President Henry B. Eyring on persuading others of gospel truths

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"You have at your best followed the example of Joseph Smith, as described by Arthur Henry King, in a talk published in his book, _The Abundance of the Heart_. In that book, Professor King recounted his experience in first reading of the First Vision as it appears in the Pearl of Great Price. Arthur Henry King reminds us that he was not a member of the Church at that time and that his education had taught him to be critical. He thus represents the very people to whom you may be most helpful. This is what he said:

"'I wasn't inclined to be impressed. As a stylistician, I have spent my life being disinclined to be impressed. So when I read his story, I thought to myself, this is an extraordinary thing. This is an astonishingly matter-of-fact and cool account. This man is not trying to persuade me of anything. He doesn't feel the need to. He is stating what happened to him, and he is stating it, not enthusiastically, but in quite a matter-of-fact way. He is not trying to make me cry or feel ecstatic. That struck me, and that began to build my testimony, for I could see that this man was telling the truth' (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1986, pp. 200-201).

"A clear declaration of the truth is powerful enough, because truth exists and there is a Spirit of truth to confirm it. Because you believe that, your writing shows a trust in the clear declarative statement, without jargon, that would bless scholars and their readers in every field.

"Your work of highest value is to lead the children of God to discover the true origin of the Book of Mormon and thus let its message of Jesus Christ change their lives. Because of that, my hope would be that you will keep your focus on that scripture and on the aspects of it which are significant to the question: 'Should I pray to know if this book is truly the word of God, written and abridged by prophets on plates delivered by an angel to a boy who could only have translated them by the power of God?'

"Joseph Smith's account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is miraculous. The only place to go to verify a miracle is to God. I pray that your work and your example will lead many to go to Him in the earnest prayer of faith."

- Henry B. Eyring "The Marketplace of Ideas," annual F.A.R.M.S. banquet, 13 October 1994
Click here to read the full address

President Eyring was speaking in this address to members of the "Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies" (FARMS) organization. He encouraged their use of the Book of Mormon to help bring interest and conversion. He also taught of the power of pure and simple testimony in reaching out to those who are sincere in heart.

I heard Dr. King speak about the matter Elder Eyring references. King was a brilliant British scholar, a renowned Shakespearean expert, who understood language. He compared Oliver Cowdery's flowery, educated description of the translation process, contained in a footnote of the Pearl of Great Price, with Joseph's simple and pure narrative. It was a profound lesson to me of the power of pure and simple testimony.

Leading others to Christ through the Book of Mormon is an important and powerful message, one we need to remember and implement.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on having courageous hearts in challenging days

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Prophecies regarding the last days often refer to large-scale calamities such as earthquakes or famines or floods. These in turn may be linked to widespread economic or political upheavals of one kind or another.

"But there is one kind of latter-day destruction that has always sounded to me more personal than public, more individual than collective—a warning, perhaps more applicable inside the Church than outside it. The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth. (See Matthew 24:24.) If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days 'men’s hearts [shall fail] them' (Luke 21:26).

"The encouraging thing, of course, is that our Father in Heaven knows all of these latter-day dangers, these troubles of the heart and soul, and has given counsel and protections regarding them.

"In light of that, it has always been significant to me that the Book of Mormon, one of the Lord’s powerful keystones in this counteroffensive against latter-day ills, begins with a great parable of life, an extended allegory of hope versus fear, of light versus darkness, of salvation versus destruction....

"Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to 'come unto Christ, and be perfected in him' (Moroni 10:32) ...

"Brothers and sisters, God always provides safety for the soul, and with the Book of Mormon, He has again done that in our time. Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself: 'Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived' (JS—Matthew 1:37)—and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Safety for the Soul," General Conference October 2009
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The Savior's warning about "Men’s hearts failing them for fear" in the last days has always impressed me; there will be trying times, even for "the very elect"—perhaps especially for them. But Elder Holland points out that the Lord offers light and hope in the midst of the darkness and fear that otherwise might consume us.

