Conference tecrus::mormonism

    President Ezra Taft Benson (President of the Church):
 
    "The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ through two basic means.
    First, it tells in a plain manner of Christ and His gospel. It
    testifies of His divinity and of the necessity for a Redeemer and the
    need of our putting trust in Him. It bears witness of the Fall and the
    Atonement and the first principles of the gospel, including our need of
    a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a spiritual rebirth. It
    proclaims we must endure to the end in righteousness and live the moral
    life of a Saint. 

    "Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds
    false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It
    fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs,
    strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. God, with his
    infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see
    the error and know how to combat false educa- tional, political,
    religious, and philosophical concepts of our time." (ENSIGN, Jan. 1988,
    p. 3.) 

    President Gordon B. Hinckley (First Counselor in the First Presidency): 
 
    "Brethren and sisters, if there are miracles among us, certainly one of
    them is this book. Unbelievers may doubt the First Vision and say there
    were no witnesses to prove it. Critics may scorn every divine
    manifestation incident to the coming forth of this work as being of
    such an intangible nature as to be unprovable to the pragmatic mind, as
    if the things of God could be understood other than by the Spirit of
    God. They may discount our theology. But they cannot in honesty dismiss
    the Book of Mormon. It is here. They can feel it. They can read it.
    Thet can weight its substance and its content. They can witness its
    influence." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1959, p. 118.) 
 

    President Thomas S. Monson (Second Counselor in the First Presidency): 
 
    "Many years ago I stood by the bedside of a young man, the father of
    two children, as he hovered between life and the great beyond. He took
    my hand in his, looked into my eyes and pleadingly aked, 'Bishop, I
    know I am about to die. Tell me what happens to my spirit when I die.' 
 
    "I prayed for heavenly guidance before attempting to respond. My
    attention was directed to the Book of Mormon, which rested on the table
    beside his bed. I held the book in my hand, and, as I stand before you
    here today, that book opened to the fortieth chapter of Alma. I began
    to read aloud: 

    "'Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I
    perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the
    dead.... 

    "'Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the
    resurrection -- Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel,
    that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this
    mortal body ... are taken home to that God who gave them life. 

    "'And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are
    righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called
    paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from
    all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.' (Alma 40:1, 11-12.) 

    "My young friend closed his eyes, expressed a sincere thankyou, and
    silently slipped away to that paradise about which we had spoken."
    (ENSIGN, Nov. 1981, p. 18.) 
 

    President Howard W. Hunter (President of the Quorum of the Twelve
    Apostles): 
 
    "We are already aware of the strength and the power of the many
    testimonies of the prophets who have lived in the world, as recorded in
    the Bible. Our good news is that the words of the prophets who lived in
    the New World give us not only additional insight regarding spiritual
    things, but also a confirming testimony that supports and is in harmony
    with what we already understand from our reading of the Bible. 

    "To those who may not be familiar with the Book of Mormon but are
    sincerely seeking truth, reading it will have a profound effect on your
    life. It will expand your knowledge of the way God deals with man and
    will give you a greater desire to live in harmony with his gospel
    teaching. It will also provide for you a powerful testimony of Jesus."
    (ENSIGN, May 1983, p. 16.) 
 

    Elder Boyd K. Packer (Apostle): 
 
    "No missionary, no member can fulfill that promise [made in Moroni
    10:4-5] -- neither Apostle nor President can fulfill that promise. It
    is a promise of direct revelation to you on the condition described in
    the book. After you have read the Book of Mormon, you become qualified
    to inquire of the Lord, in the way that He prescribes in the book, as
    to whether the book is true. You will be eligible, on the conditions He
    has established, to receive that presonal revelation. 

    "I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is true -- that it is another
    testament of Jesus Christ. I have read the Book of Mormon with a
    sincere heart, with intent, as a humble serviceman, and thereafter pled
    with the Lord. I received that revelation." (ENSIGN, May 1986, p. 61.) 
 

