Cardinal George Addresses Religious Freedom in Speech at BYU

**From The LDS Newsroom**
SALT LAKE CITY 23 February 2010

Catholics and Latter-day Saints are important partners in the defense of religious freedom in the public square. That was the message His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. delivered today at Brigham Young University to thousands of students, faculty and others tuning in by satellite and on the Internet. Two apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Quentin L. Cook, were present for the address, as was Bishop John C. Wester of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. 

Description

Elder Dallin H. Oaks greets Cardinal Francis George during the Cardinal’s visit to Salt Lake City as Elder Neil L. Andersen and Elder Quentin L. Cook look on.

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In his address, Cardinal George explained that religious freedom cannot be reduced to just freedom of worship or even freedom of private conscience, but that individual and religious groups must have the right to exercise their influence in the public square. 

“The lesson of American history is that churches and other religious bodies prosper in a nation and a social order that respects religious freedom and recognizes that civil government should never stand between the consciences and the religious practices of its citizens and Almighty God,” he said. 

Speaking of the partnership Catholics and Mormons have in defending religious freedom, Cardinal George acknowledged that “sometimes our common advocacy will make one of us the target of retribution by intolerant elements” but emphasized that such actions should not deter religions from making their voices heard. “In the coming years, interreligious coalitions formed to defend the rights of conscience for individuals and religious institutions could become a vital bulwark against the tide of forces that work in our government and society to reduce religion to a purely private reality.” 

Cardinal George pointed out that “society is based not on individuals but on families, on mothers and fathers with duties and obligations to their children, on children who learn how to be human, in the school of love, which is the family, which tells us we are not the center of the world individually.”

He also lauded the growing relationship between the Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their joint efforts, such as providing aid to the poor and needy and combating pornography. 

“I’m personally grateful that after 180 years of living mostly apart from one another, Catholics and Latter-day Saints have begun to see one another as trustworthy partners in the defense of shared moral principles and in the promotion of the common good of our beloved country,” he said.

“Our churches have different histories and systems of belief and practice, although we acknowledge a common reference point in the person and the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

Cardinal George is president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the first Chicago native to become archbishop of Chicago. He presides over 2.3 million Catholics in the Chicago Archdiocese.

While in Utah to deliver an address at Brigham Young University, Cardinal George toured the Family History Library and Temple Square and met briefly with the First Presidency and later with other senior Church leaders at Church headquarters. 

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(Wisdom From Elder Jeffrey Holland)

Paul put it candidly, but very hopefully. He said to all of us:

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but [only] that which is good . . . [and] edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God. . . .

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you. . .

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:29–32

Another Day Blessed By Our Great Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ

My Beloved Brethren Of The Great Plainview Texas Branch,

Today alone, I have seen the Hand of The Lord in working many.... mighty miracles. I say miracles because without his will they could not be done.

It was so awesome to be able to go out with our marvelous Elders, both Elder Tuttle and Elder Rymer (Whom by the grace of the Lord, and many many prayers has seen to keep these two mighty men of the Lord here in Plainview another set of weeks) and teach and testify of the divine mission of the Savior!

The Lord allowed me, to be able to go and share segments of the DVD Video (Special Witnesses Of Christ) to an investigator family. First, as is typical of all outings, we opened with prayer. The Spirit was very strong, perhaps, stronger than I can recall in most recent times, with exception to my Temple Visits and Baptism of my daughter.

The first clip we watched was of Elder Richard G. Scott of The Quorum Of The Twelve Apostles, concerning Baptism: Please, I now invite you to watch this clip here:



I also jointly testify with Richard G. Scott here, that following the example of the Savior, and being Baptized for the remission of sins, is truly what is taught by the Savior, and the only means of continuing our journey of which journey back to him comes as we know and follow the Principles & Ordinances of the Gospel, as taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith:


"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost." [See Articles Of Faith # 4 ]

Afterwards, we spoke briefly concerning Baptism. There were no questions from the investigators, but a wonderful feeling of peace and the Spirit were truly present. I felt it, and I saw the Spirit moving on the Mother of the investigator family, truly, my emotions were at the surface. After they understood why, and after they understood the significance of the Savior Himself being Baptized, we then moved on to another clip on that same DVD.

