There is a greater need now for divine oversight through the power and gift of the Holy Ghost than ever before, said Elder James E. Faust, then of the Quorum of the Twelve and now second counselor in the First Presidency, at the April 1989 general conference.

Elder Faust explained that the Holy Ghost is the medium through whom God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, communicate with individuals upon the earth. "All. . . are enlightened by the Spirit of God, or Light of Christ — sometimes called conscience," he said.

He referred to Job's declaration: "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." (Job 32:8.) Elder Faust said that this is the power of God emanating from Deity. He referred to a statement in which President Joseph F. Smith explained: "'. . . Every man is enlightened, the wicked as well as the good, the intelligent and the ignorant, the high and the low, each in accordance with his capacity to receive the light.'" (Gospel Doctrine, p. 62; see also D&C 88:3-13.)

Elder Faust said that the gift of the Holy Ghost, in distinction from the Spirit of God, does not come to all people; however, the ministrations of the Holy Ghost are limited without the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is in keeping with the Prophet Joseph Smith's teachings that there is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p. 199.)

Elder Faust said: "Many outside the Church have received revelation from the Holy Ghost, convincing them of the truth of the gospel. Cornelius, as well as many in attendance on the day of Pentecost, received the Holy Ghost before baptism. (See Acts 2:1-12; 10:30-44.) It is through this power that seekers after truth acquire a testimony of the Book of Mormon and the principles of the gospel.

"The gift of the Holy Ghost comes after one repents and becomes worthy. It is received after baptism by the laying on of hands by those who have the authority. On the day of Pentecost, Peter instructed those who had previously been touched spiritually by the Holy Ghost, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.' (Acts 2:38.) Those possessing the gift of the Holy Ghost can come to a greater light and testimony. The Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth and impresses upon the soul the reality of God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ so deeply that no earthly power or authority can separate him from that knowledge."

The scriptures, along with the guidance of modern prophets, provide true standards of conduct, Elder Faust said. "In addition, the gift of the Holy Ghost is available as a sure guide, as the voice of conscience, and as a moral compass. This guiding compass is personal to each of us. It is unerring. It is unfailing. However, we must listen to it in order to steer clear of the shoals which cause our lives to sink into unhappiness and self-doubt."

"We need a sure compass because many of the standards, values, vows and obligations which have helped us preserve our spirituality,, our honor, our integrity, our worth, and our decency have little by little been assaulted and discarded. I speak, among other values, of the standards of chastity, parental respect, fidelity in marriage, and obedience to God's laws — such as Sabbath observance — which have been weakened, if not destroyed. Society has been misled."