    Elder Marvin J. Ashton (Apostle): 
    
    "A new convert to the Church recently shared this story: 'I was in and
    out of enforced confinement most of my teen years. It wasn't so bad
    being there because the food was pretty good, and we were treated all
    right. But it did get boring, so when anyone had any reading material,
    funny books, magazines, or anything, we would trade our food for a
    chance to borrow those items. One day I saw a fellow with a nice, thick
    book. I knew it would take a long time to read, so I offered him my
    pork chops, my potatoes, and all my main course food items for a week.
    He accepted my offer and loaned me the book. As I read it, I knew I was
    reading something very special and very true. The book for which I had
    sacrificed my food was titled the Book of Mormon. When I had a chance,
    I found the missionaries, changed my habits, and am now finding a new
    way of life. I love that book for which I traded my food.'" (ENSIGN,
    May 1981, p. 23.) 
 

    Elder L. Tom Perry (Apostle): 
 
    "The Book of Mormon [is a] great and ancient record that offers us
    special perspective that comes only from studying what is roughly one
    thousand years of human history. We see the cycles of nations as they
    turn to and then away from righteousness. We see the unity that comes
    from a faith in God and a desire to build His kingdom. And we see the
    dissension that results when the hearts of the people turn to selfish
    wants and desires, to the pleasures of the flesh, to riches and worldly
    possessions." (ENSIGN, May 1987, p. 33.) 
 

    Elder David B. Haight (Apostle): 
 
    "The Book of Mormon did not come forth as a curiosity. It was written
    with a definite purpose -- a purpose to be felt by every reader. From
    the title page we read that it was written 'to the convincing of the
    Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting
    himself unto all nations.' The message it contains is a witness for
    Christ and teaches the love of God for all mankind. Its purpose is to
    bring people to accept Jesus as the Christ. The book tells of the
    actual visit of Christ to ancient America and records the teachings and
    instructions he gave in clarity and great power to the people. The Book
    of Mormon substan- tiates the Bible in its teachings of the Savior,
    speaks of Christ more than any other subject, and teaches that our
    Savior is the Redeemer and Atoner of mankind, constantly emphasizing
    that he is the central figure in God's plan of salvation. This divine
    record makes converts to its message and to his Church, which teaches
    it." ("Joseph Smith: The Prophet," in BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY 1985-86
    DEVOTIONAL AND FIRESIDE SPEECHES, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young Univ., p.
    96.) 
 

    Elder James E. Faust (Apostle): 
 
    "Some time ago I held in my hand my mother's copy of her favorite book.
    It was a timeworn copy of the Book of Mormon. Almost every page was
    marked; in spite of tender handling, some of the leaves were dog-eared,
    and the cover was worn thin. No one had to tell her that one can get
    closer to God by reading the Book of Mormon than by any other book. She
    was already there. She had read it, studied it, prayed over it, and
    taught from it. As a young man I held her book in my hands and tried to
    see, through her eyes, the great truths of the Book of Mormon to which
    she so readily testified and which she so greatly loved.... 

    "However, the Book of Mormon did not yield its profound message to me
    as an unearned legacy. I question whether one can acquire an
    understanding of this great book except through singleness of mind and
    strong purpose of heart. We must ask not only if it is true, but also
    do it in the name of Christ.... 

    "I can now see more clearly through the eyes of my own understanding
    what my mother could see in her precious old wornout copy of the Book
    of Mormon. I pray that we may live in such a way as to merit and gain a
    testimony of and abide by the great thruths of the Book of Mormon. I
    testify that the keystone of our religion is solidly in place, bearing
    the weight of truth as it moves through all the earth." (ENSIGN, Nov.
    1983, pp. 9, 11.)
 

    Elder Neal A. Maxwell (Apostle): 
 
    "Theology and beauty combine, again and again, in the pages provided
    through Joseph, as when the resurrected Christ appeared in the Western
    Hemisphere: 

    "'And when [Jesus] had said these words, he himself also knelt upon the
    earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he
    prayed cannot be written.... 

    "'And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man,
    neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as
    we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy
    which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the
    Father.' (3 Ne. 17:15-17.) 

    "Serious study of the blessed Book of Mormon admits one to a wonder
    world of complexity and beauty, even in the midst of the book's simple,
    but powerful, spiritual refrain. We are given that which we most need
    -- yet we are athirst for more!" (ENSIGN, Nov. 1983, p. 55.) 
 

    Elder Russell M. Nelson (Apostle): 
 
    "When I was working at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, two
    professional colleagues, a husband and wife, asked me about the
    Mormons. I gave them a preliminary overview and lent them my Book of
    Mormon. After about a week they returned the book to me and said,
    'Thanks a lot.' 

