[Provo]

The big thing today was General Conference. It was a most significant conference, not just for the quality of talks given, but because of the business. Historic. The 2nd Quorum of the 70 was organized, with the 7 presidents presiding over both 70s Quorums. If I got the message straight, the First Quorum of the 70 will include all permanent general authorities of the Seventy. The 2nd Quorum will include the men on 5-year assignments. If that is the case, then John Carmack is now a life-time general authority, and so will be Joe J. Christensen and Jeffrey R. Holland, for they were sustained with the First Quorum. So, now the general authorities can continue to proliferate as the work keeps progressing. With so much happening, we need all the help we got! I feel that most certainly at some not-so-future date we will see a 3rd Quorum and so forth (That's a prediction, not a prophecy). The talks given by Elder Ashton and Elder Packer were both phenomenal—really classics. Elder Ashton spoke on Worthiness—That we are not the ones to determine temple—and ordinance—worthiness. That is the job of Bishops and Stake Presidents. Elder Packer spoke to the youth. A well-delivered, much-needed look at their lives and their options. He told the youth to conquer the "Black Knight." The pedigree of their spirit can be written as a single line—they are literally "a child of God." Never give up! President Benson's opening message was on Pride. He hit the subject very hard. He said the Lord wants this word to go to Saints and the world now. No righteous pride in the scriptures (he's right—I checked!) it's all negative in usage, which reinforces the fact that God is down on pride! "What men will think of me is stronger than what God will think of me!" The inactive are proud. Those not on missions are proud. Temple work is negatively affected by pride. Etc. Elder Hunter delivered a good talk, and fell right in the middle of it. His legs gave out (He was operated on and a nerve was severed—he could never walk again—but he does with aid of a walkers!!). He walked to the pulpit. After the fall Elder Packer stayed by his side through the balance of his talk. A significant statement: Faith precedes the miracle. But faith also follows the miracles—it must! (Otherwise the Saints wouldn't be Perfected—my extension on his remarks) Elder Hunter showed the Church true grit today. His courage brought tears to my eyes. And, he was going on with his talk as soon as they got his head above the pulpit so he could see the prompter. He didn't repeat a word, didn't apologize, but just went on reading as though nothing had happened. I recall that the past 2 or 3 conferences he has given his talk from a wheelchair. Some stats (as of the end of 1988):

6,720,000 members. 1707 stakes. 11,976 words. 222 missions. 41 temples.

Growth 1988: 73,000 child baptisms, 256,515 convert baptisms.

36,132 full-time missionaries at end of year in 125 nations.

Oh, also, Elder Oaks gave his usual powerful talk. It was on voices, and he hit unauthorized and unqualified voices hard—those who try to or assume to speak for the Church—non-members, former members and members—all unauthorized, unaccountable and poorly informed. Thesheep will hear and know the voice of the Shepherd. Then he gave the shepherds—bishops and stake presidents—a strong charge to teach, tech true doctrine, monitor classes, watch the speakers at meetings, see that truth goes to the members. Also avoid controversy, arguments and discussion with commentators, etc. "When attacked by error, silence is better then incomplete, unbalanced rhetoric."

Priesthood meeting at night was good, too. Needless to say, I was impressed with General Conference. We're in safe hands.