The Singing, As You Know...

PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY ¶

The singing, as you know, for this afternoon and this morning has been furnished by the members of the Tabernacle Choir. We have been inspired with their singing. I think it would be fitting at this moment to represent you as well as the General Authorities in saying just a word, at least, of appreciation of the services rendered by many during this three-day conference in making this inspirational gathering so meaningful: ¶

First, to the General Authorities, we express deep appreciation for the inspirational messages they have given to us. Second, to the public press, the reporters, for their fair and accurate reports throughout the sessions of the conference. Third, to the city officials, the city traffic officers in handling increased traffic, etc.; members of the fire department, some of whom you met after one or two of these sessions; and to the Red Cross representatives who have been on hand to render any assistance and service that might be needed. To the Tabernacle ushers who have rendered service in seating the great audiences of these conference sessions. Quietly and unobtrusively they have looked after your convenience and welfare. ¶

We have already expressed, and we do so again, appreciation to the radio and television stations throughout our own city and the nation who all through the three days have carried the proceedings of these inspirational sessions. These stations have been the means of permitting untold thousands of persons to hear the proceedings of the one hundred thirty-first semiannual conference. ¶

We appreciate especially those who have furnished the singing throughout this conference. Let me remind you again, as you enjoy the service they have rendered: first, the Relief Society Singing Mothers from the Central Utah and Mt. Timpanogos regions, who rendered service faithfully for two days with the Relief Society sisters before they joined us Friday morning. Sister Florence Jepperson Madsen conducted. Next, the University of Utah Mixed Chorus for the Saturday morning session, with Ardean W. Watts conducting. The University of Utah Institute of Religion, University Stake Chorus, and the Bonneville Strings, furnished the music for the Saturday afternoon session, with Elder David Austin Shand conducting. ¶

Third, the Tabernacle Choir Men's Chorus last night. How inspiring that group was! Fourth, last, but certainly not least, the Tabernacle Choir, who furnished the music this morning and this afternoon, with Elder Richard P. Condie and Elder Jay E. Welch conducting, and how they have thrilled not only this nation, but also people in other countries, wherever they have been. Our best wishes and prayers go with them in their prospective tour, for they will receive a welcome wherever they go. God bless them, and all officials connected with that great organization. ¶

We mention again these beautiful antheriums from Oahu Stake. ¶

Indeed, we thank all those who have contributed in any way to the success and inspiration of this great conference. ¶

Carlyle said: "There is one godlike virtue, the essence of all that ever was or ever will be of godlike in this world — the veneration done to human worth by the hearts of men." During the last few days especially, and frequently in the position which General Authorities occupy, we have occasion to ask men and women to accept certain positions and to devote their time and their means to the work of the kingdom of God. ¶

Recently I have seen men's hearts touched, tears roll down their cheeks, as they were surprised to hear a request of the General Authorities to accept some responsibility or be called in some other position. Without exception, no matter what sacrifice they had to make financially, no matter how unable they feel themselves to fill the position, each one has said, "Yes, if that is what the Church wants, I will do it." ¶

Frequently we hear reports from wards and branches of efforts the people put forth to contribute, perhaps to the erection of a building, perhaps to renovate, or to build an addition to a present building. They see that two, three, four, sometimes six or seven groups — wards or branches — have to meet in one building, and they feel the necessity of contributing of their means. And what those members of the Church, unknown beyond the borders of their branch or ward, do to make more effective conditions to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! ¶

I wish all the world could glimpse the willingness of those people, the sacrifices they have to make. I think it would preach the gospel more effectively than any one other thing we could do. I recall just a few years ago of visiting a stake and dedicating their meetinghouse. I learned of the struggles they had in order to finish paying for that building. None of our chapels are dedicated until they are free from debt. That means that millions of dollars have been spent in the erection of stake houses and ward buildings throughout the 336 stakes and sixty-seven missions. ¶

That meetinghouse had just been paid for about a week before the dedicatory services were held. The bishop had to call for an extra contribution, and a young boy who earned his money by washing cars, polishing shoes, and doing little odd jobs, had quite a little sum of money, for a boy, in the bank. I received this information from the banker himself who was an officer in the stake. I do not know whether the father had contributed much to the chapel. I had my own thoughts, but when the bishop made an extra call for money this boy went to the bank and asked the banker, "How much have I in the bank?" He told him, and I think it was something near one hundred dollars. Sister McKay, who knew about the circumstances, says it was near a hundred. The boy said, "Well, I shall take ten dollars, and you give the rest to the bishop to finish paying on this meetinghouse." ¶

"Oh, but you can't afford that," said the banker. ¶

"Yes, I can," and he took ten dollars for himself and gave the balance to the bishop. ¶

What a lesson! I think I told that afterwards when I went back to the stake, and the young boy was then on a mission. I cite this incident merely as an illustration of the loyalty and faith of the membership of the Church. I appreciate these acts, and because of them, in our hearts there will be a love for one another, which is the Spirit of the Christ, the spirit of brotherhood, the spirit of love. ¶

I am a great believer in the doctrine of James. He was a practical man in the early Church. Paul preached faith; James preached works, and it was James who said, ". . . shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:18.) ¶

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ¶

"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¶

"And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? ¶

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ¶

"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (Ibid., 2:14-18.) ¶

Throughout this conference emphasis has frequently been made by the speakers to the great responsibility resting upon the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to declare to the world that God lives; that Jesus Christ, his Son, is our Savior; that his is the only name ". . . under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) It was said at the opening of this conference that there are men and women who are now forty to fifty years old who have heard all their lives that God does not exist; that Jesus Christ is a myth. You have heard the testimony from men with tears in their eyes, if you were close enough to see, their lips quivering with emotion, testify that they know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that they appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and gave instructions about organizing his Church, and that Peter, James, and John, who held the authority from the Christ himself, gave that authority in this dispensation; that the Melchizedek Priesthood was bestowed upon the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery; that John the Baptist who baptized Jesus Christ bestowed the Aaronic Priesthood, a direct successor of the authority from heaven. ¶

Now you know that. You know these men. I give you my testimony that God lives; that he is close to us; that his spirit is real, that his voice is real; that Jesus Christ, his Son, stands at the head of this great work; and no matter how much the atheistic philosophy takes hold of blinded boys and girls and men who hear Satan's voice, the truth stands as declared by the Father and the Son to that boy Prophet. You and I and all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the responsibility to declare that truth to the world, and the world is full of honest men and women waiting to hear that truth. Let us not condemn them. Condemn the evil men who would blind them with their sophistry and with false reasoning. Some of our young boys are so blinded, but it is our duty as officers of the Church to lead them from that blindness to the truth. I think I can repeat here, as I did last night, for those misguided boys: ¶

"Dim as the borrow'd beams of moon and stars To lonely, weary, wandering travelers, Is reason to the soul; and as on high Those rolling fires discover but the sky, Not light us here, so Reason's glimmering ray Was lent, not to assure our doubtful way, But lead us upward to a better day." ¶

— Dryden ¶

That brighter day is the light of the Holy Spirit emanating from God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. ¶

God bless you, my dear fellow workers, bless you in your homes. Make your faith shown by your works in your home; husbands true to your wives, not only in act, but in thought; wives true to your husbands, not only in act, but in thought; children true to your parents. Do not arrogate to yourselves that they are old-fashioned in their beliefs and that you know more. ¶

Girls, follow that sweet mother and her teachings. Boys, be true to your fathers who try to live the gospel; then strangers, seeing such homes, will say, "Well, if that is the result of Mormonism, I think it is good." You will show your faith by your works in everyday life. ¶

God bless you that we may have power so to do, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