    "I said, 'What do you mean, "Thanks a lot?"' As one who deeply loves
    this book, I felt that was an inadequate response. 'Perhaps you didn't
    really read the book,' I said. 'Please take it back and read it. When
    you have read it, I would very much appreciate know- ing of your
    feelings and insight.' 

    "They retrieved the book, acknowledging that they had only thumbed the
    pages. About three weeks later they came back with tears in their eyes
    and said, 'We know this book is true. How can we learn more?' 

    "Then I said, 'Now I know you've read the book. Now we can proceed.' In
    due course, they were baptized. 

    "The Book of Mormon has great convincing power as another witness for
    Jesus Christ. There is no other explanation for its existence than that
    which the Prophet Joseph Smith gave." 
 

    Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Apostle): 
 
    "[The Lord has told us] that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of
    the everlasting gospel in greater clarity than any other scripture.
    (See D&C 20:8-9; 27:5.) In a day when many are challenging the divinity
    of Jesus Christ or doubting the reality of his atonement and
    resurrection, the message of that second witness, the Book of Mormon,
    is needed more urgently than ever. 

    "President Ezra Taft Benson has reminded us again and again that the
    Book of Mormon 'was written for our day' and that it 'is the keystone
    in our witness of Jesus Christ.' (See ENSIGN, Nov. 1986, pp. 5-6.) I
    believe that the reason our Heavenly Father has had his prophet direct
    us into a more intensive study of the Book of Mormon is that this
    generation needs its message more than any of its forebears. As
    President Benson has said, the Book of Mormon 'provides the most
    complete explanation of the doctrine of the Atonement,' and 'its
    testimony of the Master is clear, undiluted, and full of power.'
    (Ibid.)" (ENSIGN, Nov. 1988, p. 66.) 
 

    Elder M. Russell Ballard (Apostle): 
 
    "The Book of Mormon, above all other books that I know of, is the
    greatest source we have for answers to real-life problems. I remember
    as a young man serving my mission in England and visiting a nonmember
    family who were suffering great grief because an infant son had
    unexpectedly died. The minster of their church taught them that their
    son was hopelessly confined to everlasting damnation because he had not
    been baptized. 

    "When my companion and I arrived on the scene and saw the awful grief
    that the mother of this little boy was suffering, we read to her from
    Moroni 8:8: 'Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord
    and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous
    but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that
    are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not
    capable of committing sin.' 
   
    "When she heard these words, she wept tears of relief, and peace came
    to comfort her grief. 
   
    "How many times peace has come into the lives of those who are
    struggling with real problems when they read the Book of Mormon! The
    examples of spiritual guidance that emanate from the book are without
    number. My love for the Book of Mormon is ever-increasing. It seems
    that every time I read from it, new light flows to me from its pages. I
    love this sacred and choice book." 
 

    Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Apostle): 
 
    "Fortunately, my introduction to the Book of Mormon came at an early
    age. My parents loved this divinely written book and used it often in
    our home to explain the principles of the gospel in such a way that
    each one of us in the family could understand these principles. 

    "I used my own Book of Mormon every day while in the mission field.
    This sacred book, which meant so much to me, was my constant companion.
    Today, its leather is worn and the edges are shredded. As I look inside
    to again read the contents, my mind takes me back to the inspired words
    of the Nephite, Lamanite, and Jaredite prophets. What a thrilling,
    sacred scripture I found it to be when I first read it in my teenage
    years! The knowledge I have gleaned concerning its priceless, spiritual
    teachings means even more to me today. The emphasis our Prophet, Seer,
    and Revelator has placed on this sacred volume gives it even greater
    meaning to me. 
   
    "I would hope that each member of the Church will not fail to read this
    sacred scripture, for it will bring them a more thorough knowledge of
    the gospel." 
 

    Elder Richard G. Scott (Apostle): 
 
    "During the dedication of the Mexico City Temple, I had one of those
    singular experiences that readjusts the course of a life. It occured
    during the eighth dedicatory session where many of the men and women
    leaders of Mexico and Central America were present. When unexpectedly
    asked to speak, I attempted to convey the strong impressions that
    poured into my heart. I spoke of those beyond the veil who, in
    fulfillment of prophecy, had served, suffered, and given greatly to
    form the foundation which permitted the opening of a new era of the
    work. 

