3 August 2021, BYU University Conference 1 The Second Half of the Second Century BYU Annual University ConferenceAugust 23, 2021By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Someone once told me that the young speak of the future because they have no past, while the elderly speak of the past because they have no future. Although it damages … Read more
Excerpt from a testimony by Lucy Harris, wife of Martin Harris, Mormonism Unveiled, pub. 1834: 1 Palmyra, Nov. 29, 1833 Being called upon to give a statement to the world of what I know respecting the (Gold Bible–speculation, and also or the conduct of Martin Harris, my husband, who is a leading character among the … Read more
Excerpt from a testimony by Lucy Harris, wife of Martin Harris, Mormonism Unveiled, pub. 1834: 1 Palmyra, Nov. 29, 1833 Being called upon to give a statement to the world of what I know respecting the (Gold Bible–speculation, and also or the conduct of Martin Harris, my husband, who is a leading character among the … Read more
Excerpt from an October 2020 General conference talk by Quentin L. Cook:1 This was a time of tension on several fronts. Many Missourians considered Native Americans a relentless enemy and wanted them removed from the land. In addition many of the Missouri settlers were slave owners. And felt threatened by those who were opposed to … Read more
Excerpt from the “Affidavit of Hyrum Smith, Times and Seasons 3 (1 Aug. 1842):870–72: 1 “AFFIDAVIT OF HYRUM SMITH. On the seventeenth day of may, 1842, having been made acquainted with some of the conduct of John C. Bennett, which was given in testimony under oath before Alderman G[eorge] W. Harris, by several females, who … Read more
Excerpt from an April 2013 General Conference address by Thomas S. Monson: 1 Declared President Joseph F. Smith in October 1873, “Obedience is the first law of heaven.” Excerpts from an October 1873 discourse by Joseph F. Smith: 2 To say I have been very much interested in the instructions that we have had at … Read more
Excerpt from a 1993 Christmas Devotional address by Gordon B. Hinckley: 1 “And so at this Christmas season we reach out to all in a spirit of love and reconciliation, even to those who speak evil against us. We sing beautiful carols that tell of the night of His birth, that silent and holy night. … Read more
Social media post from Russell M. Nelson, June 1 2020: 1 We join with many throughout this nation and around the world who are deeply saddened at recent evidences of racism and a blatant disregard for human life. We abhor the reality that some would deny others respect and the most basic of freedoms because … Read more
True to the Faith, A Gospel Reference, pub. 2004:1 Like other violations of the law of chastity, homosexual activity is a serious sin. It is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality (see Romans 1:24–32). It distorts loving relationships and prevents people from receiving the blessings that can be found in family life and the saving … Read more
Excerpt from the 2011 Gospel Principles manual, Chapter 31: Honesty: 1 There are many other forms of lying. When we speak untruths, we are guilty of lying. We can also intentionally deceive others by a gesture or a look, by silence, or by telling only part of the truth. Whenever we lead people in any … Read more
The Wentworth Letter, by Joseph Smith Jr. 1 March 1, 1842.—At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, editor and proprietor of the Chicago Democrat, I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder. Mr. Wentworth … Read more
Brigham Young Interview by Horace Greeley (New York Tribune editor), ‘Two Hours With Brigham Young’, Salt Lake City, Utah, July 13, 1859: 1 My friend Dr. [John M.] Bernisel, M.C. [Mormon Church], took me this afternoon, by appointment, to meet Brigham Young, President of the Mormon Church, who had expressed a willingness to receive me at … Read more
Excerpt from an address by Russell M. Nelson, September 17 2019: 1 It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth! Excerpt from ‘Address … Read more
Excerpt from a June 11, 2019 BYU Hawaii Devotional by Dallin H. Oaks: 1 We live in stressful times. For some young people the stresses are financial: loss of employment or home or financial security. For others, the stresses are associated with painful separations from those we love, such as caused by divorce of parents … Read more
David O. Mckay. Excerpt from ‘Man May Know for Himself’, Pg. 83: 1 “The dominant evil in the world today is unchastity. He who is unchaste in young manhood is untrue to a trust given him by the parents of the girl; and she who is unchaste in maidenhood is untrue to her future husband … Read more
King James Bible passages in the Book of Mormon: 1 When entire verses are verbatim or near verbatim copies (as is often the case), only the references to the corresponding scriptures are provided. 1 Nephi (600-570 BC) 1 Nephi 1:14 “…Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty!” Revelation 15:3 “Great and marvellous … Read more
General Conference talk given by Boyd K. Packer, ‘Cleansing the Inner Vessel’, October 2010:1 Note: Bolded are the parts of the talk given in the original address, not appearing in written format on the official LDS church website. This general conference was convened at a time when there is such confusion and such danger that … Read more
General Conference talk given by Hartman Rector Jr., ‘Turning the Hearts’, April 1981:1 Note: Bolded are the parts of the talk given in the original address, not appearing in written format on the official LDS church website. I consider it a great honor and a privilege to greet you this afternoon in the name of … Read more
Excerpt from Spencer W. Kimball’s ‘Miracle of Forgiveness’, Pg. 328-330: 1 Excommunication The scriptures speak of Church members being “cast out” or “cut off,” or having their names “blotted out.” This means excommunication. This dread action means the total severance of the individual from the Church. The person who is excommunicated loses his membership in … Read more
Letter from the Houston Texas South Stake to Sam Young regarding disciplinary action: 1 Dear Sam, This letter is a formal notice that the stake presidency will convene a formal disciplinary council in your behalf, the result of which includes the possibility of excommunication, disfellowshipment, formal probation, or no action. The reason for this council … Read more
A General Conference address (later published in a pamphlet titled ‘To Young Men Only’ 1 ) by Boyd K. Packer, October 2, 1976: 2 “There are present in this priesthood session only brethren. I approach a subject that could not appropriately be discussed if there were others present. I have prayed fervently for inspiration as … Read more
A General Conference address (later published in a pamphlet titled ‘To Young Men Only’ 1 ) by Boyd K. Packer, October 2, 1976: 2 “There are present in this priesthood session only brethren. I approach a subject that could not appropriately be discussed if there were others present. I have prayed fervently for inspiration as … Read more
A General Conference address (later published in a pamphlet titled ‘To Young Men Only’ 1 ) by Boyd K. Packer, October 2, 1976: 2 “There are present in this priesthood session only brethren. I approach a subject that could not appropriately be discussed if there were others present. I have prayed fervently for inspiration as … Read more
A General Conference address (later published in a pamphlet titled ‘To Young Men Only’ 1 ) by Boyd K. Packer, October 2, 1976: 2 “There are present in this priesthood session only brethren. I approach a subject that could not appropriately be discussed if there were others present. I have prayed fervently for inspiration as … Read more
Editorial Thoughts by LDS Apostle George Q. Cannon published in the Juvenile Instructor, January 15, 1895: 1 Membership in the Church should be Valued. It should be the aim of every parent, and of all the teachers among the people, whether Apostles, Presidents of Stakes, Bishops or Elders, to impress upon the members of the … Read more
Excerpt from a September 30, 1973 BYU Devotional by Spencer W. Kimball: 1 DO NOT POSTPONE MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN But, of course, marriage cannot wait for that. We shall marry, have our families, teach and train them, while we are learning these other things and building toward our creatorship. Marriage should come when we are … Read more
Editorial Thoughts by LDS Apostle George Q. Cannon published in the Juvenile Instructor, January 15, 1895: 1 Membership in the Church should be Valued. It should be the aim of every parent, and of all the teachers among the people, whether Apostles, Presidents of Stakes, Bishops or Elders, to impress upon the members of the … Read more