The April 2014 General Conference was inspiring and relevant, as all such conferences are. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are counseled to study the words of the prophets and find in that study ways to become better disciples.
But there are thousands more addresses in the archives of the Church from previous conferences, most readily available online. There are countless notable talks that are worth reviewing, but here are 10 classic addresses from general authorities and officers of the Church—some from General Conference and some from other devotionals and meetings—that are worth a second look.
“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”
By Bruce R. McConkie
When: April 1985 General Conference
Note: This talk is frequently referred to colloquially as “Bruce R. McConkie’s Final Testimony.”
Notable quotes: “And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person.
“I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears.
“But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way.”
“Beware of Pride”
By Ezra Taft Benson
When: April 1989 General Conference
Note: Ezra Taft Benson, who wrote the talk, asked that Gordon B. Hinckley read it in General Conference.
Notable quotes: “Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves. Most of us consider pride to be a sin of those on the top, such as the rich and the learned, looking down at the rest of us. There is, however, a far more common ailment among us—and that is pride from the bottom looking up. It is manifest in so many ways, such as faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous.”
“The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success. They feel worthwhile as individuals if the numbers beneath them in achievement, talent, beauty, or intellect are large enough. Pride is ugly. It says, ‘If you succeed, I am a failure.'”
“An High Priest of Good Things to Come”
By Jeffrey R. Holland
When: October 1999 General Conference
Note: Years later, the Church made a popular Mormon Message out of this address
Notable quotes: “Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. … My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us,especially in times of need. There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World, the Bright and MorningStar, the ‘light that is endless, that can never be darkened.’ It is the very Son of God Himself.
“No, it is not without a recognition of life’s tempests but fully and directly because of them that I testify of God’s love and the Savior’s power to calm the storm. Always remember in that biblical story that He was out there on the water also, that He faced the worst of it right along with the newest and youngest and most fearful. Only one who has fought against those ominous waves is justified in telling us—as well as the sea—to ‘be still.’”
“Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World”
By Gordon B. Hinckley
When: September 1995 General Relief Society Meeting
Note: In this address, President Hinckley read the historic document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”
Notable quotes: “It is the home which produces the nursery stock of new generations. I hope that you mothers will realize that when all is said and done, you have no more compelling responsibility, nor any laden with greater rewards, than the nurture you give your children in an environment of security, peace, companionship, love and motivation to grow and do well.”
“With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn. In furtherance of this we of the First Presidency and the Council of the TwelveApostles now issue a proclamation to the Church and to the world as a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history. I now take the opportunity of reading to you [The Family: A Proclamation to the World”].”
“The Mediator”
By Boyd K. Packer
When: April 1977 General Conference
Note: In this talk, a young Boyd K. Packer taught about the atonement using the now-familiar parable of “The Mediator.”
Notable quotes: “Both [justice and mercy], it seemed, could not be served. They are two eternal ideals that appear to contradict one another. Is there no way for justice to be fully served, and mercy also? There is a way! The law of justice can be fully satisfied and mercy can be fully extended—but it takes someone else. …
Unless there is a mediator, unless we have a friend, the full weight of justice untempered, unsympathetic, must, positively must fall on us.The full recompense for every transgression, however minor or however deep, will be exacted from us to the uttermost farthing.
But know this: Truth, glorious truth, proclaims there is such a Mediator.”
“A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth”
By Gordon B. Hinckley
When: Nov. 12, 2000, special broadcast
Note: President Hinckley’s address to youth became a landmark address for a generation and inspired a popular book (that included three extra “be”s).
Notable quotes: “Tonight I am going to let your teachers give you the A’s that I hope you earn. I want to talk about some B’s. You get the A’s; I will give you the B’s.
- “Be grateful.
- “Be smart.
- “Be clean.
- “Be true.
- “Be humble.
- “Be prayerful.”
“O God, our Eternal Father …. Please help them to walk in paths of truth and righteousness and keep them from the evils of the world. Bless them that they shall be happy at times and serious at times, that they may enjoy life and drink of its fulness. Bless them that they may walk acceptably before Thee as Thy cherished sons and daughters.”