    "I expressed a feeling to plead in behalf of former prophets who had
    prepared and protected the sacred records of the Book of Mormon. I
    sensed that they were saddened as they see us walk from place to place
    with an unopened Book of Mormon under our arm or see it kept in homes
    where it gathers dust and is not read, pondered, nor its contents
    applied.... 
   
    "The Book of Mormon contains messages that were divinely placed there
    to show how to correct the influence of false tradition and how to
    receive a fulness of life. It teaches how to resolve the problems and
    challenges that we face today that were foreseen by the Lord. In that
    book he has provided the way to correct the serious errors of life, but
    this guidance is of no value if it remains locked in a closed book. 
   
    "I witnessed that it is not sufficient that we should treasure the Book
    of Mormon, nor that we testify that it is of God. We must know its
    truths, incorporate them into our lives, and share them with others. I
    felt an overwhelming love for the people and an urgent desire that all
    would comprehend the value of the Book of Mormon." (ENSIGN, Nov. 1988,
    pp. 76-77.) 

    The following is from a second article posted by Leif from the ENSIGN,
    Mar. 1989, pp. 10-11. 
 
 
                  THE TEXTBOOK WAS A REVELATION
                       By Carolyn McDonald
 
    The crackling sounds and dusty scents of autumn are always accompanied
    by the familiar prospect of filling my head, notepads, and textbook
    margins with new ideas. So I was drawn to that class- room as much by
    the slant of September sunbeams as by the invitation of Garth Allred, a
    family friend, who also happened to be the instructor. The course I was
    registered for was Book of Mormon, Part 1. Though I was no stranger to
    the study of religion, I had no idea how radically this one course
    would affect my life. 
   
    When I entered the LDS Institute of Religion building that first day, I
    was in a state of complete spiritual disorganization. Years earlier, I
    had abandoned the church of my childhood. I had declared a moratorium
    on religious seeking, choosing rather to be guided by what the Quakers
    call the "Inward Light." I had not prayed at all in the intervening
    years, doubting it was possible to know even the name of God, much less
    to speak to him. I had once believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but over
    time his short life and horrible death had come to seem only a tragic
    sacrifice by an extraordinary man trying to communicate to mankind the
    nature of a personal God whom he alone knew. 

    The inadequacy of this position was not apparent until my four-
    year-old daughter started to bring me her own questions about God.
    Having no answers for myself, I had none to give her. But her wonder
    rekindled in me the desire to know the truth, if there was any to be
    known. 

    I had been fairly well educated in my "mother" church. From
    kindergarten through university, the study of my religion had been a
    matter of daily routine. I knew very little about other churches,
    though, so I embarked on a desultory tour of a variety of Christian
    denominations, as well as a few Eastern religions. The basic questions
    remained unanswered in all of them: Who is God? Why is the world filled
    with suffering? And why was God so familiar with ancient people and so
    silent toward us in these times? 

    My little girl persisted in expressing her opinions, many of which
    sounded wiser than those of some of the churches. I was reminded of a
    phrase from an old book, "And a little child shall lead them"(Isa.
    11:6), and I wished that she could lead me somewhere. 

    By the time Brother Allred invited me to attend his class, the only
    church in our small Utah community that I had not examined was The
    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though I had lived among
    Mormons for more than a year and had been visited and befriended by
    many, I had learned little about their beliefs. What I did know had
    been taught me by my husband, who had once been an LDS missionary but
    had become what the neighbors referred to as "inactive." This Institute
    course seemed an excellent opportunity to understand Utah better. By
    this time I had little hope that this church would be any different
    from the others: clear on matters of money and morals, fuzzy on
    theology and doctrine. 

    Despite my skepticism, I found myself touched from the very first class
    by the sheer beauty of the doctrines expressed in the Book of Mormon. I
    was on the verge of happy tears at nearly every contact with the Book
    of Mormon -- both in class and reading on my own. Our teacher would
    outline some basic doctrine related to the text, and the class would
    discuss the applications for daily living. In this manner I was
    introduced to ideas regarding the premortal existence, the great
    Council in Heaven, and teachings about agency. The stunning proposition
    that there is a divine purpose and plan to this life set my head
    spinning. There was times in class when I was so shaken by the
    possibility, even the hope, that these concepts might be true, that I
    actually felt light-headed and weak-kneed. 

