Refer your friends to join The LDS Daily WOOL (Words Of Our Leaders)
(3/7/98)
"Given the freedom to choose, we may, in fact, make wrong choices, bad
choices, hurtful choices. And sometimes we do just that, but that is where the
mission and mercy of Jesus Christ comes into full force and glory. He has taken
upon himself the burden of all the world's risk. He has provided a mediating
atonement for the wrong choices we make. He is our advocate with the Father and
has paid, in advance, for the faults and foolishness we often see in the
exercise of our freedom. We must accept his gift, repent of those mistakes, and
follow his commandments in order to take full advantage of this redemption. The
offer is always there; the way is always open. We can always, even in our
darkest hour and most disastrous errors, look to the Son of God and live."
— Howard W. Hunter, "The
Golden Thread of Choice," "Ensign," Nov. 1989 (October
Conference) page 18
(4/18/99)
"The governance of the Church and the exercise of the prophetic gifts will
always be vested in those apostolic authorities who hold and exercise all of the
keys of the priesthood." — Howard W. Hunter, "Exceeding
Great And Precious Promises," Ensign, November 1994
(7/22/99)
"We have a promise of divine assistance in times of need. All of us face
times in our lives when we need heavenly help in a special and urgent way. We
all have moments when we are overwhelmed by circumstances or confused by the
counsel we get from others, and we feel a great need to receive spiritual
guidance, a great need to find the right path and do the right thing. In the
scriptural preface to this latter-day dispensation, the Lord promised that if we
would be humble in such times of need and turn to him for aid, we would 'be made
strong, and [be] blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time'
(D&C 1:28). That help is
ours if we will but seek it, trust in it, and follow what King Benjamin, in the
Book of Mormon, called 'the enticings of the Holy Spirit' (Mosiah 3:19). Perhaps no
promise in life is more reassuring than that promise of divine assistance and
spiritual guidance in times of need. It is a gift freely given from heaven, a
gift that we need from our earliest youth through the very latest days of our
lives." — "The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter," p. 59
(11/30/99)
"Does it seem reasonable that persons who have lived upon the earth and
died without the opportunity of baptism should be deprived throughout eternity?
Is there anything unreasonable about the living performing the baptisms for the
dead? Perhaps the greatest example of vicarious work for the dead is the Master
himself. He gave his life as a vicarious atonement, that all who die shall live
again and have life everlasting. He did for us what we could not do for
ourselves. In a similar way we can perform ordinances for those who did not have
the opportunity to do them in lifetime." — "Elijah
The Prophet," General Conference, October 1971
(12/01/99)
"Do I stand firm against Satan's temptations? He is seeking to cause us to
lose our way in a storm of derision and a tide of sophistry. We can have
victory, however, by responding to that inner voice calling 'stand firm!'" — "Am I A 'Living' Member?" General
Conference, April 1987
(12/02/99)
"As we search for the shore of safety and peace, whether we be individual
women and men, families, communities, or nations, Christ is the only beacon on
which we can ultimately rely. He is the one who said of his mission, 'I am the
way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6)." —
"The Beacon In The Harbor Of Peace," General Conference,
October 1992
(12/04/99)
"Easter is the celebration of the free gift of immortality given to all
men, restoring life and healing all wounds. Though all will die as part of the
eternal plan of growth and development, nevertheless we can all find comfort in
the Psalmist's statement, 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the
morning.' (Ps. 30:5.)" — "An Apostle's Witness of the
Resurrection," General Conference, April 1986
(12/05/99)
"Let us study the Master's every teaching and devote ourselves more fully
to his example. He has given us 'all things that pertain unto life and
godliness.' He has 'called us to glory and virtue' and has 'given unto us
exceeding great and precious promises: that by these [we] might be partakers of
the divine nature' (2 Pet.
1:3-4)." — "Exceeding Great
And Precious Promises," General Conference, October 1994
(12/07/99)
"If, after all of the cumulative evidence and all of these testimonies,
Christ should be eliminated from our belief, what would be the result? This
would not be his Church; the Bible would fall as the word of God; there would be
no hope of a literal resurrection; there would be no assurance of eternal life.
But Christ is not eliminated from our belief. His divinity is a reality, and to
all of the testimonies that have been borne of him, we add our witness." — "Conference Report," October 1968,
p. 142
(5/18/03)
"Older people feel they are beset with problems, but I am inclined to think
that young people are faced with the greatest problems. They have great
decisions to make. They are in the process of determining their course in life.
