[NOISE AND TRAFFIC]

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul described our days as "perilous times." Heavenly Father's generous compensation for living in these perilous times is that we also live in the fulness of times: "the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Here in the Conference Center's Hall of the Prophets, I reflect on how prophets have shown how our loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, have provided plain and precious truths to guide, direct, and assist us. As in the days of old, prophets today are called to lead God's children, showing us the way to happiness and eternal life. I'm grateful for the messages of modern prophets, who've shown me the way to joy and peace. Brigham Young taught that "the whole world [is] after happiness," but "it is not found in gold and silver, but it is in peace and love." Lorenzo Snow once said: "Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today." And President Thomas S. Monson testified of "the great gift which is our Father's plan for us. It is the one perfect path to peace and happiness both here and in the world to come." I'm also thankful for the messages of ancient prophets found in the holy scriptures. I have a particular love for the glorious and clarifying truths taught in the Book of Mormon. I'm deeply grateful that the Lord has provided us direction through something as tangible and graspable as the Book of Mormon. This book is one of the blessings of living in our days. The Book of Mormon was written by inspired ancient authors. However, they and the people of their day did not have the benefit of possessing the whole book. We now have easily within our reach the sacred record that prophets, priests, and kings treasured, embraced, and preserved. This is a first-edition printing of the Book of Mormon. I treasure it for its historic value, but even more, I treasure it for the value of the truths contained within. The plain and precious teachings found in the Book of Mormon strengthen my faith in the existence of God and have given me a better, more full understanding of the miracle of our Heavenly Father's plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As another testament of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon gives all of God's children a personal opportunity to expand their knowledge of the Savior's Atonement. Within the book's pages, we discover the infinite love and incomprehensible grace of Jesus Christ, which extends to all mankind. As I strive to follow these plain and precious truths, my joy is expanded, my understanding increases, and the answers I seek to life's challenges are found. I am a special witness of Jesus Christ. That witness began as a seed planted through the teachings of ancient and modern prophets. It has grown to a firm testimony of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with the Book of Mormon as tangible evidence of it. It has brought me profound joy and peace and a true relationship with Jesus Christ. I know He lives and loves us. He is our Savior and Redeemer. I witness this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.