The next clip was from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of The Quorum Of The Twelve Apostles, his clip was concerning The Sacrament. The Sacrament has pivotal meaning, and a meaning that is taken much more lightly (In my own opinion) then it should be. It is to be a reminder of special covenants we made at our Baptism; I'll let The Apostle of The Lord explain it best here:



I love how he said, "... I testify that he lives, and loves us." I now add that to my testimony. Thinking that fills my soul with great joy and peace, and I will now say that always, knowing that the peace and joy I feel inside of me, is the peace and joy I know you will feel hearing, or, reading it.

Finally, the last clip we showed to this wonderful investigator family, of whom does indeed have a baptismal date set in March, was from our Beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson (Whom when the DVD was made in the year 2000, was a Counselor in the First Presidency when President Hinkley was our Prophet): This clip was of the red brick building that was the original press for the first copies of The Book Of Mormon to come off a press (From movable type) and some history concerning movable type, followed by a clip concerning the Hill Cumorah, where the Prophet Moroni has deposited the Plates of Brass, near 421 A.D., from which Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon nearly 1400 years later! Watch this!




That is such a powerful and motivating clip for me. We recently had a member in our Branch, whom is one i've been blessed to work with, whom had her cousin killed by brutal means at the hand of a Bounty Hunter from New Mexico. I shared that same scriptural message with her, from Alma 40... the peace it brought her was by no means speakable.

That was not the only blessed opportunity and situation of the night, as there were a few more. I wish to see how the fruits of those visits blossom during this next week, and will happily report next week on the blog, concerning them.

Finally, in a talk given by Elder Jeffrey Holland at the April 2007 Conference, (That I watched recently again) I caught sight of a few things he mentioned.... one which will now accompany our blog title because I love it so much! It says as follows:

"The Spirit of the Gospel is Optimistic; It trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience." - Orson F. Whitney

I hope that makes you think, as it has me!! I love you brethren, truly, I do!

[ *VIDEO* ] Finding Peace In A Missouri Mob:

[ *As always noted, those whom receive e-mail messages concerning new posts to blog; You will need to visit the blog to watch the videos* ]


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Plainview Texas Branch; Lubbock Stake Announcements;

The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God - By President Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God,” Ensign, Jan 1988, 3


As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “we believe … the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” (A of F 1:8.) God has so declared it, so have its writers, so have its witnesses, and so do all those who have read it and received a personal revelation from God as to its truthfulness.

In section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord says that He gave Joseph Smith “power from on high … to translate the Book of Mormon; which contains … the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ … which was given by inspiration.” (D&C 20:8–10.)

Nephi, one of the prophet-writers of the Book of Mormon, testifies that the book contains “the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 33:10), and Moroni, the last writer in the book, testifies that “these things are true” (Moro. 7:35).

This same Moroni, as an angelic being sent from God, showed these ancient records to three witnesses in our day. Their testimony of the records is contained in the front of the Book of Mormon. They state: “We also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true.”

And Joseph Smith, the Prophet, the instrument whom God used to translate this record, testified that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (History of the Church, 4:461.)

The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing. Those people never had the book—it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day. Mormon turned the records over to his son Moroni, the last recorder; and Moroni, writing over 1,500 years ago but speaking to us today, states: “Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.” (Morm. 8:35.)

The purpose of the Book of Mormon is stated on the title page. It is “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.”

Nephi, the first prophet-writer in the Book of Mormon, states:

“For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.

“Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.

“Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men.” (1 Ne. 6:4–6.)

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. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time.

Now God expects us to use the Book of Mormon in several ways. We are to read it ourselves—carefully, prayerfully, and ponder as we read, as to whether this book is the work of God or of an unlearned youth. And then when we are finished reading the things in the book, Moroni exhorts us to put them to the test, in these words: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Moro. 10:4.) I have done as Moroni exhorts, and I can testify to you that this book is from God and so is verily true.
We are to use the Book of Mormon as the basis for our teaching. In section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants, [D&C 42] the Lord states: “And again, the elders, priests, and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in … the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.” (D&C 42:12.)

