Franklin D. Richards

Presidency of the Seventy (October 1, 1976 – October 1, 1983)
First Quorum of the Seventy (October 1, 1976 – November 13, 1987)
Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (October 8, 1960 – October 1, 1976)

General Conference Addresses

  • October 1987 General Conference
    • Opportunities to Serve
      • “I have always felt, however, that, really, it is impossible for us to sacrifice in building the kingdom of God. I would much rather consider it, instead of a sacrifice, a great opportunity to serve God.”
  • October 1986 General Conference
    • Happiness and Joy in Temple Work
      • “A temple is a place where the divine spark in man, or the infinite in man, can seek the infinite in God.”
      • “Let us not allow the wealth, the honors of men, or the vain things of the world to keep us from being worthy of this sacred privilege that can be ours. We are indeed blessed to have come to earth at this time, when these beautiful saving ordinances have been restored to the earth, and to have the privilege of participating in them.”
  • October 1983 General Conference
    • Be a Peacemaker
      • “If ever there was a time when we needed peacemakers, it is today; today seems to be a most appropriate time to discuss what we might do to assist in establishing peace, at least within our relationships.”
      • “Patience is truly a mighty virtue and can be developed as we become peacemakers and make up our mind to be patient within our own life as well as with others.”
  • October 1982 General Conference
    • LDS Hymns—Worshiping with Song
      • “The law of sacrifice is an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ and contributes to the building of faith, love, and many other virtues.”
  • April 1981 General Conference
    • Life—A Great Proving Ground
      • “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches the value of eternal progression. We progressed in the premortal existence, and we have the opportunity to progress in this estate and throughout all eternity. Each of us is endowed with gifts and talents, and through study, prayer, proper work habits, and the use of our gifts and talents, we can accomplish our eternal objectives.”
      • “I encourage you to accept every opportunity presented to develop your talents and to share them with enthusiasm, not as a burden, but as a great blessing, and the Lord will make you equal to the task that you are called upon to perform.”
  • April 1979 General Conference
    • Personal and Family Financial Preparedness
      • “Each of us is entitled to immortality through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but in order to enjoy eternal life, we must work out our own salvation day by day.”
  • April 1977 General Conference
    • Lengthening Your Stride as a Missionary
      • “And again, to all seekers of truth: A new life-style awaits those who accept the restored gospel and let it work in their lives; truly they will find the answer to their question, “What is the purpose of life?” We encourage you to investigate “Mormonism”—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
  • October 1976 General Conference
    • Perfecting the Saints
      • “Why are these members inactive? I believe the main reasons are, first, they do not understand the gospel, and second, they do not fully appreciate the blessings that come from Church activity.”
  • April 1976 General Conference
    • “Seek Not for Riches But for Wisdom”
      • “It might be interesting to note that frequently, even when we seek after wisdom rather than riches, the Lord blesses us with wisdom and riches as he did King Solomon. When this occurs, we have the great opportunity and responsibility to use our material wealth in the building up of the kingdom of God.”
  • April 1975 General Conference
    • The Message of Easter
      • “That we should live forever is no greater miracle than that we should live at all.”
  • October 1974 General Conference
    • The Blessings of Peace
      • “Certainly in our homes we can all be peacemakers by exhibiting love and goodwill, thus offsetting the evil of contention, envy, and jealousy. Where misunderstandings exist between children and parents, we can encourage adjustments on the part of both. We can pray together for the spirit of peace.”
      • “An important part of forgiving is forgetting. In some ways, being able to forget is almost as valuable as being able to remember.”
      • “Husbands and wives in an atmosphere of contention destroy their own happiness as well as that of their children.”
      • “Yes, the Lord will take care of our needs and help us overcome those things that worry us when we do our part, put our faith and trust in him, and concern ourselves with serving him by serving our fellowmen. I’ve seen this in my own life, in the lives of those close to me, and in the lives of hundreds of others all over the world. It is the only way to personal peace, that peace that is not of this world and is beyond our understanding and comprehension, but yet so sweet to us.”