They are earnestly seeking the way. Young people should take council from Alma,
in those beautiful words he spoke to his son Helaman: 'O, remember, my son, and
learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of
God.'" — Howard W. Hunter, "Pray
Always," October 15, 1963, BYU Speeches of the Year, p. 5
(8/14/03)
"Without the Resurrection, the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a litany of
wise sayings and seemingly unexplainable miracles--but sayings and miracles with
no ultimate triumph. No, the ultimate triumph is in the ultimate miracle; for
the first time in the history of mankind, one who was dead raised himself into
living immortality. He was the Son of God, the Son of our immortal Father in
Heaven, and his triumph over physical and spiritual death is the good news every
Christian tongue should speak." — Howard W. Hunter, "An Apostle's
Witness of the Resurrection," General Conference, April 1986
(9/13/03)
"At various times in our lives, probably at repeated times in our lives, we
do have to acknowledge that God knows what we do not know and sees what we do
not see. If you have troubles at home with children who stray, if you suffer
financial reverses and emotional strain that threaten your homes and your
happiness, if you must face the loss of life or health, may peace be unto your
soul. We will not be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. Our detours and
disappointments are the straight and narrow path to him..." — "The
Teachings of Howard W. Hunter," Edited by Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake
City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1997], p. 85
(2/6/04)
"Many make their contributions in unsung ways. Ishmael traveled with the
family of Nephi at great personal sacrifice, suffering 'much affliction, hunger,
thirst, and fatigue.' (1 Ne.
16:35.) Then in the midst of all of these afflictions, he perished in the
wilderness. Few of us can even begin to understand the sacrifice of such a man
in those primitive times and conditions. Perhaps if we were more perceptive and
understanding, we too would mourn, as his daughters did in the wilderness, for
what a man like this gave-and gave up!-so that we could have the Book of Mormon
today." - Howard W. Hunter, "No
Less Serviceable," Ensign, Apr. 1992, 65
(3/1/04)
"The world in which we live would benefit greatly if men and women
everywhere would exercise the pure love of Christ, which is kind, meek, and
lowly. It is without envy or pride. It is selfless because it seeks nothing in
return. It does not countenance evil or ill will, nor rejoice in iniquity; it
has no place for bigotry, hatred, or violence. It refuses to condone ridicule,
vulgarity, abuse, or ostracism. It encourages diverse people to live together in
Christian love regardless of religious belief, race, nationality, financial
standing, education, or culture." - Howard W. Hunter, "A
More Excellent Way," Ensign, May 1992, pp. 61-62
(6/29/04)
"Contrition is costly-it costs us our pride and our insensitivity, but it
especially costs us our sins. For, as King Lamoni's father knew twenty centuries
ago, this is the price of true hope. 'O God,' he cried, 'wilt thou make thyself
known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee... that I may be
raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day.' (Alma 22:18.) When we, too,
are willing to give away all our sins to know him and follow him, we, too, will
be filled with the joy of eternal life." - Howard W. Hunter, "Jesus,
the Very Thought of Thee," Ensign, May 1993, p. 64
(9/15/04)
"The Lord's invitation to follow him is individual and personal, and it is
compelling. We cannot stand forever between two opinions. Each of us must at
some time face the crucial question: 'Whom say ye that I am?' (Matt.
16:15.) Our personal salvation depends on our answer to that question and
our commitment to that answer. Peter's revealed answer was 'Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God' (Matt.
16:16). Many, many witnesses can give an identical answer by the same power,
and I join with them in humble gratitude. But we must each answer the question
for ourselves-if not now, then later; for at the last day, every knee shall bow
and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ. Our challenge is to
answer correctly and live accordingly before it is everlastingly too late. Since
Jesus is indeed the Christ, what must we do?" - Howard W. Hunter, "He
Invites Us to Follow Him," Ensign, September 1994, p. 2
(9/24/04)
"The answer of Jesus to the lawyer might be considered as the Lord's
touchstone. He said on another occasion, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one
of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matt.