As we read and teach, we are to liken the Book of Mormon scriptures unto us, “that it might be for our profit and learning.” (1 Ne. 19:23.)

We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ revealed themselves to Joseph Smith in a marvelous vision. After that glorious event, Joseph Smith told a minister about it. Joseph was surprised to hear the minister say that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days, that all such things had ceased. (See JS—H 1:21.)

This remark symbolizes practically all of the objections that have ever been made against the Church by nonmembers and dissident members alike. Namely, they do not believe that God reveals his will today to the Church through prophets of God. All objections, whether they be on abortion, plural marriage, seventh-day worship, etc., basically hinge on whether Joseph Smith and his successors were and are prophets of God receiving divine revelation. Here, then, is a procedure to handle most objections through the use of the Book of Mormon.

First, understand the objection.

Second, give the answer from revelation.

Third, show how the correctness of the answer really depends on whether or not we have modern revelation through modern prophets.

Fourth, explain that whether or not we have modern prophets and revelation really depends on whether the Book of Mormon is true.

Therefore, the only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation.
Our main task is to declare the gospel and do it effectively. We are not obligated to answer every objection. Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand. “And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye,” said Nephi, “for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things.” (2 Ne. 33:11.) Every man must judge for himself, knowing God will hold him accountable.

The Book of Mormon is to be used “for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel,” the Lord says, and its words “shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth.” (2 Ne. 29:2.) We, the members of the Church, and particularly the missionaries, have to be the “hissers,” or the tellers and testifiers, of the Book of Mormon unto the ends of the earth.

The Book of Mormon is the great standard we are to use. It shows that Joseph Smith was a prophet. It contains the words of Christ, and its great mission is to bring men to Christ, and all other things are secondary. The golden question of the Book of Mormon is “Do you want to learn more of Christ?” The Book of Mormon is the great finder of the golden contact. It does not contain things which are “pleasing unto the world” (1 Ne. 6:5), and so the worldly are not interested in it. It is a great sieve.

Anyone who has diligently sought to know the doctrines and teachings of the Book of Mormon and has used it conscientiously in missionary work knows within his soul that this is the instrument which God has given to the missionaries to convince the Jew and Gentile and Lamanite of the truthfulness of our message.

Now, we have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should. Our homes are not as strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ. Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat falsehoods in socialism, rationalism, etc. Our missionaries are not as effective unless they are “hissing forth” with it. Social, ethical, cultural, or educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fulness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains. Our Church classes are not as spirit-filled unless we hold it up as a standard. The situation in the world will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of God and quit building up and upholding secret combinations, which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of ancient civilizations.

Some of the early missionaries, on returning home, were reproved by the Lord in section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants because they had treated lightly the Book of Mormon. As a result, their minds had been darkened. The Lord said that this kind of treatment of the Book of Mormon brought the whole Church under condemnation, even all of the children of Zion. And then the Lord said, “And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon.” (See D&C 84:54–57.) Are we still under that condemnation?

Reading the Book of Mormon is one of the greatest persuaders to get men on missions. We need more missionaries. But we also need better-prepared missionaries coming out of wards and branches and homes where they know and love the Book of Mormon. A great challenge and day of preparation is at hand for missionaries to meet and teach with the Book of Mormon. We need missionaries to match our message.
And now grave consequences hang on our response to the Book of Mormon:

“Those who receive it in faith,” said the Lord, “and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life;
“But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation—
“For the Lord God has spoken it.” (D&C 20:14–16.)

Is the Book of Mormon true? Yes.

Who is it for? Us.

What is its purpose? To bring men to Christ.

How does it do this? By testifying of Christ and revealing His enemies.

How are we to use it? We are to get a testimony of it, we are to teach from it, we are to hold it up as a standard and “hiss it forth.”

Have we been doing this? Not as we should, nor as we must.

Do eternal consequences rest upon our response to this book? Yes, either to our blessing or to our condemnation.

Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise, he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who does not.

