Conference Address

I wonder if any of you know how far it is up those stairs. As President Smith referred to some of the past privileges and responsibilities that have been mine, if he had just added, "and presently frightened almost to death," he would have brought you up to date. ¶

This has been a wonderful conference. The spirit of it has been such that it almost takes the fear from my heart. Surely you appreciate that a man may not respond to such a calling as has now come to me without a spirit of humility and a desire to serve the Lord to the utmost of his ability. ¶

In his remarks. Bishop LeGrand Richards suggested that as a man gives of his time and his efforts to the work of the Lord that the Lord makes it up to him, puts thoughts into 'his mind. In fact, he suggested thoughts that will make money. I have not prayed and do not for the temporal blessings of the earth. but I have prayed sincerely that the Lord will enlarge my thinking, will inspire me that through me as his humble servant the youth of this Church might be blessed. ¶

Was it Daniel Webster who, when asked what is the greatest thought you have ever had, answered, "my responsibility to God." And as I think of the responsibility of leading the youth of this great Church it well nigh takes the courage from me. ¶

I realize that the brethren have not asked me to do this alone. They have blessed *me with splendid assistants. There will be an equally fine board I am sure. ¶

Each talk of the brethren during Conference, it seems to me, has been directed toward the problems of youth. They are concerned. Their tender loving care is an inspiration in and of itself. We follow great and grand men who have presided over the Mutuals of the Church and whose work we hope to carry on in a way that will be pleasing to our Father in heaven. ¶

This is God's work. With some fourteen hundred bishops who lead the youth of their respective wards and whose support we know we can count upon, with the many stake presidents and all who love this work as we love it, surely we cannot fail. ¶

May the Lord bless us and help us as we strive to carry out his will for the blessing of his children here in the earth, I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