Conference Address

My dear brothers, my dear sisters; I feel very timid and, I am sure, humble in appearing before this large gathering of fine people in this historic building. I know you will forgive me, you who know me well, if I ask that I may have an interest in your faith and prayers for the next few moments; I feel very dependent upon the help of the Lord; and I shall appreciate your assistance. ¶

I have been deeply touched by the fine messages that we have listened to today. I know they have made me more humble. I appreciate the lovely music from this great university [Brigham Young chorus] named after our great leader. ¶

Gratitude Expressed for Kindness

During the past four or five months, I have worried a great deal about this experience. I have thought about it, but even after that thought and that prayer and that worry, I had no idea of what it would be like to face this congregation. I would be very ungrateful to my brethren of the General Authorities, and particularly to my Father in heaven, if I failed to thank him publicly for the opportunity that I have had of knowing these men personally. They have been most kind to me, most encouraging, most patient. They have attempted to make me feel welcome, and they have put themselves out to extend to me many kindnesses for which I am grateful. I came to them a stranger, and they took me in. I can bear you my testimony that I know they are men of God, and I know the veil between them and the sphere of their Father in heaven is indeed thin. ¶

My work has brought me in very close association with Bishop Richards and Bishop Wirthlin. I think they are two of the finest men that you could ever know. They are sweet; they are tolerant and kind. They have been very patient with me, and I am grateful for the opportunity of knowing them as I do. ¶

A Plea for Inactive Members

There are great responsibilities that all members of the Church bear, if they are to do that which is required in assisting the Lord to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man. The Holy Ghost is given each of us that we may be led aright and be made equal to the tasks that are given us, and I am very confident that we would fail without the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help us. I am fully convinced that one cannot find a full and complete life without service to his fellowmen, and I can think of no greater way to be of service to his fellow men than by helping in the service of our Father in heaven who is the Father of all of us. Mormonism leads to the habits of industry, thrift, temperance, tolerance. It makes people self-reliant and self-supporting. It tempers independence with humility. It sustains law and encourages patriotic citizenship. ¶

If it were in my power, I would like to say a word to my brethren who are somewhat inactive in the Church. I know many of these good men, and I wish I could appeal to them to become more active in the Church because I am satisfied that they are really missing some of the greatest blessings and the greatest happiness in the world. I have been appointed to do a little work with adult members of the Aaronic Priesthood. I know that many of those fine men who, perhaps not of their own fault, (maybe the rest of us have neglected them at times in our lives), are now a little inactive in the Church. They have become a little disinterested in the Church. May the Lord give us strength that we may reach out a hand of fellowship to these fine men. I had lunch with two of them a week ago. One of them was a doctor, and he said to me after we had discussed some of the activities of the Church, in a very serious expression, "How can I get started in the Church again? It's years since I have attended any of my Church duties." He is only waiting for somebody to extend a hand and help him over that first hurdle. These men are successful businessmen and professional men, and if they have the ability and judgment to be successful in their own lines of endeavor, I am sure they have the ability to see the blessings that are in store for them by becoming associated with the Church in our different activities in the Church. ¶

Incidents Regarding Prayer

I am sure that the habit of prayer plays a great part in our lives. We have heard a lot today about being close to our Father in heaven, and I don't know any other way to stay close to our Father in heaven except by prayer. I know sometimes in our busy lives we get away from that fine principle that the pioneers brought here. I cannot help referring to a story of my grandfather who accepted the gospel in Denmark years ago, when he left his father and mother, brothers and sisters, never to see them again, came to this country, crossed the plains, but the finest story I think of all that I remember from his stories was the one when he told me that he never sowed the seeds of grain until he opened his sacks of grain and knelt down beside those sacks and prayed to his Father in heaven that the grain would grow. I remember that story from the time when I was a young boy, and that is one principle that I have tried to live, if I failed to keep any others. ¶

I am very grateful that I was taught the habit of prayer, and I had one of the sweetest experiences by passing that on to a son. I have only one son, and I love him just as you love your sons, and I did try to teach him the habit of prayer. I had a beautiful experience last May when he was attempting to graduate from the university his last quarter, so he could fulfill his mission. I knew he was studying late at night, and I can't see any danger, any wrong in a boy's praying about his studies. I am grateful that no teacher was able to destroy that in his life. One night as he was staying up late to study, I knew it was getting morning, and I tiptoed into his room and opened his door without knocking — possibly I should have knocked — but as I came into his room, there I saw him on his knees at his desk praying to his Father in heaven that he would be given ability to finish his school year, graduate, and go on a mission. His prayers were answered, and I am grateful to my Father in heaven that he answered those prayers and saw fit to permit that boy to go on a mission. My son is enjoying his work back in the New England Mission with President and Sister Reeder. I know that the Lord will answer our prayers! I bear you my testimony that without those prayers being answered, I fear we would be great failures. ¶

A Sincere Testimony

I bear testimony to you that I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and the only way that I can say that I know it is because of the dictates of my conscience and because of the spirit of my Father in heaven that has permitted me to feel that I know those things to be true. The Lord has blessed me abundantly, and if he will give me health and strength, I will try to render some service in a measure for the many blessings that I have received. The Lord has magnified his people. Many times I have heard men lay their hands upon the head of a brother and pray to their Father in heaven that he would magnify him. I didn't always know or realize what that meant, or perhaps I didn't give it enough thought, but I know now that the Lord will magnify his people if we will but pray to him and trust in him and place ourselves in his hands. ¶

May the Lord continue to bless us as a people, that we may be grateful for the opportunities that we have, that we may extend the hand of fellowship and love so perfectly exemplified by the President of our Church today, President George Albert Smith. Whenever I feel that I am getting out of patience or becoming perturbed, I think of his beautiful spirit, and then I have to mellow and realize that the spirit of love is the spirit of our Father in heaven. ¶

May the Lord bless us that we may have that pleasure, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