Noting that the Church is observing the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith and that President Gordon B. Hinckley celebrated his 95th birthday in June, President James E. Faust testified in the priesthood session of the prophetic calling of both men.

Pres. James E. Faust

He quoted President Hinckley's response to a question put to him by Mike Wallace on the television program "60 Minutes," a question that dealt with the advanced age of some of the Church's leaders. "Isn't it wonderful," President Hinckley responded on that occasion, "to have a man of maturity at the head; a man of judgment who is not blown about by every wind of doctrine?"

"Of the 102 apostles called in this dispensation, only 13 have served longer than President Hinckley," President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency noted. "He has served longer as an apostle than Brigham Young, President Hunter, President Lee, President Kimball and many others. It is wonderful to have his inspired leadership. Please forgive me for saying that I myself feel at times that I am standing on the edge of eternity. At age 85, I am the third-oldest of all the living General Authorities." Then, in a humorous vein, he added, "I have not sought this honor. I have just lived for it."

President Faust said he believes that never in Church history has there been more unity among the general Church leaders than now. "The present leadership of God's earthly kingdom has enjoyed the Savior's guiding inspiration longer than any other group," he noted. "We are the oldest group ever to lead the Church."

His longtime association with them qualifies him, he said, "to state with confidence that my brethren are good, honorable and trustworthy men. I know their hearts. They are the servants of the Lord. Their only desire is to labor in their great callings and build up the kingdom of God on earth."

Spiritual guidance, in large measure, depends on being in harmony with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, all of whom are sustained as prophets, seers and revelators, President Faust said. "I do not know how we can expect to be in full harmony with the Spirit of the Lord if we are not in harmony with the president of the Church and the other prophets, seers and revelators."

Noting that in the early days of this gospel dispensation, several of the Twelve did not stay loyal to the Prophet Joseph Smith, President Faust quoted the words of one of them, Lyman E. Johnson, lamenting his spiritual downfall. "I would suffer my right hand to be cut off, if I could believe it again," the excommunicated former apostle wrote. "Then I was full of joy and gladness. My dreams were pleasant. When I awoke in the morning my spirit was cheerful. I was happy by day and by night, full of peace and joy and thanksgiving. But now it is darkness, pain, sorrow, misery in the extreme. I have never since seen a happy moment."

Observing that all may expect some challenges to faith, challenges that come in different ways, President Faust said, "You may not always like the counsel that the Church leaders give you. They are not trying to be popular. They are trying to help us avoid the calamities and disappointments that come through disobedience to God's laws."

None of the Church leaders on general or local levels "asked for their callings," President Faust said. "None is perfect. Yet they are servants of the Lord, called by Him through those entitled to inspiration. Those called, sustained, and set apart are entitled to our sustaining support."

To illustrate that Church leaders deserve respect, President Faust told of an incident that happened many years ago when Church units were required to raise their own operating funds and often held bazaars and other such activities for that purpose. On this occasion, a dunking machine was acquired for the activity and it was suggested the bishop be the one to sit on the dunking seat. Being a good sport, he consented, and was dunked several times by those who bought chances to throw balls at the target.

"While most people thought this was great fun," President Faust said, "my father was very offended that the office of bishop had been so belittled and held up to ridicule or even contempt. Even though the money raised was intended for a good cause, I can still remember feeling ashamed that some of our people did not show more respect for both the office and the man who had by night and day served us so well as our good shepherd. As holders of the priesthood of God, we should set the example of sustaining the leadership of the Church to our families, our friends and our associates."