"Love. Healing. Help. Hope." There is certainly a "safe harbor" available to each of us, as we turn to Him. In the rest of this encouraging and hopeful talk, Elder Holland testifies of the power of the Book of Mormon to help us find those sources of faith and light.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on the power of the Book of Mormon

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"When you read the Book of Mormon and pray with a desire to know it is true, you too can receive the same impression in your heart that [others have] received. You may also find that as you stand and bear witness of the Book of Mormon, you will feel the same spirit of confirmation. The Holy Ghost will speak to your heart. You can also feel this same spirit of confirmation when you hear others share their testimonies of the Book of Mormon. Each of these spiritual witnesses can lead to the Book of Mormon becoming the keystone of your testimony.

"Let me explain. The Prophet Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon through 'the gift and power of God,' described the Book of Mormon as 'the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion.' (Introduction to the Book of Mormon.)

"Since the Book of Mormon’s first printing in 1830, more than 174 million copies have been published in 110 different languages, demonstrating that the Book of Mormon is still the keystone of our religion. But what does this mean for each of you?

"In architectural terms a keystone is a main element in an arched gateway. It is the wedge-shaped stone in the very center and at the highest point of an arch. It is the most important of the stones because it keeps the sides of the arch in place, preventing collapse. And it is the structural element that ensures the gate, or opening below, is passable.

"In gospel terms it is a gift and blessing from the Lord that the keystone of our religion is something as tangible and graspable as the Book of Mormon and that you can hold it and read it. Can you see the Book of Mormon as your keystone, your spiritual center of strength?"

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Look to the Book, Look to the Lord," General Conference, October 2016
Click here to read or listen to the complete talk

Elder Stevenson teaches that a personal witness of the validity of the Book of Mormon can come differently—as we read, as we hear others teach and testify, or even as we ourselves share our feelings about the book. Gaining and strengthening our personal testimony will lead to that book taking its place as the keystone of our testimony:

It truly is a blessing to have something so "tangible and graspable" to cling to. The more we learn from the power of the Book of Mormon, the more powerfully we will know of its validity and the better equipped we will be to deal with life's challenges. It truly can be the "spiritual center of strength" for any who take advantage of its gifts.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President Ezra Taft Benson on the power of the Book of Mormon

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.

"It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more.

"There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.

"The scriptures are called 'the words of life' (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion," General Conference October 1986
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Benson had a deep love and appreciation for the Book of Mormon. This was one of the key sermons, early in his presidency, when he shared the challenge to the Church to take better advantage of the gift that book represents. His witness builds upon Joseph Smith's statement that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). President Benson's testimony is that through the Book of Mormon, we can begin "to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly." What a blessing that is, and all we have to do is begin to "feast on the word"!

The act of "serious study" will bring such strength and power to us. It will result in finding "life in greater and greater abundance." Why would we not claim those blessings? It's been over 30 years since that invitation was given, and the truth of it still rings loudly. We have only to act in order to claim the reward.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Ezra Taft Benson on keeping Christ in Christmas

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fulness of joy....

"And now, my beloved brothers and sisters, what must we do this Christmas season—and always? Why, we must do the same as the Wise Men of old. They sought out the Christ and found Him. And so must we. Those who are wise still seek Him today.

"'I would commend you,' urged Moroni, 'to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written.' (Ether 12:41.) And God has provided the means—the holy scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon—that all who seek may know that Jesus is the Christ....

"What a gift it would be to receive at Christmastime a greater knowledge of the Lord.

What a gift it would be to share that knowledge with others."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Keeping Christ in Christmas," First Presidency Christmas devotional, 1 December 1985; see Ensign, Dec. 1993, 2, 4-5
Click here to read the full article

We proclaim "Joy to the World!" during the Christmas season, and President Benson reminds us that there is no fulness of joy without Christ at the center of Christmas. And so the key for us, as for wise men of old, is to seek Him, to find Him:

President Benson goes on to teach that the means given to us to "seek Him" is through the scriptures that God has provided for us, "particularly the Book of Mormon." We should seriously consider during the Christmas season how we can better receive a gift of knowledge of Him in our personal lives, by feasting on that source of knowledge. And with the knowledge, how we can then share the gift with others, blessing their lives with the testimony and light of Jesus Christ!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Russell M. Nelson on enhancing our study of the Book of Mormon

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"My brothers and sisters, how precious is the Book of Mormon to you? If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you? ...

"Something powerful happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son. Nowhere are those truths taught more clearly and powerfully than in the Book of Mormon.

"Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you....

"When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls."

