Is There a Thread Here?

J.M. Grant gave a speech (quoted on p. 205) that has a familiar theme. He told the people to be happy and accept things as they were. This theme is similar to two messages given in last October's LDS general conference - one by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin and one by Pres. Thomas S. Monson. The modern versions are available for perusal on lds.org. I was trying to decide whether there were any modern-day equivalents to the barn-burning discourses given by Pres. Grant in his day. I think today's LDS leaders try to be a bit more gentle in their approach. One person in today's church leadership who can be rather direct is Elder Dallin H. Oaks. He doesn't beat around the bush, either. (But I do like his talks).