    I was very suspicious of my emotional response, so I deliberately put
    up a stubborn mental reserve, hoping to short- circuit my vulnerability
    and be more objective. All these thoughts are recorded in a journal,
    where I can still verify the changes that took place during those few
    weeks. 

    In spite of my detachment, several peculiar things happened. I suddenly
    felt inclined to pray, though I wasn't sure who, if anyone, was
    listening. A growing gracefulness began to occur in my life, a
    softening toward others. And I felt a swelling of love for my family,
    filling what had been a widening emptiness. 

    When I started to pray again, I didn't know what to say. Then I read 1
    Nephi 2:16: 

    "I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my
    heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my
    father." 

    Since Nephi's prayer had been pleasing to the Father, I copied it,
    asking only for a softening of my heart and the ability to believe.
    Almost immediately I experienced a flood of relief, peace, and
    confidence that my prayers had been heard. And I began to believe.
    Eventually there came from this one prayer an undeniable assurance that
    in the Book of Mormon is contained all the comfort and knowledge I had
    sought unsuccessfully in everything I had read, from writings about
    yoga and vegetarian cooking to Carl Jung and C. S. Lewis. 

    Next I came in my study to the story of Nephi's great confidence in the
    Lord: 

    "The Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he
    shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which
    he commandeth them."(1 Ne. 3:7.) 

    I was touched this time by Nephi's obedience, but felt that he had a
    great advantage over the rest of us, for the Lord had SPOKEN to him,
    directly and clearly. Again I wondered why God doesn't talk to us any
    more, as he did to people long ago. Why had I never received a personal
    commandment? I carried the question with me to the next class, but I
    never had to ask it. 

    The first sentence Brother Allred spoke that day was, "This is the
    gospel of happiness." I hardly heard another word that hour. The moment
    he made that statement, I was overcome with the sudden recognition that
    I had already received my own commandment. 

    It had come seven years before, at a time of turmoil in my life. For
    fifteen years, off and on, I had been unable to choose either life in a
    convent or marriage and motherhood. In my former church, true
    spirituality required celibacy, and from my youngest memory, I had
    wanted both spiritual progress AND to be someone's mommy. 

    Late one night, I was trying to take stock of my life. I believed that
    both desires were worthy and were God's will for me. My belief had been
    tested through a series of disappointments. I recall kneeling on my
    bed, near despair, and literally crying out, mostly in anger, "What do
    you want from me?" 

    I don't claim to have heard a voice, but it seemed that I did, saying
    clearly, "I want you to be happy." But because of my disappointments,
    I felt that answer to be cruelly ironic. So I discarded the entire
    incident as my own imagining. 

    Until that day in class seven years later, I had not remembered it at
    all. Then I suddenly understood that this long-ago answer to an earnest
    prayer had been a personal commandment. When the teacher said "gospel
    of happiness" I recognized THE WAY THE LORD HAD PREPARED FOR ME. In
    joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I could obey
    my commandment to be happy by being a mother AND by consecrating my
    life to God. 

    Eight weeks after completing that Institute class, I was baptized and
    confirmed. 

    I never drive by the Institute building without a pang of sweet
    remembrance of what I discovered there. The completeness of the gospel
    plan continues to amaze me; I never cease to marvel at what my Father
    has done for me. 
 
    "Carolyn McDonald, a homemaker, teaches Primary in the St. George
    Twentieth Ward, St. George Utah West Stake." 

    To these great testimonies, I add my own humble testimony. I know that
    the Book of Mormon contains the Word of God. I have read the Book of
    Mormon with real intent, desiring to know if it is true. I have prayed
    in earnest, asking God if these things are true. He has born powerful
    and definite witness to my soul, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that
    the Book of Mormon is true. 
    
    I rejoice at the truths that it holds, and at the light it sheds upon
    the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each time I have read the Book of
    Mormon, I find new insight that brings me closer to God. My faith
    grows, and I am filled with joy. My love of the Savior, and my
    commitment to follow him increases. 
                             
    I pray that you, too, will read the Book of Mormon with real intent,
    and ask God to reveal to you, by the witness of the Holy Ghost, if it
    is true. 
    
    Witnessing of Christ,
    Rich