  • April 1974 General Conference
    • Testimony
      • “Prayer then must accompany study for one to obtain a testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.”
      • “To those of you who feel that you have a firm testimony, remember: a testimony is never static; a testimony can be lost. To keep it alive, it must be fed. Continue to study, pray, attend church, and be involved. This will not only keep your testimony alive, but it will expand and become more meaningful in your life.”
  • April 1973 General Conference
    • The Continuing Power of the Holy Ghost
      • “Yes, the blessings of the Holy Ghost are real and very helpful in understanding and appreciating life, although in some respects beyond our comprehension at times.”
  • October 1972 General Conference
    • “Thy Will Be Done, O Lord”
      • “I will be eternally grateful for the call I received, because it was in the mission field that I learned to love the gospel, learned the power of faith, and felt the happiness and peace that come when one is responsive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. The pattern I set in the mission field has been a guide to me throughout my life.”
      • “No martyr ever approached death with greater courage and dignity than did Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.”
  • April 1972 General Conference
    • The Importance of Prayer
      • “The question is frequently asked, What should one pray for? Well, prayer being the soul’s sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed, pray for your righteous desires. But never forget that whatever our prayers are, we can supplement our heavenly request with some positive action on our part.”
      • “As we approach our Father in heaven with the spirit, “thy will be done,” and as we personally do all we can to have our prayers answered, the Lord will do the rest.”
      • “It is important to recognize that the laws governing prayer are as immutable as those governing science. Response is predicated upon our having the proper attitude and so living that we are entitled to the whisperings of the Spirit. We must keep ourselves in tune with the Holy Ghost.”
  • October 1971 General Conference
    • The Purpose of Life:
      • “Although it is not customary for one to seek out the difficult or unpleasant experiences, it is true that the trials and tribulations of life that stand in the way of man’s growth and development become stepping-stones by which he climbs to greater heights, providing, of course, that he does not permit them to discourage him.”
      • “It appears that there are lessons that can only be learned through the overcoming of obstacles.”
  • April 1971 General Conference
    • The Law of Abundance
      • “It is interesting to note that here, as elsewhere in the scriptures, promises of earthly wealth and increased talents are made to those who live the gospel principles, and counsel is given to use our talents and wealth for the building of the kingdom. Many scriptures, however, contain words of admonition regarding temptations brought about through the acquisition of wealth and its use for unrighteous purposes.”
      • “In furtherance of these teachings, every man who has property and means should live so as to obtain wisdom to know how to use them in the best possible way to produce the greatest amount of good for himself, for his family, for his fellowmen, and for the kingdom of God.”
      • “With this philosophy of wealth in mind, one might properly say, “What I am worth is what I am doing for other people.” In many respects the real test of a man is his attitude toward his earthly possessions.”
      • “We talk about making sacrifices to build the kingdom of God, but the word to me is a misnomer—to be able to participate in building the kingdom is a great privilege and blessing.”
      • “However, a testimony alone will not save us. It is the keeping of the commandments of God—living the life of a true Latter-day Saint. It is important, then, to appreciate that the gospel has to be lived in order to be fully realized and its power received.”
  • October 1970 General Conference
    • Be Honest With Yourself
      • “In forging a strong chain of life, the habit of honesty can well become one of the brightest and strongest links.”
      • “What better, then, can a person learn than honesty? What better can he learn than to use the principle of honesty in doing his best? in learning the best things in life? in reading the best books? in mingling with the best people? in doing the best things?”
      • “In so doing we are seeking the success of the inner man and will find family harmony, more and better relatedness to God and our fellowmen, and inner ease instead of inner tension. Thus we will achieve our new frontier and goal of a rich and rewarding life.”
  • April 1970 General Conference
    • Justice, Mercy, and Humility
      • “The Golden Rule is in reality the basic principle of dealing justly with your fellowmen. To do justly becomes a matter of attitude, a desire to go beyond tolerating others and making an effort to love and appreciate people by serving them. Justice is deeply affected by the principle of love.”
