His own words: A sampling of quotes from President Hinckley

• America: "Do not lose faith in America. ... I dare to say that this nation is the greatest stabilizing force in the world. It leads in military power. It leads in economic growth. It is not a perfect nation, but it is a great nation."

• Catastrophes across the world: "I don't know the reason for many of the catastrophes (across the world) but I do know this, that the God of heaven has imposed upon us as Christians the responsibility to look after those who become the victims of these terrible disasters. ... If we are followers of the Christ, we will follow him in doing what he would have us do as his followers in our daily living."

• Founding Fathers: "For as long as (the Founding Fathers of this nation) lived and led, they acknowledged the hand of the Almighty in the affairs of this republic. Our coinage and our currency carry the national motto. It simply says, 'In God We Trust.' I believe this is the foundation upon which this nation was established, an unequivocal trust in the power of the Almighty to guide and defend us."

• Be a good citizen wherever you live: "Everywhere our people are they ought to be good citizens. That is one of our cardinal doctrines — good citizenship in the land in which we live. We ought to be contributors to the society of which we are a part."

• Debt: "I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order. So many of our people are living on the very edge of their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings. . . We are carrying a message of self-reliance throughout the church. Self-reliance cannot be obtained when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others."

• Mothers: "It is the home which produces the nursery stock of new generations. I hope that you mothers will realize that when all is said and done, you have no more compelling responsibility, nor any laden with greater rewards, than the nurture you give your children in an environment of security, peace, companionship, love and motivation to grow and do well. "

• Women: "Let me say to you sisters that you do not hold a second place in our Father's plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of his children. You are an absolutely essential part of that plan. Without you the plan could not function. Without you the entire program would be frustrated. . . . Each of you is a daughter of God, endowed with a divine birthright. You need no defense of that position."

• Prayer: "Be prayerful. Get on your knees. Speak with the Lord in prayer. He is the God of the universe but he will hear and answer your prayers if you will seek after him. Pray about the important things of your life — about attending school, about going on a mission, about the girl you will marry or the boy you will marry. The Lord will bless you and guide you."

• Honesty: "I think the Lord expects of his people that they will be absolutely honest in all of their dealings. In all that they do, they will be honest with others and honest with themselves. 'We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.' (Thirteenth Article of Faith)."