Ability and Humility

I once heard of a man who put on his tombstone, "I expected this, but not so soon." (Laughter.) ¶

I hope that these brethren who have just spoken won't think for a minute, speaking of this commodity we term "humility," that they have a monopoly on it. After about eleven or twelve such occasions as today some of us still feel as weak as we did when we gave our maiden conference speech. ¶

Appreciation for New Apostles ¶

Seriously speaking, and to be right frank with you, I had something I was going to try to say provided I was called on. We generally expect it. That seems to be the program. After the impression made on all of us by our two new Apostles, I cannot resist laying aside what I was going to say and express appreciation of them. They are splendid men, and I want to sing their praises. I am speaking particularly of their humility. I am sure that when the call came to these two men from those who have a right to call, there went an "Amen" all through this Church. There is a combination here today of decided ability and humility. These are the characteristics that your mother and my mother tried to instil in us since we were old enough to stand bracing ourselves against their knees. I glory in such men, men of initiative, men of vision, and yet humility. I have yet to see a man who excelled at all in leadership — real leadership — that did not have those qualifications. ¶

May the Lord bless these fine men. May we have the good sense to support them not only with our prayers but also in every way that it is our responsibility as members of this Church. And may we so rededicate ourselves always. We have some problems ahead of us and they are going to be big ones. Let us get back of our leaders and say "Amen" to the splendid vision of their leadership. May the Lord bless us. Amen. ¶