Throughout the conference sessions, a vacancy on the stand was conspicuous.

"There's a loneliness in the empty chair between President Hinckley and me, and we feel it in our hearts," said President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, who spoke in behalf of President Ezra Taft Benson at the closing session Sunday afternoon. President Monson was referring to the seat usually occupied by President Benson."I wish I could take you with President Hinckley and me to President Benson's hospital room which we visited a few days ago," he said.

"I think the picture of tranquilty and love which was there would be very beneficial for all members of the Church to see. Here was the president lying on his hospital bed with all of the apparatus of medical technology placed upon his body. His left hand was held by a noble son, his right hand by a beautiful daughter as she read to him from what book? The Book of Mormon. And playing for him to enjoy was a recording of our own Tabernacle Choir.

"It was just a little bit of heaven for him."

President Monson expressed appreciation for the messages, prayers and music at the conference.

"We regret sincerely that President Benson has been unable to be with us here in the Tabernacle," he continued. "Nonetheless, we have felt his spirit throughout the proceedings. His love of the Lord, for the membership of the Church and for God's children everywhere is legendary. His many acts of kindness have blessed the lives of those with whom he has met everywhere he has gone.

"One Friday, he and Sister Benson followed their usual practice of attending a session at the Jordan River Temple. While there, President Benson was approached by a young man who greeted him with joy in his heart and announced that he had been called on a full-time mission.

"President Benson took the newly called missionary by the hand and with a smile on his lips declared: `Take me with you! Take me with you!'

"That missionary testified to me that in a way he took President Benson with him on his mission, since this greeting demonstrated President Benson's abiding love, his devotion to missionary work, and his desire to ever be found in the service of the Lord.

"With the rapidly developing changes on the face of Europe," President Monson continued, "we remember President Benson's great service to the hungry and the homeless on that continent at the close of World War II. In attendance today is one who was the recipient of such service.

"She recently wrote to President Benson, and I quote: `This is the first time in my life that I am here in Salt Lake City to attend general conference. I hope you will remember our first acquaintance in the autumn of 1946 in Longen, Germany. You and I will never forget the remarkable days following the Second World War. We will never forget your help for the refugees in those sad days.

" `Now, 44 years have gone, and we have both grown older. I wish you happiness and the blessings of the Lord all the days of your life and send you all my love.'

"If President Benson were here at the pulpit at this, the conclusion of the final session of this glorious conference, he would extend to you his love, his admonitions and his blessing. May I, with President Benson's own words, provide you with his counsel? And I quote:

" `Let us be valiant in our testimony of Jesus all the days of our lives. His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given to us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the spirit to attend you. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and to treasure them.

" `It is soul-satisfying to know that God is mindful of us and ready to respond when we place our trust in Him and do that which is right. There is no place for fear among men and women who place their trust in the Almighty and do not hesitate to humble themselves in seeking divine guidance through prayer. Though persecutions arise, though reverses come, in prayer, we can find reassurance, for God will speak peace to the soul. That peace, that spirit of serenity, is life's greatest blessing.'

"He continues:

" `I'm getting older and less vigorous, and I'm so grateful for your prayers and for the support of my younger brethren. I thank the Lord for renewing my body from time to time so that I can still help build His kingdom. God willing, I intend to spend all my remaining days in this glorious effort.'

President Monson then said: "President Benson is a man of love, and this love he would have me extend to you in his behalf. He has a beautiful voice and has often sung the melodic strains of a favorite hymn: `God be with you till we meet again; By his counsels guide, uphold you; With His sheep securely fold you. God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; When life's perils thick confound you, Put his arms unfailing round you. God be with you till we meet again.' (Hymns, 152.)

"To the membership of the Church and to God's children everywhere, our prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson conveys to you the tender feelings of his heart, his gratitude for your prayers, and his abiding love."