President Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson taught principles learned from the life of the prophet Joseph Smith including courage, faith, honesty, patience, diligence, missionary work and love.

He said that each of these principles can be seen in Joseph Smith’s life and then he shared examples from the prophet’s life that demonstrated them. The final principle of love was the sweetest but saddest because the prophet gave his life.

“Although these events are tragic…it goes on today in the hearts of 12 million members who proclaim him a prophet of God,” he said. “It continues to change lives.”

President Boyd K. Packer

President Boyd K. Packer spoke about the early translators of the Bible and the great work and programs within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that testify of continued revelation.

President Packer said revelation does continue and the project where the church cross-referenced the scriptures is an example of that.

He said the standard works of the church and the index provide the most comprehensive collection of information on Jesus Christ ever assembled in the history of the world.

Elder Merrill J. Bateman

Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke of the significance of the atonement and how the Book of Mormon has the power to change lives through testifying of Christ.

He explained through scriptural examples that past prophets received books at the beginning of their dispensation and how it should be no surprise that the Book of Mormon was given to the prophet Joseph Smith.

“Is it any wonder that the Lord would provide a book,” he said. “The Book of Mormon has a power to draw all men and women … to Jesus Christ,” he said.

He spoke of the title the Only Begotten of the Father in the Book of Mormon and how titles explain who Jesus is and how he can atone because he had a mortal mother and an immortal father.

Cheryl C. Lant

General Primary President Cheryl C. Lant spoke on the blessings that can come from reading the scriptures.

“[President Hinckley] promised an added measure of the Lord’s spirit and a stronger testimony of the living God,” Lant said. “Let us claim our blessings; President Hinckley, we love you, we have heard your voice and we will follow.”

Lant said that her heart has rediscovered how much she delights in the scriptures. She said that in pondering them we can be reassuring in knowing what to do to bless our families.

Elder Richard G. Scott

Elder Richard G. Scott said we are here on earth to prove that we can be obedient to God, and that understanding the Plan of Salvation can help us in our trials.

“You were taught and prepared for your personal trials in the preexistence,” Elder Scott said. “We are encouraged but not forced to be obedient. You can choose your path but not the consequences.”

He said that Satan has been effective in getting people to ignore Christ and to look in the opposite direction. He said that every person must come to a real understanding of who God and Jesus Christ are and that this was why President Hinckley gave the Book of Mormon challenge.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke on the importance of forgiveness.

“It is the greatest virtue on earth and certainly the most needed,” said President Hinckley. “So many in our day are unwilling to forgive and forget. The Lord said, ‘I will forgive whom I will for give but of you it is required.’”

President Hinckley said that with love and tolerance miracles can be accomplished. He encouraged people to be a little kinder, be more willing to walk the second mile and to lay aside old grudges.



Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Oct 2005