“Are We Not All Mothers?”
By Sheri L. Dew
When: Sept. 2001 General Relief Society Meeting
Note: Sheri Dew’s popular talk teaches of the importance of motherhood from an eternal perspective, regardless of whether a woman has physically borne children.
Notable quotes: “Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with priesthood ordination. It was the most ennobling endowment He could give His daughters, a sacred trust that gave women an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate. As President J. Reuben Clark Jr. declared, motherhood is ‘as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood itself.’”
“Recent horrifying events in the United States have underscored the fact that we live in a world of uncertainty. Never has there been a greater need for righteous mothers—mothers who bless their children with a sense of safety, security and confidence about the future, mothers who teach their children where to find peace and truth and that the power of Jesus Christ is always stronger than the power of the adversary. Every time we build the faith or reinforce the nobility of a young woman or man, every time we love or lead anyone even one small step along the path, we are true to our endowment and calling as mothers and in the process we build the kingdom of God. No woman who understands the gospel would ever think that any other work is more important or would ever say, ‘I am just a mother,’ for mothers heal the souls of men.”
“But if Not …”
By Dennis E. Simmons
When: April 2004 General Conference
Note: Elder Simmons’ words emphasize a little-discussed aspect of faith—the faith to not have prayers answered the way we might hope.
Notable quotes: “The Lord has given us agency, the right and the responsibility to decide. He tests us by allowing us to be challenged. He assures us that He will not suffer us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. But we must understand that great challenges make great men. We don’t seek tribulation, but if we respond in faith, the Lord strengthens us. The but if nots can become remarkable blessings.”
“Our scriptures and our history are replete with accounts of God’s great men and women who believed that He would deliver them, but if not, they demonstrated that they would trust and be true. He has the power, but it’s our test.”
“Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments”
By Jeffrey R. Holland
When: Jan. 12, 1988 BYU devotional address
Note: Elder Holland gave this address on human intimacy before he was called to the Twelve.
Notable quotes: “In this latter sense, human intimacy is a sacrament, a very special kind of symbol. For our purpose here today, a sacrament could be any one of a number of gestures or acts or ordinances that unite us with God and his limitless powers. We are imperfect and mortal; he is perfect and immortal. But from time to time—indeed, as often as is possible and appropriate—we find ways and go to places and create circumstances where we can unite symbolically with him, and in so doing gain access to his power. Those special moments of union with God are sacramental moments—such as kneeling at a marriage altar, or blessing a newborn baby, or partaking of the emblems of the Lord’s supper. This latter ordinance is the one we in the Church have come to associate most traditionally with the word sacrament, though it is technically only one of many such moments when we formally take the hand of God and feel his divine power.”
“The Seven Deadly Heresies”
By Bruce R. McConkie
When: June 1, 1980 BYU devotional address
Note: Elder McConkie’s list reminds Church members that we must always seek a correct understanding of doctrine.
Notable quotes: “Heresy one: There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. …
“Heresy two concerns itself with the relationship between organic evolution and revealed religion and asks the question whether they can be harmonized. …
“Heresy three: There are those who say that temple marriage assures us of an eventual exaltation. Some have supposed that couples married in the temple who commit all manner of sin, and who then pay the penalty, will gain their exaltation eventually. …
“Heresy four: There are those who believe that the doctrine of salvation for the dead offers men a second chance for salvation. …
“Heresy five: There are those who say that there is progression from one kingdom to another in the eternal worlds or that lower kingdoms eventually progress to where higher kingdoms once were. …
“Heresy six: There are those who believe or say they believe that Adam is our father and our god, that he is the father of our spirits and our bodies, and that he is the one we worship. …
“Heresy seven: There are those who believe we must be perfect to gain salvation.”
I believe that Elder Bednar’s Tender Mercies of the Lord is a classic.
