I Realize, My Brothers and Sisters...

I realize, my brothers and sisters, that conferences have to run somewhere nearly on time, and in the interest of time, therefore, I shall not talk to you about the thing which I had hoped to discuss, but I shall be happy to bear my testimony. ¶

Before I do so, however, I should like just to say that while you are quite an awe-inspiring group from here, broken down into your component parts I realize that you are, like me, just ordinary folk, wanting to serve the Lord, desiring to do what is right and to follow the precepts of those who lead you. ¶

I recognized your humanity yesterday when, while Brother Cowley was reminding us all of our duty to our wives, one couple came within the range of my vision. They sat happily together, but when Brother Cowley mentioned handholding, the man suddenly became alive and reached over and took his wife's hand. I could not tell whether it was repentance or whether it was a normal process, but as I looked at her, I am sure it was normal. She did not have that startled look, but basked in what to her was an ordinary procedure. And I am sure, as they listened, Brother Cowley said for him in poetical language, what he should have liked to say to his wife, had he been given the words. And I think she recognized it, too. I glowed along with them and wished that I might be close to mine so that I could do the same thing. ¶

I am a member of the Church. I have been all my life. I accept its teachings. ¶

I am convinced in my own soul that I am a child of our Father in heaven, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the author of my salvation, and that he lives. ¶

I accept without reservation, President McKay as the President of this Church, and therefore, as my President. ¶

I recognize him to be a man, and I know, too, as well as I know anything, that one cannot separate a man from his office. I used to think that one could, but one cannot. I am sure that I would love President McKay anyhow. ¶

I have had enough dealings with his family to be certain of that. It is a real pleasure to like the man, and then to like him, too, because he is the President of the Church. ¶

I sustain him as a prophet. I do not believe that everything that he says is prophetic, but I earnestly pray always that I may have the gift of discernment, so that when he does speak prophetically I shall be able to recognize it and follow the instruction given. ¶

I recognize him to be a seer. I believe that as the needs of this Church arise, he will be given sight, not only prophecy, but also sight into how things should happen and how things should be done, and having seen, he can interpret to me and to you the things which the Lord tells him to interpret. ¶

I bear witness that he is a revelator, and he will reveal as the Lord gives him revelation all of the things of the kingdom which should come forth during his administration as the President of this Church. ¶

What I say for him, I say for his counselors. I have the deepest and most profound respect and a sort of worshipful love for each of the brethren who assist him. I should like to emulate them. And I do, with all my heart, uphold and sustain them, even as they uphold and sustain him. ¶

Now, I know that there are others who have this prophetic gift given to them, the Twelve and the Patriarch, besides the Presidency. I recognize, too, that it is not their lot to stand here as Presidents of the Church at this moment and tell you what to do, as would the President of the Church, and yet they are prophets, and seers, and revelators. ¶

On the occasions on which they preside in meetings, they are given the gift of prophecy, too. Them also, I uphold and sustain with all my heart, as I do my brethren, the Assistants, the Seventy, and the Bishopric. ¶

But I go farther than that, I uphold and sustain with all my heart, too, my stake president. His right it is to receive inspiration from the Lord about how the Ogden Stake ought to operate; I am a member of that stake. I uphold and sustain, also, as having the gift of inspiration for his people, the bishop of my ward. When he comes to my house to ask me to do something or to put me in the way of my duty, I should not be a true member of the Church did I not heed his counsel. If I have any advice to give to you this morning, it is that I believe that obedience starts with the bishopric; that is, the Church member should be obedient to his bishopric, then to his stake presidency, then to the General Authorities. As you learn, bit by bit, to be obedient in the little things, so when the large and great things are propounded to you, you will neither falter by the wayside nor fall. ¶

I am thankful and deeply grateful for my testimony. I do not know why I should have been blessed in this day to come forth at a time when the gospel is on the earth and the prophets are on the earth, but that they are, I have no doubt. And my thanksgiving goes to my Father in heaven, for the privilege of standing here now and bearing you my testimony, which I could not do without the gift of the Lord, and I do it in the name of Christ. Amen. ¶