"Traditionally, the president of the Church provides closing remarks at the conclusion of conference," noted President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, as the 161st Semiannual General Conference came to an end Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6.

"How we would enjoy hearing from President Benson. We are grateful that now, in his 93rd year, he is free from pain, able to move about, meet on occasion with the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, and be the recipient of your faith, your prayers and your expressions of love for him."President Benson attended portions of the conference on Saturday and Sunday mornings. President Monson said since the prophet was unable to address the conference before it adjourned, he asked him to respond in his behalf.

"This has been a glorious conference," President Monson said. "The Brethren have been inspired in their utterances, the prayers offered have been spoken from the heart and the music truly has been `the song of the righteous' and `a prayer unto [the LordT.' " (D&C 25:12.)

President Monson spoke of Elder Derek A. Cuthbert of the Seventy, who died April 7. "We recall his testimony of truth concerning this work and marvel at all he was able to accomplish, even with limitations of health."

Of the current conference, President Monson said speakers emphasized "the troubles of our times." They spoke of "the necessity to make certain our lives are lived in conformity with the principles of the gospel, that all of us may merit the companionship of the Lord to guide us on our earthly journey and qualify through our obedience for the blessings He desires to bestow upon us."

President Monson quoted President Benson, who has frequently emphasized the importance of the family: "Remember, the family is one of God's greatest fortresses against the evils of our day. Help keep your family strong and close and worthy of our Father in Heaven's blessings. As you do, you will receive faith and strength which will bless your lives forever." (Conference report, April 1986.)

Again quoting President Benson, President Monson continued: "Our homes need the blessings which come from daily communion with God. . . . The differences and irritations of the day will melt away as families approach the throne of heaven together. Unity increases. The ties of love and affection are reinforced, and the peace of heaven enters." (So Shall Ye Reap, pp. 107-8.)

"President Benson has always emphasized the strength of youth and our responsibility to youth," President Monson noted. "He counseled: `One great thing the Lord requires of each of us is to provide a home where a happy, positive influence for good exists. In future years, the costliness of home furnishings or the number of rooms will not matter much, but what will matter significantly is whether our children felt love and acceptance in the home. It will greatly matter whether there was happiness and laughter, or bickering and contention.' (Conference report, April 1981.)

"How President Benson loves meeting and shaking hands with children and youth," President Monson explained. "He has traveled throughout the Church and has always taken great pleasure in singing to the children the song, `A Mormon Boy.' "

He said President Benson receives many letters from children, some letters are humorous and others are tender. He cited one letter President Benson received some time ago when he was hospitalized and received a pacemaker to help regulate his heart. A little girl wrote: "Dear President Benson, I know you will be all right because the Bible says, `Blessed are the pacemakers.' " President Monson said President Benson smiled at that letter. But he wept when a letter was received from a child's father who recounted the impact of the prophet's message on his 3-year-old son, Christopher.

The boy had been in the kitchen playing with clay, listening to conference on the radio. As his parents entered the kitchen, Christopher reported excitedly, "That man on the radio said that even when we make mistakes, our Heavenly Father still loves us."

The father wrote, "That simple statement has left a lasting and meaningful impression on our young son. I can ask him today what President Benson said and receive the same enthusiastic reply. It is a comfort to him to know that he has a kind and loving Father in heaven."

President Monson said the father's touching account is representative of the personal influence for good that President Benson has always been. "He is gentle," President Monson said of the prophet. "He is kind. He is loving. He is your friend and my friend. And he knows the Lord, our Savior."

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(Additional information)

- Conference-goers seemed buoyed up with the Spirit, having a sense of renewal to commit themselves to better living as the final session of conference concluded Sunday afternoon.

With temperatures outside in the mid-70s, those who didn't enter the Tabernacle filled Temple Square grounds, sitting on blankets or even lawn chairs.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, with Donald Ripplinger conducting, sang a stirring rendition of "All Glory Laud and Honor," which began with the men's chorus. As the women joined in, the choir sang a cappella until choir organist Richard Elliott began a difficult arrangement that required the use of several keyboards.

President Gordon B. Hinckley conducted the session. Bishop Glenn L. Pace, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, gave the invocation and Elder Kenneth Johnson of the Seventy gave the benediction.