BY ELDER BOYD K. PACKER
The Council of the Twelve.
was exactly a year ago, in a solemn assembly, who had the privilege to raise our hands to sustain the authority of the Church in the same way as we did this morning. It was on that April morning I heard my name being submitted for your support as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Fell upon me an obligation to stay with the other men who had been called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ on earth.
Perhaps you have wondered, as I have done, why should this come to me call me. At times it seemed accidental thing to keep receiving aid worth, but always prevailed in me a constant feeling, quiet, that was guided and prepared.
This morning was our privilege to raise our hands to hold the President of the Church. I regard that as a great privilege and a special obligation because I have a testimony about it.
few weeks before the meeting made in the month of April, I left the office on a Friday afternoon thinking about the assignment was for the conference this weekend. I waited for the elevator go down the fifth floor, the doors slowly opened it, saw that there was President Joseph Fielding Smith. For a moment I was surprised to see him, because his office is one floor below.
Seeing him under the doorway, I was in a powerful testimony that is the Prophet of God. That sweet voice of the Spirit is like the light that has something to do with pure intelligence, I said that this was the Prophet of God.
is not necessary try to define this experience to Latter-day Saints, that kind of testimony is property of this Church. It is not something reserved for those who occupy high positions, is a testament not only available but is vital for each member. And as it is with the President, so it is with his advisers.
North of where we are, in the Wasatch Range, there are three great mountains. The poet would describe as a powerful stone pyramids. The center, the highest of the three, the map identified as Willard Peak, but the pioneers called it "The Presidency." If someday you will come to pass Willard, look eastward and high, very high, is "The Chair."
Thank God for the presidency. As these peaks, only the heavens are above them. They need our vote of support, sometimes there alone in those lofty appeals to address, as they are not to please man but to God. God bless these three great men and good.
Occasionally, during the past year, I asked a question. In general, it seems a curious question, almost vain about the qualities needed to be a witness for Christ. The question they ask is: "Have you seen him?"
This is a question I've never made anyone. I have not made my brethren in the Quorum, thinking it would be so sacred and personal that a person should have some special inspiration, truly some authority, even to do it.
There are some things too sacred to be discussed. We know this with respect to the temples. In these sacred ordinances are performed, it has sacred experiences, and yet, because of the nature of them do not discuss them outside these walls. Not that they are secret, but sacred and must not be discussed, but preserve, protect and regarded with the deepest reverence.
I have come to know what the prophet Alma wanted to say: "... A lot of people is to know the mysteries of God, but they are under a strict command not to teach but according to that portion of his word that he gives the children of men and in accordance with the care and diligence that you quit. "Therefore, he who hardens his heart receives the smallest portion of the word, and not harden their hearts, most of it, until it is given to know the mysteries of God to the degree to understand completely "(Alma 12:9-12).
Some people hear the testimonies of those who occupy high positions in the Church, as well as members in the wards and branches, all using same words: "I know that God lives, I know that Jesus is the Christ," and ask the question, "Why can not be said in plain words? Why do not more explicit and descriptive? Can not the apostles say more? "
the same way that the sacred temple experience, it becomes our personal testimony. It is sacred, and when we got used to put into words, what we say in the same way, all using the same words. The apostles declared in the same phrases that small Primary or youth Sunday School. "I know that God lives, and I know that Jesus is the Christ."
would do well not to disregard the testimony of the prophets or the children, because "he communicates his word to men by angels, yea, not only men but also women. And this not all, many times they are given words to the children that confuse the wise and educated "(Alma 32:23).
Some people expect that the testimony is given in a new, dramatic and different. Express testimony is similar to a declaration of love. Since the beginning of time, the Romantic poets and loving couples have sought ways more impressive to say, sing or write.
have used all the adjectives, superlatives and all forms of poetic expression. And after all is said and done, the most powerful statement is the simple choice of two words.
For anyone seeking honest, the testimony given in these simple sentences is sufficient, since it is the Spirit who bears witness, not words.
There is a power of communication as real and tangible as electricity. Man has invented the means of sending pictures through the air and sounds that are captured by an antenna and thus to play, hear and see. This other type of communication can be compared this, except it is a million times more powerful, and the testimony offered is always the truth.
There is a method which can emanate pure intelligence, by which we can have security without hesitation at all.
I said I had a question that can not be taken lightly and answered without the inspiration of the Spirit. I have not asked that question to others, but I heard the answer, but not when asked. She has been answered under the inspiration of the Spirit, holy occasions when "the Spirit bears witness" (D & C 1:39).
I heard one of my brothers declare: "I know from experience, too sacred to tell them that Jesus is the Christ." I've heard others testify, "I know that God lives, I know that the Lord lives. And more than that, I know the Lord."
was not his words that locked the meaning and power, was the Spirit. "... Because when you talk about the power of the Holy Spirit, the power of the Holy Spirit into the heart of the sons of men" (2 Nephi 33:1).
speak with humility on this subject, with the constant feeling that I am the least in every aspect of those who are called to this sacred place.
I have come to know that the testimony can not be acquired by signs, sold through fasting and prayer, through the activity, testing and obedience is achieved by holding the servants of the Lord and follow them.
Karl G. Maeser (l) leading a group of missionaries across the Alps. Upon reaching the summit, stopped. Pointing to the trail left with sticks stuck in the snow to mark the way through the ice, said: "Brethren, behold the priesthood. They are just common sticks like the rest of us ... but since they have the becomes that they mean to us. If we depart from the path that mark, we are lost. "'
The testimony depends on the support of the servants of the Lord as we have done here by a signal, and as we do with our actions.
now with you I wonder why someone like me has been called the Holy Apostolate. I lack many qualities, so much what I need in my effort to serve. As you ponder this, I have only one simple conclusion, a quality which can be a cause, so I have that testimony.
I declare that I know that Jesus is the Christ, I know who lives, born in the meridian of time, taught the Gospel, was tried and crucified. Rose on the third day was the first fruits of resurrection. Has a body of flesh and bones. Of this I testify. El am a witness. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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