They Spoke to Us

Report from the 161st Annual General Conference, April 6–7, 1991

Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency: God bless the homes of our people. May he bless those homes that there may be loyal and true fathers, and good and wonderful mothers, and obedient and ambitious children reared in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Enos 1:1).

Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: Tears come easily to the eyes of [President Ezra Taft Benson] when he receives letters written by children in which they express their greetings and send their love. President Benson is a family man who loves his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and, indeed, children everywhere in this wonderful world in which we live.

Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve Apostles: It is not unusual for foolish children … to make light of the handicapped. The mimicking or teasing or ridiculing of those with handicaps is cruel … My mother taught us when we were very young that we must never ridicule the unfortunate.

Russell M. Nelson of the Council of the Twelve Apostles: Children, honor your parents, even when they cannot give a satisfactory explanation for their feelings. Please have faith in this scripture: “Hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Prov. 1:8).

Dallin H. Oaks of the Council of the Twelve Apostles: Young people, if you honor your parents, you will love them, respect them, confide in them, be considerate of them, express appreciation for them, and demonstrate all of these things by following their counsel in righteousness and obeying the commandments of God.

Richard G. Scott of the Council of the Twelve Apostles: Place the Savior, his teachings, and his church at the center of your life. Make sure that all decisions comply with this standard.

W. Mack Lawrence of the Seventy: We want our children in [sacrament meeting]. We also want them to learn reverence, which is a form of love for the Savior. We want our children to understand that this is a worship service for Jesus, where we show him we love him.

Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric: Now, I testify [that the Holy Ghost] is a small voice. It whispers, not shouts. And so you must be very quiet inside. That is why you may wisely fast when you want to listen. And that is why you will listen best when you feel, “Father, thy will, not mine be done.”

Elder Richard P. Lindsay and his grandson arrive at conference. (Photo by Jed Clark.)