25:40). He will measure our devotion to him by how we love and serve our
fellowmen. What kind of mark are we leaving on the Lord's touchstone? Are we
truly good neighbors? Does the test show us to be 24-karat gold, or can the
trace of fool's gold be detected?" - Howard W. Hunter, "The Lord's
Touchstone," Ensign, November 1986, p. 34
(10/25/04)
"Because of the temptation to intellectual pride, always remember that the
sun rises and shines on gentle and simple alike, so the light of truth beams as
directly upon the simplest and humblest of God's children as upon you. Do not,
therefore, be ashamed of spiritual truths, Do not reject them or think you must
amend them because they are common to you and to those who have not had the
advantage of higher education. Be not ashamed of Jesus Christ because the poor
believe in him and some of the mighty of the world do not. Do not let your
scientific intellect discard truths merely because they are not subject to
demonstrable proof. Open your hearts and souls so that you may have
understanding of spiritual truth. Your natural associations will be with persons
of culture, but keep close to those who have warm hearts, character, faith and
testimony. Devote yourselves to the calls that shall come to you in life to
render service to others and service to God." - Howard W. Hunter, BYU
Speeches of the Year, 1960
(12/6/04)
"Sometimes we may feel that our spiritual edge has grown dull. On some very
trying days, we may even feel that God has forgotten us, has left us alone in
our confusion and concern. But that feeling is no more justified for the older
ones among us than it is for the younger and less experienced. God knows and
loves us all. We are, every one of us, his daughters and his sons, and whatever
life's lessons may have brought us, the promise is still true: 'If any of you
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' (James
1:5.)" - Howard W. Hunter, "Blessed
from on High," Ensign, November 1988, p. 60
(12/16/04)
"We testify to all the world that heavenly ministers have already appeared
in our age, bringing authority from heaven and restoring truths lost through
corrupted teachings and practices. God has spoken anew and continues to provide
guidance for all his children through a living prophet today. We declare that
he, as promised, is with his servants always and directs the affairs of his
Church throughout the world. As in times past, revelation directs missionary
labors, the building of temples, the calling of priesthood officers, and warns
against the evils of society that may deny salvation to our Father's
children." - Howard W. Hunter, "No
Man Shall Add to or Take Away," Ensign, May 1981, p. 65
(2/12/05)
"Does it seem reasonable that persons who have lived upon the earth and
died without the opportunity of baptism should be deprived throughout eternity?
Is there anything unreasonable about the living performing the baptisms for the
dead? Perhaps the greatest example of vicarious work for the dead is the Master
himself. He gave his life as a vicarious atonement, that all who die shall live
again and have life everlasting. He did for us what we could not do for
ourselves. In a similar way we can perform ordinances for those who did not have
the opportunity to do them in lifetime." - Howard W. Hunter, "Elijah
the Prophet," Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 71
(3/3/05)
"Friction, or resistance, is an interesting phenomenon. Without this force,
a person or vehicle could not move about, or if already in motion, could not be
stopped except by collision. Simple things like nails, screws, and bolts would
not stay in place; a cork would not stay in a bottle; a light globe would drop
from its socket; a lid would not stay on a jar.
"The law of friction or resistance that we think of as only applying to
science seems to find application in our personal lives. This is probably what
Lehi was referring to when he spoke to his son Jacob. He reminded Jacob of the
afflictions and sorrows that had come to him because of the rudeness of his
brethren, and told him how these afflictions would ultimately result in good.
These are the words of Jacob to his son: 'Thou knowest the greatness of God; and
he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain' (2
Ne. 2:2).
"In other words, the afflictions that had come to him in the form of
opposition or resistance would be for his good. Then Lehi added these words that
have become classic: 'For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all
things. If not so,... righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither
wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad' (2
Ne. 2:11).
"We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It was part of the plan
for our eternal progress." - Howard W. Hunter, "God
Will Have a Tried People," Ensign, May 1980, 25
(3/21/05)
"A successful life, the good life, the righteous Christian life requires
something more than a contribution, though every contribution is valuable.
Ultimately it requires commitment-whole souled, deeply held, eternally cherished
commitment to the principles we know to be true in the commandments God has
given. We need such loyalty to the Church, but that must immediately be
interpreted as a loyalty in our personal habits and behavior, integrity in the
wider community and marketplace, and-for the future's sake-devotion and
character in our marriages and homes and families." - Howard W. Hunter,
"Standing
As Witnesses of God," Ensign, May 1990, p. 62
(5/11/05)
"Not all of us are going to be like Moroni, catching
the acclaim of our colleagues all day every day. Most of us will be quiet,
relatively unknown folks who come and go and do our work without fanfare. To
those of you who may find that lonely or frightening or just unspectacular, I
say, you are 'no less serviceable' than the most spectacular of your associates.
