President Gordon B. Hinckley
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During visits with thousands of Latter-day Saints in Europe in conjunction with the re-dedication of the Freiberg, Germany Temple and dedication of a new temple in The Hague, Netherlands, "one thing constantly occupied my mind — the wonder of this work, the absolute wonder of it.
"Do we as Latter-day Saints really understand and appreciate the strength of our position? Among the religions of the world, it is unique and wonderful."
The church is an educational institution and a social organization, "But beyond these it is the church and kingdom of God, established and directed by our Eternal Father and his Beloved Son, the risen Lord Jesus Christ, to bless all who come within its fold."
The reality of the mission of Joseph Smith is the unequivocal foundation for that testimony. " Our whole strength rests on the validity of that vision. It either occurred or it did not occur. If it did not, then this work is a fraud. If it did, it is the most wonderful and important work under the heavens." While the work of great Christian reformers was important and even inspired, "it was not favored with the opening of the heavens, with the appearance of Deity," as in the case of Joseph Smith.
The appearance of the Father and Son to Joseph Smith, coming forth of the Book of Mormon, restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods were all part of the miracle of the latter-day church. Latter-day Saints should be people of tolerance, gratitude and humility.