      • “Many times true mercy incorporates forgiveness. Mercy and forgiveness, to be effective, require great patience and understanding on the part of the one forgiving.”
      • “To walk humbly with God, one must love God, be humble, meek, and obedient. Another important ingredient is to hunger and thirst after righteousness.”
      • “By walking humbly with God, by identifying himself with the building of the kingdom, one obtains inner strength and peace from his Heavenly Father, is happy and successful, and enjoys personal growth and development.”
  • October 1969 General Conference
    • The Gospel of Work
      • “These are eternal principles and are as applicable to us today as they were when given. This does not mean that eve do not recognize the need for change. Nothing is static; all things change. We accept the law of change—this is the law of progression. The gospel of work brings change and progression.”
      • “Let us consider that each day is a success in which we accomplish a worthwhile objective, and any day is a failure if it passes without some worthwhile achievement.”
  • April 1969 General Conference
    • Loyalty and Freedom
      • “Despite the fact that we are living in a wonderful age, as has been stated, we are living in a troubled world with an abundance of problems. In reality, this is one of the great purposes of life, to meet challenges and obstacles and learn to overcome them. Meeting obstacles and learning to overcome them give us experience, and each experience should be for our good.”
      • “In reality, true freedom can only exist in doing what is right, in being loyal—yes, in doing what we ought to do.”
      • “An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.”
  • October 1968 General Conference
    • Talents: A Blessing and Responsibility
      • “This Church teaches the value and necessity of eternal progression. We progressed in the preexistence, and it is our responsibility and opportunity to progress in this estate and throughout all eternity.”
      • “All of us then should be concerned about how to best develop our gifts and talents. First, we should recognize our talents and make up our minds to pay the price necessary to develop them. The price to be paid in developing talents includes, among other things, faith, study, and persistence.”
      • “Eternal progress involves continual study. Increased learning gives us confidence, and confidence engenders faith, and faith banishes fear. I therefore encourage you to never cease to study, this being an important part of developing your talents.”
  • April 1968 General Conference
    • Patience—An Essential Virtue
      • “In periods of health, prosperity, and well-being, we are inclined to overlook the importance of patience and are apt to become impatient. It is well to remember, however, that there are many hazards connected with impatience. One of the greatest is that of overextending one’s self-physically, mentally, financially, or in many ways.”
      • “Concentrating on an immediate task while envisioning and planning for extensive growth requires genuine patience, and patience is very essential to sound growth and development.”
      • “Our need for continual patience is greatest with our loved ones, our family. Here is where we may be the most impatient, but here is where patience pays the greatest dividends.”
  • October 1967 General Conference
    • Looking Ahead
      • “True, the basic principles of the gospel are eternal and do not change. However, the methods used in bringing the gospel to the attention of God’s children and administering the affairs of the Church on a worldwide basis must be geared to the age in which we live. The patterns of 1920 or 1947 are inadequate for today’s worldwide responsibilities.”
      • “To be able to inspire and motivate, one must set a good example. He must possess leadership ability. And one can learn to be a leader as he learns other things in life. How then does one develop the know-how to be a successful leader?”
      • “In my opinion, he must first prepare himself. This preparation involves: the development of spirituality, the development of faith, and the acquisition of knowledge.”
  • April 1967 General Conference
    • Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven
      • “However, to fully realize the importance of the law of sacrifice, it is necessary to consider the purpose of life. This earth life has been provided that each of us might be proved to see if we will do all things that the Lord commands us to do.”
      • “Undoubtedly the problems of establishing the Church and the persecutions incident thereto were severe. Likewise the difficulties of the migration to and settlement of the West required great faith and sacrifices. The period preceding and following the Manifesto was most difficult. And so each period had its own peculiar tests, and as they were successfully met, a broad and solid foundation was laid for us to build upon.”
  • October 1966 General Conference
    • Be Humble and Strong
      • “In these revelations the Lord explained his use of weak and simple instruments to proclaim his gospel. However, he gave them commandments that they might possess understanding and knowledge, receive power and become strong, thereby qualifying themselves to be effective servants.”