You, too, are part of God’s army." - Howard W. Hunter, "No
Less Serviceable," Ensign, Apr. 1992, p. 64
(9/19/05)
"Sometimes we may feel that our spiritual edge has
grown dull. On some very trying days, we may even feel that God has forgotten
us, has left us alone in our confusion and concern. But that feeling is no more
justified for the older ones among us than it is for the younger and less
experienced. God knows and loves us all. We are, every one of us, his daughters
and his sons, and whatever life's lessons may have brought us, the promise is
still true: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all
men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him' (James
1:5)." - Howard W. Hunter, "The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter," edited by
Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], p. 85
(10/7/05)
"We need more understanding in our relationships with one
another, in business and in industry, between management and labor, between
government and the governed. We need understanding in that most important of all
social units the family, understanding between children and parents and between
husband and wife. Marriage would bring happiness, and divorce would be unknown
if there were understanding hearts. Hatred tears down but understanding builds
up." - Howard W. Hunter, "Conference Report," April 1962, Afternoon Meeting,
p.76
(10/9/05)
"Stepping out of a negative world into such an atmosphere of
love and a positive hope for the future, not only in mortality but exaltation in
eternity, is known only by a small minority. How blessed we are for an
understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His gospel of love encourages us to
look upward and not down, to look for the good in life and not the bad, to seek
the positive and not the negative.
"Negative thinking has ruined many lives. Persons who might otherwise have been
successful have been defeated because their thinking was negative." - Howard W.
Hunter, "The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter," edited by Clyde J. Williams, p.75
11/29/05
"The news media, radio, television, newspapers, national magazines, and
many other things we hear and read, bring to us depressing, negative thoughts.
We are constantly reminded of crime, war, riots, divorce, theft, murder, death,
disease, vulgarity, pornography, strikes, short skirts and long hair, marijuana,
hunger, birth control, LSD, corruption in government, and even questionable
politics. A few days ago, I examined every article on the first few pages of the
newspaper. Every article I read expressed a negative thought or a depressing
situation. There was nothing to add a cheerful note, a positive or uplifting
thought, or a hope for the future.
"Stepping out of a negative world into such an atmosphere of love and a positive
hope for the future, not only in mortality but exaltation in eternity, is known
only by a small minority. How blessed we are for an understanding of the gospel
of Jesus Christ. His gospel of love encourages us to look upward and not down,
to look for the good in life and not the bad, to seek the positive and not the
negative.
"Negative thinking has ruined many lives. Persons who might otherwise have been
successful have been defeated because their thinking was negative." - "The
Teachings of Howard W. Hunter," edited by Clyde J. Williams, p.75
12/1/05
"What a glorious thing is life, surrounded by the beauties of the world in
which we live. There is beauty in the mountains, the woods, and the lakes. There
is beauty in the sea with its never-ceasing tides; beauty in the skies filled
with fleecy clouds, in the sunshine and in the rain; beauty in the morning, the
day, and the night. As the seasons come and go, we find beauty in the freshness
of spring bringing new life to all nature, and beauty in the glory of the
summer. Autumn ushers in an array of color before the silent winter brings its
blanket of white. There is beauty everywhere if we look for the beautiful." -
Howard W. Hunter, "Conference Report," April 1970, First Day—Morning Meeting,
p.7
1/13/06
"Out of the abundance of his heart, Jesus spoke to
the poor, the downtrodden, the widows, the little children; to farmers and
fishermen, and those who tended goats and sheep; to strangers and foreigners,
the rich, the politically powerful, as well as the unfriendly Pharisees and
scribes. He ministered to the poor, the hungry, the deprived, the sick. He
blessed the lame, the blind, the deaf, and other people with physical
disabilities. He drove out the demons and evil spirits that had caused mental or
emotional illness. He purified those who were burdened with sin. He taught
lessons of love and repeatedly demonstrated unselfish service to others. All
were recipients of his love. All were 'privileged the one like unto the other,
and none [were] forbidden.' (2
Ne. 26:28.) These are all expressions and examples of his unbounded charity.
"The world in which we live would benefit greatly if men and women everywhere
would exercise the pure love of Christ, which is kind, meek, and lowly. It is
without envy or pride. It is selfless because it seeks nothing in return. It
does not countenance evil or ill will, nor rejoice in iniquity; it has no place
for bigotry, hatred, or violence. It refuses to condone ridicule, vulgarity,
abuse, or ostracism. It encourages diverse people to live together in Christian
love regardless of religious belief, race, nationality, financial standing,
education, or culture." - Howard W. Hunter, "A
More Excellent Way," Ensign (CR), May 1992, p.61
11/26/06
"History tells us there is a God. Science confirms the fact there is a Supreme
Being. Human reasoning persuades us that there is a God. His own revelations to
man leave no doubt as to his existence. In order for an individual to obtain
unwavering knowledge of the reality of God, he must live the commandments and
the doctrines announced by the Savior during his personal ministry. 'Jesus
answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any
man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself.' (John
7:16-17.) In other words, those who are willing to make the search, apply
themselves, and do God's will, will have the knowledge come to them of the
reality of God." - Howard W. Hunter, "Conference Report," April 1970, p.10
4/2/07
"Living members give heed to the Spirit, which quickens the inner life. They
constantly seek its direction. They pray for strength and overcome difficulties.
