This October's general conference has been an uplifting and inspirational experience.
Obviously the Lord is well pleased with those who lead His kingdom on the earth at this time, for the outpouring of His Spirit through them was so evident during the various sessions of this conference.The sum of all the parts of this conference, both in song and sermon, was a pleasing, soul-satisfying totality.
Each general conference seems in ways better than the last, and this is understandable, for in another sense, the last delicious meal just eaten seems more pleasing than those kept only in memory.
But from a general conference of long ago there came some thoughts that will continue to remind us of the true spirit of these great gatherings of the saints.
The words were written by Joseph L. Townsend, a native of Pennsylvania, born there in 1849. After living in Ohio, Kansas, and Missouri, he came to Salt Lake City in 1872 to find a climate better suited to his health. Here he joined the Church and became a missionary, an educator, and a businessman.
He had a proficient pen, and was especially adept at hymn writing. Of the many hymns he wrote, almost a dozen are still favorites in our current hymnal. These include "The Day Dawn Is Breaking," "Nearer, Dear Savior, To Thee," "Reverently and Meekly Now," "Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words," "Choose the Right," "Hope of Israel," and "The Iron Rod."
In 1892 Brother Townsend had experienced the inspiration of a general conference and determined to write a poetic response to the beautiful sentiments expressed by the Brethren:
Oh, holy words of truth and love
We hear from day to day,
Revealed to Saints from God above,
To guide in heaven's way.
They're from Apostles good and true,
Whose names we all revere,
Who daily teach us what to do,
In words of love and cheer.
They're from the prophets God inspires,
In counsels oft withstood,
Reproving all our ill desires,
Commending all that's good.
And from each chosen one that speaks
By aid the Spirit gives,
For every sphere of life it seeks,
For every one that lives.
As gems of wisdom, pure and bright,
That glow with lustrous ray,
We'll seek to gain these words of light,
Their counsels to obey.
(Chorus)
Beautiful words of love
Coming from God above,
How sweet, how dear the words we hear!
They're beautiful words of love.
(Hymns, No. 271.)
As another conference becomes a memory, we thank God for the authorities whom He has called and who gave us such beautiful words of love and cheer.
We thank God for prophets to lead us in these challenging days.
We thank God for leaders willing to give their all in guiding the world-wide efforts of this true Church.
These chosen leaders exemplify the thoughts of another great hymn that says in part:
"I'll go where you want me to go. . .
"I'll say what you want me to say. . .
"I'll be what you want me to be. . . ."
(see Hymns, No. 270.)
With great sacrifices, the Brethren go to the various areas of the world to administer the affairs of the kingdom. Some live for extended periods of time in the far-flung reaches of the world.
But whether at headquarters or abroad, they are always going where the Lord wants them to go.
They spend their days saying what the Lord wants them to say.
They are, indeed, what the Lord wants them to be.
A grateful Church lifts its collective voice in gratitude for those who lead us, and who, in another great general conference, have given us such beautiful words of love.
Now it is for us to obey!
