As President Ezra Taft Benson sang the closing hymn, "We Thank, Thee, O God, for a Prophet," during the priesthood commemoration fireside, he stood between his two counselors in the First Presidency - President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson.

The prophet, grasping President Monson's arm, reached over, put his hand through President Hinckley's arm and hugged his counselors close to him. The three sang the final verses locked arm in arm.This display of unity and love seemed to reaffirm the powerful messages delivered during the satellite telecast, commemorating the restoration of the priesthood, in the Tabernacle, on Sunday, May 7. Each speaker - President Monson, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve and Elder Robert B. Harbertson of the Second Quorum of the Seventy - delivered messages aimed at unifying members of the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods in doctrine and deed. (See separate articles on President Monson and Elders Packer and Harbertson on page 4.)

The fireside, conducted by President Hinckley, was telecast to some 2,500 meetinghouses throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Music was provided by a combined Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Choir from the Sandy Utah Crescent Region.

Smiling broadly, President Monson began his address by relating an experience he and his youngest son, Clark, once had when meeting President Harold B. Lee. When President Monson told President Lee that Clark was almost 12, the prophet asked the boy what would happen when he turned 12.

"This was one of those times when a father prays that a son will be inspired to give a proper response," President Monson said, drawing laughter from the congregation. Clark answered that he would be ordained a deacon. President Lee then responded, "Remember, it is a great blessing to hold the priesthood."

"I hope with all my heart and soul that Clark and every young man who receives the priesthood will honor that priesthood and be true to the trust which is conveyed when it is conferred," President Monson said.

"The oath and covenant of the priesthood pertains to all of us," he continued. "To those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood it is a declaration of our requirement to be faithful and obedient to the laws of God and to magnify the callings which come to us. To those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood, it is a pronouncement concerning future duty and responsibility, that they may prepare themselves here and now."

He said those who bear the Aaronic Priesthood should be given opportunity to magnify their callings in that priesthood. When he was a deacon, he was given an assignment to take the sacrament to a shut-in. The feeling he received by performing that service lives with him still today.

After telling a story about a priest who magnified his calling despite physical challenges, President Monson declared that the priest, who magnified his calling, "had changed lives, altered perspectives and taught an everlasting lesson: `Whom God calls, God qualifies.'"

President Monson explained that the priesthood "is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift and an opportunity to bless the lives of others."

For members of the Melchizedek Priesthood, a responsibility exists to be shepherds watching over Israel, President Monson said.

"The hungry sheep do look up ready to be fed the bread of life," he counseled. "Are we prepared to feed the flock of God? It is imperative that we recognize the worth of the hman soul, that we never give up on one of His precious sons.

"Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, power of God brings to pass His purposes.,"