In the priesthood session of the October 1989 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson, then second counselor in the First Presidency, cited a revelation to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, in which the Lord taught:
" Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. . . .
" `And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
" `And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
" `And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!' " (D&C 18:10-11, 13-16.)
President Monson told of having attended a priesthood leadership session of the Salt Lake Monument Park West Stake conference, in which this scripture was the theme for the visitor from the Welfare Committee, Paul C. Child.
"In his accustomed style, Brother Child left the stand and began to walk down the aisle among the assembled priesthood brethren. He quoted the verse, Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.' (D&C 18:10.) Then he asked the question,Who can tell me the worth of a human soul?'
"Every man in attendance began to think of an answer in the event Brother Child were to call on him. . . . He called from a list he carried the name of an elders quorum president. Thunderstruck, the brother stammered as he asked, Would you repeat the question, please?' The question was repeated, followed by an even longer pause. Suddenly the response came forth,The worth of a human soul is its capacity to become as God.'
"Brother Child closed his scripture, walked back to the pulpit, and, while passing me, whispered, `A profound reply; a profound reply.'
"With this perspective firmly in our minds, we are prepared to serve in the great mission of bringing souls unto Him," President Monson said.
