Bringing the 162nd Semiannual General Conference to a close, President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, represented President Ezra Taft Benson as the concluding speaker of the conference on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 4.

      "Traditionally, the President of the Church, the Lord's prophet, seer and revelator, provides the concluding expressions of a general conference and gives his blessing to all," said President Monson. "Humbly and respectfully I respond to the assignment to represent him at this time."President Monson reflected on the conference, calling it "glorious." Turning to indicate an empty chair, he said: "President Benson's chair has remained unoccupied during the conference sessions, which brings some sadness to our hearts. His ready smile, the wave of his hand, the declarations of truth that have marked his influence have been missed."

      Addressing President Benson, who watched conference proceedings from his apartment, President Monson expressed the sympathy of Church members to the prophet upon death of his wife, Flora A. Benson.

      "President Benson revered President David O. McKay, who supervised his missionary labors in Great Britain those long years ago. President McKay closed conference with these words: `As we come to this parting hour, I hope that the teachings and life of the Master seem to you all to be more beautiful, more necessary, and more applicable to human happiness than ever before. . . . Accepting Him as my Redeemer, Savior and Lord, I accept His gospel as the plan of salvation, as the one perfect way to human happiness and peace.' "

      President Monson then quoted President Joseph Fielding Smith, who concluded a conference by saying: " `Now I pray that our Father in Heaven will bless His people. . . . I pray that the saints shall stand firm against the pressures and enticements of the world; that they shall put first in their lives the things of God's kingdom; that they shall be true to every trust and keep every covenant.' "

      Next, President Monson quoted President Harold B. Lee, who declared: " `I can't leave this conference without saying to you that I have a conviction that the Master hasn't been absent from us on these occasions. This is His Church. He isn't an absentee Master; He is concerned about us. He wants us to follow where He leads.' "

      President Monson then quoted President Spencer W. Kimball, who was sustained as an apostle and member of the Council of the Twelve the same day as President Benson: " `As each one of these wonderful sermons has been rendered, I've listened with [raptT attention, and I have made up my mind that I shall go home and be a [betterT man than I have ever been before.' "

      "President Benson," said President Monson, "these have been declarations from four of your associates who have been an ongoing influence in your life. You, yourself, have said in a similar close of a conference: `May we all go to our homes rededicated to the sacred mission of the Church as so beautifully set forth in these conference sessions - to invite all to come unto Christ, yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.' "

      To the conference congregation, President Monson said: "I know the love President Benson has for you, for the Lord and for His work. He would urge us to keep the commandments, sanctify our homes and perfect our lives. May we, in unity, as members of the Church . . . achieve these three objectives. Doing so will bring joy to our souls, peace to our prophet's heart and the smile of God's approval on our efforts."