President Gordon B. Hinckley
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"I am going to repeat some elements of a talk which I gave fifteen years ago in our general priesthood meeting. I am going to speak again of the bishops of the church, that wonderful body of men who are in a very real sense the shepherds of Israel.
"We must pray for bishops. They need help in carrying a heavy load. We can be more supportive and less dependent upon them. We are wearing them out in a short time by the burdens which we impose upon them.
"Bishops must be men of integrity and absolutely honest.
"Your goodness must be as an ensign to your people. Your morals must be impeccable.
"We do not expect the impossible from you. We ask that you do the very best you can. Delegate to others every aspect of the work that you legitimately can. And then leave matters in the hands of the Lord.
"I thank the Lord for you. I thank the Lord for good bishops in this church throughout the world. I pray for you, all eighteen thousand of you. I plead with you to be strong. I plead with you to be true. I plead with you to be uncompromising in your own lives and in the goals you set for others. Though your days be long and wearisome, may your rest be sweet and in your hearts may you know that peace which comes alone from God to those who serve him.
"You have been called, ordained, and set apart as shepherds to the flock. You have been endowed with discernment, judgment and love to bless their lives. In the process, you will bless your own."
