to the nations in this age of the world. Perhaps Joseph, as well as many others, was set apart to a certain office before the world was. Christ was the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world. Abraham was set apart to his office, and a great many others in the same way; and Joseph Smith came to do his work.

We all look upon Joseph Smith as being a prophet of God. God called him to occupy the position that he did. How long ago? Thousands of years ago before this world was formed. The prophets prophesied about his coming, that a man should arise whose name should be Joseph, and that his father’s name should be Joseph, and also that he should be a descendant of that Joseph who was sold into Egypt. This prophecy you will find recorded in the Book of Mormon [see 2 Nephi 3:15]. He had very great and precious promises made to him by the Lord. (Ibid)

John Taylor took bullets for his testimony of Joseph Smith, Jr. as a prophet of God on that fateful day the 27th of June in 1844. He, along with the rest of the Mormons, left Nauvoo, Illinois, even the United States, and found peace in the mountains of the Utah Territory. Until his dying day, John Taylor testified of the calling of Joseph Smith as the prophet of the restoration. A highly educated man, let me leave with you with this one last thought by President Taylor:

What could the Lord do with such a pack of ignorant fools as we were? There was one man that had a little good sense, and a spark of faith in the promises of God, and that was Joseph Smith—a backwoods man. He believed a certain portion of Scripture which said—“If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.” [See James 1:5] He was fool enough in the eyes of the world, and wise enough in the eyes of God and angels, and all true intelligence, to go into a secret place to ask God for wisdom, believing that God would hear him. The Lord did hear him, and told him what to do. (Ibid)

Yes, Joseph did ask in 1820. The Lord did hear and He answered. Through Joseph Smith, Jr. the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ begin to roll forth and before he was assassinated, he had, through revelations from God, restored every principle, practice and precept the Lord needed him to. The testimony of one prophet of God, John Taylor, of another, Joseph Smith, remains strong and inviolate. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, so testifies President John Taylor.

What is the difference between eternal life and immortality? Each of Heavenly Father's children, every single person born into mortality, and yes, that includes you, will be resurrected regardless of their level of righteousness. This was assured by our Savior, Jesus Christ, when He broke the bands of death and arose in that garden tomb as our resurrected Lord and Redeemer. That is immortality.

Eternal life, on the other hand, has to be earned. It is something to be greatly desired and every effort, part and parcel of our lives should be dedicated to that end. Harold B. Lee, the eleventh called prophet in these modern times, tells us more, using the events of the Apollo 13 emergency return to earth from the vastness of space:

Some months ago [1970], millions of watchers and listeners over the world waited breathlessly and anxiously the precarious flight of Apollo 13. The whole world, it seemed, prayed for one significant result: the safe return to earth of three brave men.

When one of them with restrained anxiety announced the startling information, “We have had an explosion!” the mission control in Houston immediately mobilized all the technically trained scientists who had, over the years, planned every conceivable detail pertaining to that flight.

The safety of those three now depended on two vital qualifications: on the reliability of the skills and the knowledge of those technicians in the mission control center at Houston, and upon the implicit obedience of the men in the Aquarius to every instruction from the technicians, who, because of their understanding of the problems of the astronauts, were better qualified to find the essential solutions. The decisions of the technicians had to be perfect or the Aquarius could have missed the earth by thousands of miles.

This dramatic event is somewhat analogous to these [troubled] times in which we live. … Many are frightened when they see and hear of unbelievable happenings the world over—political intrigues, wars and contention everywhere, frustrations of parents endeavoring to cope with social problems that threaten to break down the sanctity of the home, the frustrations of children and youth as they face challenges to their faith and their morals.

Only if you are willing to listen and obey, as did the astronauts on the Aquarius, can you and all your households be guided to ultimate safety and security in the Lord’s own way. … (“Chapter 1: The Way to Eternal Life,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, 1)

Returning to our Heavenly Father and gaining our eternal reward relies completely on us and our willingness to not only follow in the footsteps of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but to also allow Him to shoulder our burdens when they become too heavy to bear.

To understand eternal life, we must understand the three basic principles of the foundation of the plan of salvation.

First, is free agency. Next to life, this is God's greatest gift to mankind. This critical principle was the basis of the war in heaven. Heavenly Father knew we had to have free agency in order to choose for ourselves "liberty and eternal life through obedience to the laws of God, or captivity and death as to spiritual things because of disobedience." (Ibid, 2 Nephi 2:27)

Second, a Savior had to be provided. In order for the plan of salvation to work a savior had to be provided in order that the atonement might be put in place for the salvation of mankind, in addition to breaking the bands of death. Jesus Christ stepped forward and was chosen by our Father in Heaven to be that Savior. He was born into the world approximately 2,007 years ago and in April 33 A.D. He suffered for the sins of the world in the Garden of Gethsemane, was crucified and resurrected, breaking the bands of death. "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23)

Third, was the provision that all mankind could be saved if they followed the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Harold B. Lee said,

This same teaching was forcibly impressed by the resurrected Savior to the saints on this continent, in what it appears likely was his final message to his disciples. The Master taught his faithful saints that “no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

“Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel. …” (Ibid, 3 Nephi 27:19–21)

And so Eternal Life is simply this: When we have lived our lives according to the principles, practices and precepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to the best of our abilities, then we will gain our eternal reward on that great judgment day. To live, once again, with our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ is eternal life.

Harold