Noting that just one week had passed since all Christendom celebrated Easter, President Howard W. Hunter of the Council of the Twelve centered his Saturday morning address on the message that God is a God of miracles.

President Hunter, who had been confined to a wheelchair for more than a year, walked to the Tabernacle podium, using a walker and being steadied by the outstretched hands of some of his Brethren in the Council of the Twelve.He spoke of the restorations and renewals in nature and in life, and referred to scriptural accounts in which divine acts and special blessings are variously referred to as miracles, signs, wonders or marvels, most of which were evident in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

President Hunter spoke of Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine, and observed, "No one could explain that one-time miracle at the wedding feast, but then neither could they explain the everyday miracle of the splendor of the vineyard itself."

He further said, "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.

He said those who have been the beneficiaries of miracles are the most compelling witnesses of all. "It is hard to argue with results," he said.

He reviewed the account in the ninth chapter of John, in which Jesus twice gave sight to a man - once to remedy a congenital defect, and once so the man could behold the King of Kings and recognize Him as Lord.

President Hunter said while faith precedes the miracle, there is an increase of faith that should follow the miracle as well. "When we are personal witness to these wonders which God performs, it should increase our respect and our love for Him, it should improve the way we behave," he said.

President Hunter's conference address was interrupted briefly when he, leaning on the walker, lost his balance and fell backward.

After he was helped to his feet, President Hunter returned to the podium, and, without missing a word, continued his address in a calm, steady voice.

At the conclusion of the address, President Thomas S. Monson, who conducted the session, commented that President Hunter's theme was that of miracles, and said, "All who have heard his voice, all who have witnessed his coming to the podium, have witnessed a miracle in our time. Perhaps not just one miracle, President Hunter, but two miracles." President Hunter responded with a vigorous nod and broad smile.

President Monson continued, "It has been said, `Lead us, oh lead us, Great molder of men, Out of the darkness to strive once again.' A fantastic example for all."