They Spoke to Us

Report from the 166th Annual General Conference, April 6–7, 1996

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” (D&C 133:5). Thus has [the Lord] spoken to us in modern revelation. Be clean in body. Be clean in mind. Be clean in language. Be clean in dress and manner.

President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency: With the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment, a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the promised Messiah—even Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: Continuing revelation and leadership for the Church comes through the President of the Church, and he will never mislead the Saints. … I counsel and pray that all will heed the ongoing prophetic voice of this Church, revealing the word of God in our day.

President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Keep the Word of Wisdom. Seek worthy companions. Attend church faithfully. Never fail daily to seek for help through prayer. And I promise you that the way will be easier and you shall have a composure of mind and a confident attitude toward life and the future. You shall be warned of dangers and shall be guided through the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: When I was a boy, growing up in the Church, I imagined the prophet Joseph to be old and dignified and distant. But … Joseph Smith … was … young, emotional, dynamic, and so loved and approachable by his people that they often called him “Brother Joseph.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: I know we can each do something, however small that act may seem to be. We can pay an honest tithe and give our fast and free-will offerings, according to our circumstances. And we can watch for other ways to help.

Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Even before baptism, a child or an adult can have the Holy Ghost testify to their hearts of sacred truth. They must act on that testimony to retain it, but it will guide them toward goodness.

Elder Earl C. Tingey of the Seventy: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are a covenant people. We know we live in the world, but we are taught to not be of the world. … [We] should encourage the proper observance of the Sabbath day by not shopping on Sunday. Let this become a sign with our God by which we shall be known.

Sister Susan L. Warner, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency: We are to remember to keep his commandments in all things, remember to search the scriptures diligently, remember the words our parents have taught us, remember the counsel of the prophets and apostles, remember the awfulness of transgression, remember that the Lord is merciful unto all who believe on his name, remember that he came to redeem us.