I agree it … Brought into my view many of the blessings of the Lord… Inspired and inspirational…
There are many great speaches and talks given in the more distant past by the general authorities that those who were born in this century are not aware of. One I like most of all is Hugh B Brown’s “profile of a Prophet” given at BYU in the 1950’s. you can link to it here and read or listen to it. I recomend that you listen to the MP3 as you can hear his testimony in his voice and it is a great address…http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=114.
BYU speeches has all talks and devotionals recorded. pick an apostle who was before your time and type his name in and all his talks will come up and you can listen to them as if you were there and feel of their spirit.
I Totally agree that this is Talk should be essential for all of us to reread along with Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s “last Testimony”. These two talks made a huge difference on my faith in Jesus Christ and my love of the Book of Mormon that helped me gain my Testimony – and keep it growing.
I can’t believe you couldn’t find a single talk by Pres. Monson that fit your criteria.
Amen, big bro.
It’s hard to beat this one: “Mercy – the Divine Gift” Monson, April 1995
I also loved Sister Beck’s talk “Mother’s Who Know”. A very favorite!!!
Amen! May her words ring in my heart forever more:).
Great talks. I personally love Neal A Maxwell! His talk “Swallowed up in the will of the Father” is one that everyone should listen to! Also, Pres. Packer gave a talk in the 70’s called “The balm of Gilead” which is another classic!
In President Spencer W Kimball’s biography, his son Edward reveals the aftermath of Bruce R McConkie’s ‘7 Deadly Heresies’ talk:
‘President Kimball was not doctrinaire, and he felt a need to interfere in doctrinal matters only when he saw strong statements of personal opinion as being divisive. Elder McConkie’s talk at BYU on “The Seven Deadly Heresies” implied he had authority to define heresy. . . . President Kimball responded to the uproar [caused by the devotional] by calling Elder McConkie in to discuss the talk. As a consequence, Elder McConkie revised the talk for publication so as to clarify that he was stating personal views and not official Church doctrine.’ (Edward L. Kimball, Lengthen Your Stride: The Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City:Deseret Book, 2005)
McConkie was reprimanded by the First Presidency once too often for me to feel comfortable with his words. He reminds me of a modern day Orson Pratt.
McConkie was not ‘reprimanded’ by anyone. He was a senior apostle, one of the best of the latter days!
McConkie’s first edition of Mormon Doctrine has become a collectors’ book because it contains statements that were subsequently modified in the following edition after he was instructed to do so by the Church leaders. He tended to be definitive about his interpretations, which is why Pres. Kimball called him in after his 7 Deadly Heresies speech at BYU. It is interesting to note that his source notes in the last volumes of his Mortal Messiah series reference his earliest books of that same series more than any other source. In other words, he quotes himself as a substantiating reference. However, none of that diminishes the power of his testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored Gospel.
I agree with D. Evan McConkie’s was not reprimanded by anyone and his talk did not contain his opinions. I felt the spirit strongly and believe he was witnessing truths the Savior would have witnessed if he were on earth today.
“Heresy one: There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. …
Brigham Young was one of those who taught the idea of eternal progression in knowledge. How do you reconcile the apparent conflict?
“To live as I am, without progress, is not life, in fact we may say that is impossible. There is no such principle in existence, neither can there be. All organized existence is in progress, either to an endless advancement in eternal perfections, or back to dissolution. You may explore all the eternities that have been, were it possible, then come to that which we now understand according to the principles of natural philosophy, and where is there an element, an individual living thing, an organized body, of whatever nature, that continues as it is? It cannot be found. All things that have come within the bounds of man’s limited knowledge—the things he naturally understands, teach him, that there is no period, in all the eternities, wherein organized existence will become stationary, that it cannot advance in knowledge, wisdom, power, and glory.
If a man could ever arrive at the point that would put an end to the accumulation of life—the point at which he could increase no more, and advance no further, we should naturally say he commenced to decrease at the same point. Again, when he has gained the zenith of knowledge, wisdom, and power, it is the point at which he begins to retrograde; his natural abilities will begin to contract, and so he will continue to decrease, until all he knew is lost in the chaos of forgetfulness. As we understand naturally, this is the conclusion we must come to, if a termination to the increase of life and the acquisition of knowledge is true.