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I find it inspiring and instructive to know that the leaders of the Church not only listen to, but act upon, the counsel they hear from each other in general conference. Last April, President Monson gave a relatively simple challenge to the Church (in what may prove to be his final spoken address to the Church), that every member begin "to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day." Now, six months later, President Nelson demonstrated to us how seriously he took that challenge by sharing his insights and witnesses in this wonderful talk. He shared how he expanded his personal study in a very insightful way:

By adding his invitation that we each consider a course of study similar to his, President Nelson has expanded the challenge given by President Monson with some specific and insightful suggestions that will bless our personal study. And he shares his witness of the Book of Mormon's "power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls." What a great promise!

Incidentally, attached at the end of the printed copy of President Nelson's talk (see link above) are at least some of his personal insights in researching the questions he suggests about the Book of Mormon. That material might be helpful for those who plan to undertake their own similar studies.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Ezra Taft Benson on the power of the Book of Mormon

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"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, 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 the falsehoods in socialism, organic evolution, rationalism, humanism, 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. And our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon is the Word of God," General Conference April 1975; see Ensign, May 1975, p. 64
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a powerful message from President Benson, who was then serving as the President of the Quorum of Twelve. This would become one of the major themes of the remainder of his ministry: the power available to us in of the Book of Mormon, and how we could more effectively draw on that power.

One of the stated purposes of the Book of Mormon is to "bring men to Christ." President Benson pointed out that the goal is accomplished both by teaching and testifying of the Redeemer, and by helping to expose the efforts of the adversary in our time. As we read and ponder the messages of the Book, we should be noticing aspects of both of those influences in our lives, and President Benson gave us examples of the kinds of things to watch for.

He went on to summarize our opportunity and obligation as stewards of the Book with this challenge:

President Benson sensed in 1975 that members of the Church, individually and collectively, were not receiving the benefits they could from the Boom of Mormon. His prophetic call was to "rise up" and improve, and to be blessed in our lives as we draw power and strength from our reading and pondering, and application, or the Book of Mormon messages. It's a very timeless message—one we should consider today, and regularly!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Orson F. Whitney on being honest seekers of truth

Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931), a journalist, teacher, poet, and historian, was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1906 and served until his death in 1931 at age 75.

"I had a conversation with another would-be censor of our sacred books. He accosted me on the street with the question: 'Bishop Whitney, do you believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God?' 'I certainly do,’ said I. 'Well, can't God speak grammatically?' 'Of course he can.' 'Then why was this grammatical error left in the Book of Mormon?'—and he quoted it. 'Do you really want to know?' 'Yes,' he said. 'Well, I think that was left mere just to keep you out of the Church.'

"He seemed surprised: 'Doesn't God want me in his Church?' 'No,' I said; 'he only wants honest seekers after truth; and if you think more of a grammatical error than you do of your soul's salvation you are not fit for the kingdom of heaven, and the Lord doesn't want you.

"He was astonished. It was something he hadn't thought of. He felt much as Goliath did when the stone sank into his forehead—such a thing had never entered his head before."

- Orson F. Whitney, CR, April 4, 1926, pp. 34-5

I enjoyed this anecdote from Elder Whitney. I'm not sure what instance of "grammatical error" the man might have been referring to. Of course, there were many other answers that could have been given to the inquiry, related to the process of translation, the setting of the languages, and so on. But in his somewhat "cheeky" response Elder Whitney taught a lesson about sincerity and humility.

I have heard other speakers use the Goliath and stone reference in that way also. I wonder if Elder Whitney originated it, or if it had existed before? In any case, it's fun to see a 70-year-old apostle inject some good-natured humor into his remarks, but still teach an important lesson on the importance of our attitudes as we approach sacred things.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Thomas S. Monson on the power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson (b. August 21, 1927) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives. The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.

"We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you....

"My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives."

- Thomas S. Monson, "The Power of the Book of Mormon," General Conference, April 2017
Click here to watch or listen to the full talk

President Monson is almost 90 years old, and has served for over 53 years since his call as an apostle
in 1963. He has "worn himself out" in the Lord's service. His youthful vigor is gone—he gave two very short messages in this conference, and was not even able to attend all of the sessions. His words are a little slurred now, unlike the strong and bold voice we have been used to.

