"There is no promise of peace to those who reject God, to those who will not keep His commandments, or to those who violate His laws," said Elder Howard W. Hunter, then a member of the Council of the Twelve, in an address in the October 1966 general conference.
"The Prophet Isaiah spoke of the decadence and corruption of leaders and then continued in his admonitions by saying: `But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt." `There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.' (Isa. 56:20-21.)
"The unrighteous and wicked have no peace, and their actions take away the peace of others. Turmoil in the world has usually been caused by a few individuals or a minority, causing millions of innocent persons to suffer. Today, as in eras gone by, those who are the innocent victims of oppressors hopefully look for peace. This cannot come by riots or placards or even the cessation of hostilities. It can come only in the way the Lord gave His peace to the Twelve, `not as the world giveth.' "
Elder Hunter said further: "Indifference to the Savior or failure to keep the commandments of God brings about insecurity, inner turmoil, and contention. These are the opposite of peace. Peace can come to an individual only by an unconditional surrender - surrender to Him who is the Prince of peace, who has the power to confer peace.
"One may live in beautiful and peaceful surroundings but, because of inner dissension and discord, be in a state of constant turmoil. On the other hand, one may be in the midst of utter destruction and the bloodshed of war and yet have the serenity of unspeakable peace. If we look to man and the ways of the world, we will find turmoil and confusion. If we will but turn to God, we will find peace for the restless soul. This was made clear by the words of the Savior: `In the world ye shall have tribulation' (John 16:33); and in His bequest to the Twelve and to all mankind, He said, `Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth. . . .' (John 14:27.)
"We can find this peace now in a world of conflict if we will but accept His great gift and His further invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
" `Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.' (Matt. 11:28-29.)
"This peace shelters us from the worldly turmoil. The knowledge that God lives, that we are His children, and that He loves us soothes the troubled heart. The answer to the quest lies in faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ. This will bring peace to us now and in the eternity to follow."