Because of the weakness of human nature, it must crumble to the dust. But in all the revolutions and changes in the existence of men, in the eternal world which they inhabit, and in the knowledge they have obtained as people on the earth, there is no such thing as principle, power, wisdom, knowledge, life, position, or anything that can be imagined, that remains stationary—they must increase or decrease…
What is life to you and me? It is the utmost extent of our desires. Do you wish to increase, to continue? Do you wish to possess kingdoms and thrones, principalities and powers; to exist, and continue to exist; to grow in understanding, in wisdom, in knowledge, in power, and in glory throughout an endless duration? Why, yes, is the reply natural to every heart that has been warmed with the lifegiving influences of the Holy Ghost. And when we have lived, and gathered around us more kingdoms and creations than it is possible for the mind of mortals to comprehend, (just think of it, and how it commenced like a grain of mustard seed, cast into the ground!) then, I may say we could comprehend the very dawning of eternity, which term I use to accommodate the idea in my mind, not that it will at all apply to eternity.” (B. Young, JD, Vol 1, No. 50. July 10, 1853.)
I have never felt the spirit in a talk as strongly as I did when Elder McConkie bore his last testimony. He was a great man. I didn’t hear the Heresies talk but have read it. Frankly, it is difficult to take #2 heresy as sound doctrine as I have also hear Elder Oaks and others of the 12 state that we simply don’t know how the Lord created the world or how evolution played a part in it or not; To quote Elder Oaks: “The scriptures tell us why the Lord created the Earth. Science attempts to tell us how it happened and to quit worrying about any apparent conflicts.,” Additionally on the subject, a formal appeal to the 1st Presidency by Elder McConkie’s Father in Law, Joseph Fielding Smith ( who had substantial influence on this strong anti evolution position) was made for the First Presidency to make an official declaration on Evolution, especially that there was “no death before the Fall” . The subject was “argued” before President McKay and the highest councils of the church. It was NOT acted on as the 1st Presidency felt they could not speak for the Lord on the subject. So to me, as great as Elder McConkie was, he had his own opinions and was wrong at times. No one is infallible. My take is, for a talk to be in this category it needs to be more universally undisputedly clear doctrinally, and not go “beyond the mark”.
Thanks so much for sharing this. Elder McConkie, no doubt, was a great zealot in the Kingdom, but he was not spot on. His remarks have often worried me as they are contrary to prophetic teachings. The words of this talk have been in contradiction to many truths that I personally know. Brother Nibley himself was quoted as having muttered with disgust, after being asked about this by a student, “They are not heresies.” Yet Bro. Nibley was a good man who kept his peace and covenanted with the Lord not to talk about things, presumably to not stir up the water. Sad decline.
The word “reprimand” is a little strong. It may even fall within the realm of Mormon folklore. What people don’t focus on is that he was quick to heed the living prophet. He was not above that. His greatest care was that he stood by the living prophet.
Actually he was reprimanded as per his biography…for his book ‘Mormon Doctrine’.
Although this is certainly not an exhaustive list, I am grateful for all of these talks and for the reminders of each of these topics. Thank you to the commentators for the additional suggestions as well.
I think this is one speech I need to add into this list it is the one thing that has given rise to the opportunity for the entire list constituted. praise be to my Heavenly Father and my Savior
Elder Hollands “To Young Women” should really be “To ALL Women”. What a WONDERFUL talk.
Lessons from Liberty Jail, Elder Holland. Can be read over and over for lessons.