      • “We are counseled in this revelation to eat and drink those foods and drinks that are beneficial to our bodies and to refrain from taking anything into our bodies that is injurious or harmful. We can likewise protect our health by getting proper exercise and rest.”
      • “It is vital to our welfare and happiness that we be strong financially as well as spiritually, morally, mentally, and physically. In all ages men and women who have had important missions to perform possessed great strength. The trek to Utah of the Mormon pioneers, many of whom were our ancestors, was made by those who were strong in purpose and in faith. They left us a noble heritage.”
  • April 1966 General Conference
    • The Principles of the Gospel Are Eternal
      • “With the rapid changes that are taking place today in every phase of our lives, it is very important that we recognize the eternal nature of principles of truth. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first great eternal principle of the gospel and is indeed a very vital factor in our lives. Time it is one of the most interesting and inspiring principles to contemplate. I would like to consider with you the principle of faith, together with its corollaries—work and progress.”
      • “All worthwhile endeavors require mental exertion—making decisions or the making up of one’s mind—before physical exertion comes into play.”
      • “Effective faith is always connected with works, and it is only through this combination that we achieve. This is indeed the key to success, happiness, and growth.”
  • October 1965 General Conference
    • Our First and Second Estates
      • “How many experiences, pleasant and unpleasant, must we have, and how much knowledge must we attain to become perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect?”
      • “It is essential that each of us learn from our experiences as we are tried and tested by the afflictions of this life.”
      • “In the presence of death we are made humble, for then we realize our own helplessness and our dependence upon our Heavenly Father for comfort.”
      • “How much learning and how many experiences do we need to become godlike? The answer is that we need all we can receive on this earth; and as we successfully meet this life’s challenges, we will be prepared for more as we leave this estate and move into the next estate in the hereafter.”
  • April 1965 General Conference
    • Modern Revelation
      • “Yes, God does have a body, and he made us to be like him. I know this to be true: that God lives and that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer.”
      • “Family harmony, the relief of inner tensions and genuine peace can be obtained by adhering to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and by following the counsel and direction of God’s prophet.”
  • October 1964 General Conference
    • Order and Diligence
      • “Today there are so many things to do so many things crowding us. In this environment the words order and diligence are key words to success and happiness regardless of the activity we are engaged in.”
      • “Order commences with meditation; and meditation includes thinking, analyzing, prayer, fasting if needs be, and always planning. Meditating requires that time be regularly set aside to consider the things that you think you have to do. Many times you find you have more to do than you can do in the time available.”
      • “To develop an orderly pattern you must consider the things facing you, analyze their importance, and list them in the order of their importance. After the things of prime importance are selected, develop a plan to accomplish these more important matters.”
      • “Planning involves further analysis and developing of effective ways which will save time and simplify the operation involved. Prayer is always desirable in planning the effective use of time.”
      • “Many are prone to do the easy things and give those matters attention that seem to be the most pressing regardless of whether they are the most important or not, but through meditation, prayer, and planning you can select what might be called the first things to do and work out effective ways to do them.”
      • “To be diligent in our work also means to be effective and not just busy.”
      • “It is not necessary to do many unessential things that keep us busy but result in little or no real benefit to anyone.”
      • “Being diligent also requires faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in ourselves, and making up our minds to be orderly and diligent is a good part of having faith in ourselves. Even though our assignments seem difficult, as we develop our faith and persevere, we are able to achieve our righteous objectives.”
  • April 1964 General Conference
    • Giving One’s All
      • “This spirit of brotherhood is greatly needed in the world today. We are living in a period when one crisis follows another. Faith in mankind is being disturbed and destroyed, and men’s hearts are troubled and seem to be failing them. Yet there is a disposition even in Christian countries to rule out of life the mission of Jesus Christ.”
      • “The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of life that will restore peace to the world—remove inner tensions and troubles and bring happiness and contentment—the greatest philosophy of life ever given to man. It is founded upon the basic principles of love of God and man and showing this love in service to our fellow men. All mankind must shape their lives upon the simple principles he taught and lived to comprehend him in his power and majesty.”