Their hearts are not set upon the things of this world but upon the infinite.
Spiritual renewal is not sacrificed for physical gratification.
"Living members put Christ first in their lives, knowing from what source their
lives and progress come. There is a tendency for man to put himself in the
center of the universe and expect others to conform to his wants and needs and
desires. Yet nature does not honor that erroneous assumption. The central role
in life belongs to God. Instead of asking him to do our bidding, we should seek
into bring ourselves in harmony with his will, and thus continue our progress as
a living member." - Howard W. Hunter, "Am
I a Living Member?," Ensign (CR), May 1987, p.16
5/29/07
"It is most remarkable to witness one who is deaf made to hear again. But surely
that great blessing is no more startling than the wondrous combination of bones
and skin and nerves that lets our ears receive the beautiful world of sound.
Should we not stand in awe of the blessing of hearing and give glory to God for
that miracle, even as we do when hearing is restored after it has been lost?
"Is it not the same for the return of ones sight or the utterance of our speech,
or even that greatest miracle of all—the restoration of life? The original
creations of the Father constitute a truly wonder-filled world. Are not the
greatest miracles the fact that we have life and limb and sight and speech in
the first place? Yes, there will always be plenty of miracles if we have eyes to
see and ears to hear.
"Just one other reminder. Once we start to recognize the many miraculous and
blessed manifestations of God and Christ in our lives—the everyday variety as
well as restored sight to the blind and restored hearing to the deaf—we may be
truly bewildered at the unexplainable principles and processes that bring about
such wonders." - Howard W. Hunter, "The
God That Doest Wonders," Ensign (CR), May 1989, p.15
3/17/08
"Every
day of our lives and in every season of the year (not just at Easter time),
Jesus asks each of us, as he did following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem
those many years ago, 'What think ye of
Christ? whose son is he?' (Matt.
22:42.)
"We
declare that he is the Son of God, and the reality of that fact should stir our
souls more frequently. I pray that it will, this Easter season and always."
- Howard W. Hunter, "Jesus,
the Very Thought of Thee," Ensign
(CR), May 1993, p.63
3/18/08
"In
the glorious dawn of Easter morning, when the thoughts of the Christian world
are turned to the resurrection of Jesus for a few fleeting moments, let us
express appreciation to our Heavenly Father for the great plan of salvation that
has been provided for us. We should turn toward unselfishness and careful
adherence to the principles of righteousness. In doing so, let us remember that
the time of preparation is growing short, that soon the Savior will return. As
the Apostle Paul has said: 'For yet a
little while, and he that shall come will come.'
(Heb. 10:37.)"
- Howard W. Hunter, "Evidences
of the Resurrection," Ensign (CR),
May 1983, p.15
3/20/08
"On
Palm Sunday and on Easter Sunday, our minds turn very naturally to wonderful
thoughts of Jesus. Indeed, Easter, along with perhaps Christmas, may be the only
time in the whole year when some of our brothers and sisters in Christ's flock
find their way to church. That is admirable, but we wonder if thoughts of Jesus,
which 'with sweetness'
fill our breast, ought not to be far more frequent and much more constant in all
times and seasons of our lives. How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply
and how gratefully and how adoringly do we reflect on his life? How central to
our lives do we know him to be?"
- Howard W. Hunter, "That We Might Have Joy," p.7
8/27/08
"One hundred fifty years of Church
history provide us with a lesson that when resistance and opposition are
greatest, our faith, commitment, and growth have the greatest opportunity for
advancement; when opposition is least, the tendency is to be complacent and lose
faith. President Brigham Young said: 'Let
any people enjoy peace and quietness, unmolested, undisturbed,—never be
persecuted for their religion, and they are very likely to neglect their duty,
to become cold and indifferent, and lose their faith'
(in Journal of Discourses, 7:42). This lesson, which applies to the Church
collectively, also applies to individuals."
- Howard W. Hunter, "God Will Have a Tried People," Ensign (CR), May 1980, p.24
Refer your friends to join The LDS Daily WOOL (Words Of Our Leaders)