“Good, Better, Best” by Dallin H. Oaks – Oct 2007
“The Challenge to Become” by Dallin H. Oaks – Oct 2000
“The Book of Mormon – Keystone of our Religion” by Ezra Taft Benson – Oct 1986
“Of Things that Matter Most” by Dieter F. Uchtdorf – Oct 2010
“The Tugs and Pull of the World” by Neal L. Maxwell – Oct 2000
“Meekness – A Dimension of True Discipleship” by Neal L. Maxwell – BYU, Sept. 5, 1982
“I Testify” by Ezra Taft Benson – Oct 1988
“Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet” by Ezra Taft Benson, BYU, Feb. 1980
“A Sense of the Sacred” by D. Todd Christofferson – CES Fireside, Nov. 2004
“The Divine Gift of Gratitude” by Thomas S. Monson – Oct 2010
“Things as They Really Are” by David A. Bednar – CES Fireside, May 2009
“The Unwritten Order of Things” by Boyd K. Packer – BYU, Oct. 1996
“The False Gods We Worship” by Spencer W. Kimball – Ensign, June 1976
THIS was a spot-on list! Many of my most reread articles. I’ll find those that aren’t already in my top drawer.
My favorite speech would be
J Devn Cornish
Of The Seventy
And his talk from 2011 general conference
“The Privilege of Prayer.”
Elder Oaks “The Challenge to Become” is one of my very favorites and I strive everyday to “become” more like my Savior.
Agree with you here, I have a statement from Elder Oak’s “The Challenge to Become” on my wall.
I also love a couple of Maxwell talks that are etched in my mind…
Free to Choose
The Enemy Combined
And then this past conference Elder Holland who gave great hope for those who strive…..
I intend to begin a study of each talk suggested–the original 10 and those also suggested by those who posted comments. I feel this will be a most appropriate use of my time for a good many days as I squeeze in the time.
As a representative of an older generation, I would humbly suggest that Elder Melvin J. Ballard’s sublime address on the Sacramental Covenant (reprinted in the January 1976 Ensign) is deserving of inclusion in any list of all-time great LDS sermons.
I really appreciate your input. I am not quite old enough to remember many talks that were given in the old conference building. So thank you for your reply!
There are many, many wonderful talks given over the years, but the most important, and relevant talks are the ones we will be receiving in our conference this weekend!! My family will be studying those for the next six months, and trying to apply those principles in our lives as we go forward.
Two of my faves that kept me on the strait and narrow as a youth, “Spiritual Crocodiles” by (I BELIEVE), Boyd K. Packer (back in the ’70’s) and the classic, “Profile of a Prophet” by Hugh B. Brown. I wasn’t alive back then, but that talk has gotten me and many friends over many of life’s hurdles.
I was also going to add President Ezra Taft Benson’s speech on The Book Of Mormon and others that have been recommended, but I would also like to add a speech that has definitely “lifted me up” as a woman :
Elder Glenn L. Pace,a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, a BYU Devotional “The Divine Nature and Destiny of Women”, 9 March 2010
also Elder Boyd K. Packer’s Priesthood Commemoration Fireside broadcast.”A Tribute to Women”, 7 May 1989
and President Gordon B. Hinckley’s CR “Women of the Church”. October 1996
also President Gordon B. Hinckley’s “The Need for Greater Kindness”
and finally Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s “The Three Pillars of Eternity” a BYU Devotional,17 February, 1981
Some of my favorites:
“Humility”. By Spencer W. Kimball
“Miracles” by Mathew Cowley
“Happiness” by David O. McKay
“God is the Gardner” by Hugh B. Brown
Thanks to everyone— the original list and ALL the ones mentioned in the comments from y’all. I would add one of my favorites that has been given at least three times since the 1950’s. “A Vision of Visiting Teaching”– Pres. Kimball’s counsel is ageless— AND, yes— it speaks just as well, to the home teachers…..
I would love to find Bro Jeffrey Holland’s talk on “The Other Prodigal,” regarding the son who stayed home and was upset at the attention paid his brother who took his inheritance and squandered it.
Here’s a link to “The Other Prodigal” – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/04/the-other-prodigal?lang=eng
Excellent, excellent list by the time you add those also added in replies. I have many of those in my Classic talks folder and binder. I would also add: “Women of Faith” by Margaret Nadauld in Oct. 2002. Any women who have not read that and all young women should read that as they prepare for adulthood. Add it to those of Sister Beck and you have the real deal!
