"The Spirit of the Lord has been with us," President Gordon B. Hinckley declared as he, as the concluding speaker, brought the 166th Annual General Conference of the Church to a close Sunday afternoon.

"We have heard much of wisdom and inspiration. Our testimonies of this divine work have been strengthened. Many of us have resolved within our hearts to live more fully the principles of the gospel."President Hinckley said that surely members had been blessed in the talks that had been given. He pronounced the prayers as inspiring and the music wonderful.

He noted that every choir had performed exceptionally well, and then offered special praise to the Tabernacle Choir, which provided music for the two sessions on Sunday.

He read a letter written by President Wilford W. Woodruff and his counselors, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, on Feb. 11, 1895, and addressed to the choir at that time: " `We desire to see this choir not only maintain the high reputation it has earned at home and abroad, but become the highest exponent of the Divine Art in all the land; and the worthy head, example and leader of all other choirs and musical bodies in the Church, inspiring musicians and poets with purest sentiment and song and harmony, until its light shall shine forth to the world undimmed, and nations shall be charmed with its music.

" `This choir is and should be a great auxiliary to the cause of Zion. By means of its perfection in the glorious realm of song, it may unstop the ears of thousands now deaf to the truth, soften their stony hearts, and inspire precious souls for the love for that which is divine. Thus removing prejudice, dispelling ignorance and shedding forth the precious light of heaven to tens of thousands who have been, and are still, misled concerning us.' "

President Hinckley said such was the responsibility resting upon the Tabernacle Choir for more than a century. "Personnel changes have occurred through the years, but the quality of performance has only improved. This choir is one of the great treasures of the Church. I think it is one of the great treasures of America. May it continue its great mission of providing lofty and inspiring music at home and abroad. I thank, in behalf of the entire Church, the officers and members of this dedicated body of talented and gifted musicians who give so generously of their time."

President Hinckley mentioned the interview that he had completed with Mike Wallace, senior reporter for the CBS 60 Minutes television program. (The program aired later Sunday, at 6 p.m. MDT. See separate story on page 5.) "I recognized that if I were to appear, critics and detractors of the Church would also be invited to participate," he said. "I knew we could not expect that the program would be entirely positive for us.

"On the other hand I felt that it offered the opportunity to present some affirmative aspects of our culture and message to many millions of people. I concluded it is better to lean into the stiff wind of opportunity than to simply hunker down and do nothing."

President Hinckley said the interview process had been an interesting experience, with the program's crews photographing hours of "eyeball-to-eyeball" interviews, dialogue and formal talks in various settings.

Continuing, President Hinckley quoted from the prayer, received by revelation, of the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. In that prayer, the Prophet Joseph Smith petitioned the Lord: " `Remember all Thy Church, O Lord . . . that the kingdom which Thou hast set up without hands, may become a great mountain and fill the whole earth;

" `That Thy Church may come forth out of the wilderness of darkness, and shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.' " (D&C 109:72-73.)

President Hinckley said: "We are witnessing the answer to that remarkable pleading. Increasingly the Church is being recognized at home and abroad for what it truly is. There are still those, not a few, who criticize and rebel, who apostatize and lift their voices against this work. We have always had them. They speak their piece as they walk across the stage of life and then they are forgotten. I suppose we always will have them as long as we are trying to do the work of the Lord. The honest in heart will detect that which is true and that which is false. We go forward, marching as an army with banners emblazoned with the everlasting truth. We are a cause that is militant for truth and goodness. We are a body of `Christian soldiers marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.' (Hymns, p. 246.)

"Everywhere we go we see great vitality in this work. There is enthusiasm wherever it is organized. It is the work of the Redeemer. It is the gospel of good news. It is something to be happy and excited about.

"Brothers and sisters, let us now return to our homes with increased resolution in our hearts to live the gospel more fully, to serve with greater diligence, and to stand for truth with enthusiasm and without fear. As a servant of the Lord, I leave my blessing upon you. May you be happy as you walk with faith, I humbly pray."