Over a quarter of a century ago I listened in the Tabernacle to these words:

“A few years ago as I began to practice law, members of my family were a little uneasy. They were afraid I would lose my faith. I wanted to practice law, but I had an even greater desire to keep my testimony, and so I decided upon a little procedure which I recommend to you. For thirty minutes each morning before I began the day’s work I read from the Book of Mormon … and in just a few minutes a day I read the Book of Mormon through, every year, for nine years. I know that it kept me in harmony, so far as I did keep in harmony, with the Spirit of the Lord. …

“It will hold us as close to the Spirit of the Lord as anything I know.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1949, p. 36.)

That was President Marion G. Romney. I echo his counsel.

What, then, are we to say of the Book of Mormon? I bear witness that it is verily true. I know this as I know that I live. We stand with the Prophet Joseph Smith when he said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

May we know and use the keystone and, as a people, get nearer to God.



[ *As always noted, those whom receive e-mail messages concerning new posts to blog; You will need to visit the blog to watch the videos to do so, go to http://plainvieweq.blogspot.com * ]

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Plainview Texas Branch; Lubbock Stake Announcements;

My Personal Witness - Missionary Work

Brethren!

      What a great season of opportunity that lies before us today! We have that ever powerful conviction that came to us from our recently called, new Stake Presidency. Under the Direction of President Shumway, we have began to more passionately push forward "Missionary Work" to Heavenly levels of dedication. Heavenly directed Sons and Daughters of God have began to see this and join in the moments of rejoicing as they see, and begin to feel even more for themselves... the Holy Ghost testify to them that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes both the stick of Judah (Bible) but also the stick of Joseph (Book Of Mormon).... together being the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness!

      Said the Savior, concerning the Book of Mormon, "... Behold, I do not bring it [The Book Of Mormon] to destroy that which they have received [The Bible], but to build it up." (Doctrine & Covenants Section 10: 52)

      The reason I begin with that approach, which explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the two "sticks" (Could be said "books" as well) that make his Gospel, "Whole" .... is because without both there could be no fullness. The world would still be in darkness, because of the contention that drove man to bicker and contend one with another on the plain and precious points of doctrine.

      When faith finally drove an uneducated farm boy to what we now call the sacred grove, the rein of darkness and spiritual poverty was nigh to end. Satan knew this full well. Thus his attack on the Prophet while he knelt in the grove. But nigh to end, the reign of darkness was! Because men (The Prophet & those whom followed after the establishment of the Church on April 6th, 1830) sought to know the will of God, the Lord said also, "And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them." (Doctrine & Covenants Section 10: 53)

      Here we are, in this great, and "Last" dispensation.... here we have the wonderful message about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness! Here we have the joy and the wonderful message that the world, a world so very much under the yoke of bondage placed upon it by one whom wishes us misery like unto himself... Satan.... a message the world needs! The world needs to know (Even though they should already know) that the Savior is whom he says! "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not." (Doctrine & Covenants 10: 57)

      In a way that needed to be addressed, the boldness of the doctrine found only in the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ, was taken unfavorably by many at the time of the restoration, after it, and even to this day. The bold doctrine seems to of cast offense in the eyes of the world simply because of the "Priesthood Authority" that is now had in the Church; First, the Aaronic Priesthood.

      On May 15th, 1829... Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood "by the hands of an angel, who announced himself  as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament." (See heading for Section 13 of the Doctrine & Covenants) Not to far after the Melchizedek Priesthood was restored as well; Both, never again to be taken from the world.

      At the core of our faith, the basis for our bold declarations, and to the confounding of false doctrines, lies The Book Of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Book Of Mormon is a record of Gods dealings with his people on the America(s). It is a book that was written on plates of metal and/or brass (perhaps additional materials also) that starts near the year 600 B.C. and spans until "About A.D. 421" - (See Moroni chapter 10 [The last chapter in the Book of Mormon] or see page 531)

      So, it is by this great book, and through the mercy and wisdom of our Eternal Heavenly Father, that we know by what means and how it is we achieve that means to return to him! Inside this book is the doctrine by which we all have gained the blessings that we have. What is His doctrine? The Savior said to the Prophet [In the summer of 1828]; "Behold, this is my doctrine-- whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church."