I liked these chosen talks, although I have others I also love. But, the most important thing is to take them into our hearts and strive to live by them to the best that we possibly can. How blessed we are to have God’s continuing Word to apply into our lives. How blessed we are to have a living prophet and dear apostles to be our ” Spiritual Professors”.
ps……….I have the original Mormon Doctrine book and consider it a treasure……so much fuss over a strong man who had firm convictions of truth. I daresay if we knew of all the prophets and apostles have actually seen and heard, most of us wouldn’t believe them. in fact, many of us have deeply personal spiritual experiences that others wouldn’t believe.
Awesome list! There is a great site http://www.votebestldstalks.com where you can vote on your favorite LDS talks that have strengthened your testimony.
One of my favorite talks of all time is entitled “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence” by Elder Holland. At one particularly dark time in my life I listed to it so many times I practically had it memorized.
How “how to get personal revelation” by Bruce R Mconckie. I think that is one of the best talks ever given.
Russell M. Ballard’s “Doctrine of Inclusion”. I great talk that reminded us to get out of our tribes and reach out to neighbors. He said the term “non-Mormon was unacceptable.
Love them all…no bad choices.
But, top 10 is always Hugh B. Brown’s “Profile of a Prophet.”
Great message. Incredibly delivered with unforgettable oration skills plus great memorable phrasings such as “undergirding and overarching all the rest…” and a whole bunch more.
Used by missionary for decades as a primer for investigators.
As a bishop, I can tell you that the talk that I have referred to more than any other is Elder Holland’s Oct 2013 “Like a Broken Vessel”. While all of the above-mentioned addresses were wonderful and divinely inspired, none broke new ground as did this one. The previously undiscussed elephant in the LDS room of depression/anxiety/OCD, etc., needed to be brought out into the open. Elder Holland’s talk was sensitive and frank, and has been a guiding light to many whose lives are affected by mental illness. So many had felt that they were being told to “pray harder and read more scriptures and all will be healed. If you don’t get ‘better’, then it is your fault.” Knowing that combining the power of the priesthood with modern treatments/medications—-and that suffering from mental illness is NOT a sign of disobedience or a lack of spirituality—-is recognized by the Church has been of great value. And realizing that one is not alone in suffering from these things has also helped greatly.
“Eternal Life and Celestial Marriage” Elder Bruce R. McConkie November 1984:
https://byui-media.ldscdn.org/byui_ft/devo_audio/1984_11_06_ADV_McConkie.mp3
One of my favorites, give a few years ago at Spring conference by Bro. Holland was about the atonement. I thought it most deep and moving. Sorry I don’t have a title.
Is’nt that a picture of President Hinckley above President Benson’s name?
“And None Shall Offend Them” Elder Bednar. LOVIN IT!!!
Interesting list and comments. Many of my favorites are not on the list but will always be on my list because of what I needed to hear at that moment in my life. Every conference I add others to my list. In those moments, we can hear the voice of the Lord speaking to us individually. Some of these moments are too sacred to share.
Good speeches. Too bad there is physical evidence Joseph Smith lied. North American DNA doesn’t shake out to Jewish, The Egyptian Hydrographics reported in the Desert News don’t translate into the book of Abraham, FBI reporting and showing the physical evidence the documents produced by Mark Hofmann (convicted Forger) and provided to the LDS church are fake (Attained by a raid by the FBI for a Museum forgery case.), Joseph Smith being arrested 42 times for treason, attempted murder, Bank fraud (multiple time),…
Clarification Regarding the talk and picture about “Pride,” was READ by President Gordon B
Hinckley (then First Counselor in the First Presidency) in conference according to the
information below His picture on this site, but it was written by Ezra Taft Benson. It is a great
classic talk and long too.
Neal A. Maxwell’s BYU Devotional, Meeting the Challenges of Today, Oct. 10, 1978. Timeless. Prescient. Prophetic. Halfway through Elder Maxwell switches gears & teaches, beautifully, the doctrine of foreordination. One of my favorites.