      • “We are told plainly and unequivocally that our greatest opportunity and responsibility here is building the kingdom of God, Christ’s Church on earth. I know this to be true.”
      • “Giving our all or complete dedication means—putting the Church first in our lives. It means to accept every opportunity to serve. As you accept each call, recognize the tremendous opportunity even though the assignment does not appear to be too important, or you may feel your inadequacy.”
      • “To attain real greatness, the Savior tells us, one must be the servant of all.”
  • October 1963 General Conference
    • Every Member a Missionary
      • “The Savior has charged us to “. . . teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” And every nation includes our friends and the people we casually meet regardless of where we live.”
  • April 1963 General Conference
    • To Fill the Whole Earth
      • “In order for man to obtain eternal life and exaltation in God’s kingdom, he must accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is an eternal principle. Thus we recognize that the gospel plan has been and is for all of God’s children.”
  • October 1962 General Conference
    • The Golden Questions
      • “The discussion plan is not designed to convince intellectually, but rather, the discussions are instruments through which the Holy Ghost can work to awaken a spiritual awareness and bring a personal testimony into the hearts of the listeners that Joseph Smith is a Prophet and the Church is true.”
  • April 1962 General Conference
    • Be Missionaries
      • “Invariably missionaries testify that their greatest joy and happiness comes from seeing men and women born again as they are baptized. Yes, in seeing the change that comes into their lives as they accept and live the simple gospel truths. Missionaries are truly seeing miracles occur in the lives of the converts they baptize as they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
      • “Let me again remind you how you can be a missionary. First, by living the gospel so that others seeing your good works may be led to join the Church; by asking your friends and neighbors what they know about the Church, and if they would like to know more. Many will say yes. Then, invite them into your homes, and have the missionaries, stake or full-time, give them the simple gospel discussions.”
  • October 1961 General Conference
    • The Amazing Growth of the Church
      • “So we in this dispensation have also been instructed. These prophecies are being fulfilled in this great growth of the Church. Baptism is necessary to enter the kingdom of God, and to us of this dispensation the Lord has given the assignment to baptize his elect. Today we have the counsel of our President and Prophet David O. McKay that “every member should be a missionary,” in order to bring more souls into the kingdom of God. We sustained our President wholeheartedly and seek to follow his counsel.”
      • “Our missionary program is based on declaring repentance and baptism. Our missionaries know that baptism is essential, and they are baptism conscious. The Lord has given us a list of qualifications necessary for baptism, and this is in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 20. Missionaries are instructed to see that these qualifications are met. This is not a day for compromising standards.”
  • April 1961 General Conference
    • Share the Gospel
      • “Now, brethren, truly the kingdom of God is going forward that the kingdom of heaven may come. President McKay has counseled us that every member of this Church should be a missionary. Tonight my heart is really filled with the missionary spirit. Heretofore the missionary work has been performed chiefly by full-time missionaries and stake and district missionaries. Now as President McKay has told us, each and every one of us has the opportunity of being a missionary. What a glorious opportunity this really gives us when we appreciate what we can do as members of this Church in spreading the gospel.”
      • “Yes, baptism is necessary, and we must be baptism conscious. On several occasions bishops and branch presidents have said to me, “President, having all of these people coming into the Church is wonderful. We need them.” But also another great blessing is received by members participating in this “share the gospel” plan. Many who had been relatively inactive became active again. An increased spirituality is definitely noticeable among the ward members who are sharing. It is like love, as you give it to others it increases in yourself.”
  • October 1960 General Conference
    • I Pledge Myself
      • “I can truthfully say that I have no enmity nor hatred toward any man, and I pray that the Lord will sustain me in this position.”
      • “I am grateful to my Father in heaven that among my other blessings I have the opportunity of spending my time and energy in his service. I pledge all of my efforts, President McKay, to the Church and to you as prophet, seer, and revelator, and to the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In concluding I would like to read from one of the modern prophets, President Heber J. Grant.”
      • “We should not be too busy taking care of details and mechanics to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit.”

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