      When we go about, making that change from our casual "Spectator" point of view... to the Active and in depth, it will... without a doubt REQUIRE us to have a testimony of The Book Of Mormon. Frequently have I mentioned that all we have in this church, and all we believe hinges on our testimony of The Prophet Joseph Smith, and the marvelous work that he helped bring forth, The Book Of Mormon. Having a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel should drive any man to deny himself of all ungodliness and forget himself and follow the Savior. Once we have ourselves which way the Lord wants us, we need to spread that love, and that joy!

      The Prophet Joseph Smith Once Said, "A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:227).

      I truly feel, without a doubt that this applies to all of us, in not only proclaiming the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also, to the fulfillment of prophesy....

      "And the Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people from their lost and fallen state. Wherefore, he will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men." (2 Nephi 25: 17) That marvelous work, is the Book Of Mormon. So, we have the warning... we know of its truth, now we must heed commandment as it is given by revelation.

      "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." (Doctrine & Covenants 88:81)

   The Lord has a generalized answer for all whom desire to help move the cause of missionary work forward
"And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this power. For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days." 

      Now that I have addressed the above portions concerning the Lord, and how he declared it to men. I have a few "Latter-Day" Prophets whom also spoke frequently concerning the topic of "(Member) Missionary Work." 

      We know that the main focus of our Faith lies from the truth given us by the Prophets in The Book Of Mormon; it is what they taught there, that was taught them by the Savior for us all... in the latter days! You could not hope to find a better understanding about the Book of Mormon. It will serve as a means of leading people out of the mist of darkness both Lehi and Nephi testified blinded the way to the tree of life, but, holding fast to that rod of iron (The Iron Rod Is The Word Of God) will guide us back should we actually wander off.

     Ezra Taft Benson once said:

"Now God expects us to use the Book of Mormon in several ways. We are to read it ourselves—carefully, prayerfully, and ponder as we read, as to whether this book is the work of God or of an unlearned youth. And then when we are finished reading the things in the book, Moroni exhorts us to put them to the test, in these words: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Moro. 10:4.) I have done as Moroni exhorts, and I can testify to you that this book is from God and so is verily true."

"We are to use the Book of Mormon as the basis for our teaching. In section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord states: “And again, the elders, priests, and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in … the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.” (D&C 42:12.)"

      Our main task is to declare the gospel and do it effectively. We are not obligated to answer every objection. Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand. “And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye,” said Nephi, “for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things.” (2 Ne. 33:11.) Every man must judge for himself, knowing God will hold him accountable.

      The Book of Mormon is to be used “for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel,” the Lord says, and His words “shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth.” (2 Ne. 29:2.) We, the members of the Church, and particularly the missionaries, have to be the “hissers,” or the tellers and testifiers, of the Book of Mormon unto the ends of the earth.

       The Book of Mormon is the great standard we are to use. It shows that Joseph Smith was a prophet. It contains the words of Christ, and its great mission is to bring men to Christ; all other things are secondary. The golden question of the Book of Mormon is “Do you want to learn more of Christ?” The Book of Mormon is the great finder of the golden contact. It does not contain things which are “pleasing unto the world” (1 Ne. 6:5), and so the worldly are not interested in it. It is a great sieve.

      President Ezra Taft Benson also said:

"Now, we have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should. Our homes are not strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ. Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat falsehoods. Our missionaries are not truly effective unless they are “hissing forth” with it. Social, ethical, cultural, or educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fulness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains. Our Church classes are not fully spirit-filled unless we hold it up as a standard. The situation in the world will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of God, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations that the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of ancient civilizations."


      Lastly brethren, I know that we need not fear when we are doing the Lord's work. His blessings will watch over us everywhere we go and in all we do. If we will but live the Gospel better, our Faith would increase and then we all could witness and participate in building the Lord's church.... the ONLY true church. Such is my testimony brethren.... In the Sacred Name Of Jesus Christ, Amen.