Good article, but you’ve used President Hinckley’s photo for president Benson’s.
Thank you for this list. I also appreciate the commentary following it. I enjoy collections of “10 best” talks, etc. They are a ready resource as well as a peek into what fellow believers have valued highly. It would be especially interesting to know what resounded most with the list creator, and some background as to the “why.”
Just a note regarding President Hinckley’s picture where President Benson’s “Beware of Pride” talk is posted: the caption reads, “Ezra Taft Benson, who wrote the talk, asked that Gordon B. Hinckley read it in General Conference.”
A good list, but it’s difficult for us to assess the impact of talks given before we were born. J. Ruben Clark’s message from the Oct 1947 General Conference, commemorating the centenial of the pioneer arrival in Utah was reprinted on the 150 anniversary. I suspect someone in authority with a memory back 50 years suggested it, indicating its impact at least upon that person. You can read it here. I think it’s message about the humble of the earth, in this day of hyper interest in being a public figure, is very valuable.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/07/to-them-of-the-last-wagon?lang=eng
I read so many comments here about McConkie being reprimanded and other such things. I”ll be honest and say that reading those comments alone makes the spirit within me leave. And that I trust more than anything. It sounds and feels on the verge of “anti” talk, debate, and discussion. I choose to follow these men in faith because they are far greater than I ever will be. And because no matter what any of them have ever said, I feel the spirit. Unlike a lot of the comments here.
In previous comments there are several allegations about Elder Bruce R. McConkie and why his book, Mormon Doctrine, was revised. Strange that nobody has offered accounts of what actually occurred. With a little research one will find a thorough explanation. It is found in Chapter 11 of “The Bruce R. McConkie Story,” written by his son, Joseph Fielding McConkie. Here are some excerpts:
— “There was some question [from the Brethren] about what business a Seventy had declaring the doctrine of the Church. It is interesting to note, however, that no suggestion was ever made that the title of the book be changed.
— “I have been told that when he met with the First Presidency, my father was invited to be seated but chose to remain standing. I also know that it was his practice (because he told me I was to do the same) when you are getting scolded, you offer no excuses—you just take it. After the experience President Moyle observed, ‘I’ve never seen a man in the Church in my experience that took our criticism—and it was more than criticism—but he took it better than anyone I ever saw. When we were through and Bruce left us, I had a great feeling of love and appreciation for a man who could take it without any alibis, without any excuses, and said he appreciated what we said to him.’
— “I do not know of a single instance in which Elder McConkie was asked to change or chose to change his doctrinal position. The second edition of Mormon Doctrine is a substantially better book. The tone of the book is softer, articles attacking false doctrines born of apostasy but not directly germane to Mormonism have been dropped, and eighty pages of new material have been added. No doctrinal changes were made, however. The essence of each entry remains the same.
“The report submitted to the First Presidency by Elder Spencer W. Kimball indicates that he checked changes made on fifty-six pages, all of which he approved. He did not indicate a single instance of doctrinal disagreement with what was written. Again, I know of no single instance in which the doctrine announced in the first edition differed from that of the second edition. Much was changed by way of tone: Things were simply said more appropriately, but the same things were said.”
There is a talk by Hugh B. Brown that I have as titled “This I Know.” The title could also be “The Greatest Character in All History.” I do not know where it was given or the date. It does not show up when I search the web. He does, however, refer to “consider with you YOUNG PEOPLE this morning,” and “I come to you, YOUNG PEOPLE, to bear humble testimony.”
Here is another quote, “There is no life, to which anyone could refer you, from which you will get, the inspiration, guidance and help, that you may have, if you will become acquainted with Him.”
Can anyone help me? This is one of the most powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ that I have found. This talk could have been given at what then was “Rick’s College” in Idaho. It could have been given as early and the 1950’s.
Brad Wilcox’s – His Grace is Sufficient is the most watched LDS talk on YouTube.