Under the Lord's plan, those
who have responsibility to select officers are governed
by one overriding question: "Whom would the Lord have?" There is quiet and
thoughtful deliberation. And there is much
of prayer to receive the confirmation
of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct. In filling that vacancy, each
member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve was
at liberty to make suggestions. I am confident
that in every case, there was solemn
and earnest prayer. A choice was then made
by the Presidency, again after solemn
and serious prayer. This choice was sustained by
the Council of the Twelve. Today the membership of the
Church in conference assembled has sustained that choice. I give you my testimony
that the impression to call Brother Hales to
this high and sacred office came by the Holy Spirit,
by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Brother Hales did not
suggest his own name. His name was suggested
by the Spirit.