But one thing has not changed: the sureness of his witness, the strength of his teachings, the clarity of his call. In his message on Sunday morning, President Monson taught about the importance of the Book of Mormon, and testified of its power to bless and influence our lives:

It's interesting to reflect on how frequently we have been taught, as a church, this same message over the years by many leaders. But yet we still need to be reminded and re-challenged. It is up to us all, one by one, to claim the blessings that are promised, including strengthened testimony, familiarity with the Spirit's voice, ability to resist temptation, overcoming fear and doubt, and receiving more of "heaven's help in our lives."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Gary E. Stevenson on blessings from the Book of Mormon

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Each of you can also receive a personal witness of this book! Do you realize that the Book of Mormon was written for you—and for your day? This book is one of the blessings of living in what we call the dispensation of the fulness of times. Although the Book of Mormon was written by inspired, ancient authors—many of whom were prophets—they and the people of their day did not have the benefit of possessing the whole book. You now have easily within your reach the sacred record that prophets, priests, and kings treasured, embraced, and preserved! You have the benefit of holding in your hands the complete Book of Mormon....

"In order to help the Book of Mormon become the keystone of your testimony, I offer you a challenge. I recently learned that many young people spend an average of seven hours a day looking at TV, computer, and smartphone screens. With this in mind, would you make a small change? Will you replace some of that daily screen time—particularly that devoted to social media, the internet, gaming, or television—with reading the Book of Mormon? If the studies I referred to are accurate, you could easily find time for daily study of the Book of Mormon even if for only 10 minutes a day. And you can study in a way that allows you to enjoy it and understand it—either on your device or in book form....

"Within the book’s pages, you will discover the infinite love and incomprehensible grace of God. As you strive to follow the teachings you find there, your joy will expand, your understanding will increase, and the answers you seek to the many challenges mortality presents will be opened to you. As you look to the book, you look to the Lord. The Book of Mormon is the revealed word of God." 

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Look to the Book, Look to the Lord," General Conference, October 2016
Click here to read or hear the complete talk

Elder Stevenson reminds us of something we often take for granted—the blessing of possessing the Book of Mormon in its complete state. We have information not just in our hands, but at our fingertips via electronic devices. Are we taking advantage of that sacred gift? In the midst of our many other distractions of our day, Elder Stevenson offers a challenge: spend a little more time reading the Book of Mormon.

The promises Elder Stevenson offers for taking advantage of this gift (reading and following the counsel) are wonderful.

• you will discover the infinite love and incomprehensible grace of God
• your joy will expand
• your understanding will increase
• the answers you seek to the many challenges mortality presents will be opened to you

Neil L. Andersen on the blessings of reading the Book of Mormon

Elder Neil L. Andersen (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"In the commotion, busyness, and uncertainty of our lives, our families yearn for peace. We need our homes to be places of refuge, places of calm, places of truth.

"President Gordon B. Hinckley has given a beautiful promise as we read the Book of Mormon: 'Without reservation I promise you... there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God' (Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6). Surely these are promises of great peace that we need in our families.

"The Book of Mormon is a remarkable spiritual history. The words of prophets were passed down through the centuries from father to son, guarded and preserved through difficulty and war, brought together and summarized, and then laid to rest for centuries, finally to come forth in this dispensation of the fulness of times. Is it any wonder that the Spirit of the Lord, transcending all languages and cultures, is found in such abundance in this holy book?

"The promise of comfort and peace is nestled in every chapter and verse of the Book of Mormon. We need only approach this book prayerfully and with faith, and the Savior's peace will permeate our searching."

- Neil L. Andersen, "The Book of Mormon: The Great Purveyor of the Savior's Peace," Ensign, January 2008, p. 34
Click here to read the full talk

In offering encouragement to help us have our homes be "places of refuge, places of calm, places of truth," Elder Andersen draws on a promise given by President Hinckley in August 2005 when he challenged all members of the Church to re-read the Book of Mormon before the end of that year. I remember it being a remarkable time, seeing people carrying their Books and reading in public settings in order to complete the challenge. It created a unique sense of unity in the Church, joining individuals together in a great purpose. And so many realized the promises President Hinckley offered:

Of course, that promise applies not just to a Church-wide reading program but to our individual, ongoing programs of scripture study. The promises are real. As Elder Andersen says, "Surely these are promises of great peace that we need in our families."

And Elder Andersen offers his own promise: