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Constitution: A Heavenly Banner
The Constitution is indeed a “heavenly banner” and is the divine blueprint for civil law upon the earth. It is important for us to take the time to become acquainted with these words, for they have a bearing on the future of our country, and the role we may play individually in the scenes of the Last Days.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 1986
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391 people want to read
About the author
Ezra Taft Benson
119 books71 followersThe thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1985 until his death and was United States Secretary of Agriculture for both of the administrations of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
On October 7, 1943, both Benson and Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) became members of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling two vacancies created by the deaths of apostles that summer. Because Kimball was the older of the two, he was given seniority over Benson in the Quorum. Succession to the presidency of the church is by chronological order of ordination to apostleship, allowing Spencer W. Kimball to become president of the church years earlier than Benson. Upon Spencer W. Kimball's death in 1985, Benson became the president of the church.
Benson suffered poor health in the last years of his life from the effects of blood clots in the brain, strokes, and heart attacks, and was rarely seen publicly. He was hospitalized in 1992 and 1993 with pneumonia.
Benson died of congestive heart failure in his Salt Lake City apartment at the age of 94. Funeral services were held June 4, 1994 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle under the direction of Gordon B. Hinckley. He was buried near his birthplace in Whitney, Idaho, at the Whitney City Cemetery.
On October 7, 1943, both Benson and Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) became members of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling two vacancies created by the deaths of apostles that summer. Because Kimball was the older of the two, he was given seniority over Benson in the Quorum. Succession to the presidency of the church is by chronological order of ordination to apostleship, allowing Spencer W. Kimball to become president of the church years earlier than Benson. Upon Spencer W. Kimball's death in 1985, Benson became the president of the church.
Benson suffered poor health in the last years of his life from the effects of blood clots in the brain, strokes, and heart attacks, and was rarely seen publicly. He was hospitalized in 1992 and 1993 with pneumonia.
Benson died of congestive heart failure in his Salt Lake City apartment at the age of 94. Funeral services were held June 4, 1994 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle under the direction of Gordon B. Hinckley. He was buried near his birthplace in Whitney, Idaho, at the Whitney City Cemetery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 5, 2009
When ever I think I might be a bit too extreme and loosing touch with reality, it is good to read the words of President Benson, and then I realize (again) that my fears are valid and I am not doing enough for the cause of freedom.
This is one of my favorite resources when ever I am asked at the last minute to give a talk to a Scout Troop about the Constitution.
This is one of my favorite resources when ever I am asked at the last minute to give a talk to a Scout Troop about the Constitution.
April 18, 2013
This book is excellent. It's a super easy read (Just over 30 pages long), but it packs a solid punch in those 30 pages.
Ezra Taft Benson, the former Secretary of Agriculture in the Eisenhower administration, as well as the former president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, brings his knowledge of the gospel and his constitutional knowledge together in one place. He seeks to help us understand why the Constitution is important, why we need a republican form of government and what God's role was in the founding of our nation. He uses words of prophets as well as founding fathers to teach these important principles.
There's not a lot I can say to help you understand the wisdom contained in this book, so instead I'll just give you a few of my favorite quotes:
"Christ and all who followed Him stood for...freedom of choice; Satan stood for...coercion and force...And one of Lucifer's primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments." p. 3
"Freedom as we know it has been experienced by less than one percent of the human family." p. 4
"If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government." p. 6
"Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place." - Frederic Bastiat p. 6
"Every true American and true friend of liberty should love our inspired Constitution. Its creation was a miracle." p. 11
"The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard and is founded on the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner." - Joseph Smith p. 16
Those are just a few of the quotes. There was wisdom on every page. Definitely worth the read.
Ezra Taft Benson, the former Secretary of Agriculture in the Eisenhower administration, as well as the former president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, brings his knowledge of the gospel and his constitutional knowledge together in one place. He seeks to help us understand why the Constitution is important, why we need a republican form of government and what God's role was in the founding of our nation. He uses words of prophets as well as founding fathers to teach these important principles.
There's not a lot I can say to help you understand the wisdom contained in this book, so instead I'll just give you a few of my favorite quotes:
"Christ and all who followed Him stood for...freedom of choice; Satan stood for...coercion and force...And one of Lucifer's primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments." p. 3
"Freedom as we know it has been experienced by less than one percent of the human family." p. 4
"If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government." p. 6
"Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place." - Frederic Bastiat p. 6
"Every true American and true friend of liberty should love our inspired Constitution. Its creation was a miracle." p. 11
"The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard and is founded on the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner." - Joseph Smith p. 16
Those are just a few of the quotes. There was wisdom on every page. Definitely worth the read.
November 28, 2010
Ezra Taft Benson provides a concise overview of the key principals that the Constitution was based upon including the fact that it was conceived by divine inspiration. There were two items that struck me as important this 'pamphlet'. First, that government cannot have more power than the individual or the people that give government their power. For example, I as an individual couldn't take someones money and give it to someone else that I thought was in more need of the money, yet government has 'usurped' this power making the creator of government (the people) less powerful than the government. Second, most federal agencies are unconstituational because they break the three branches of government rule. An example of this is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who makes the regulations (or laws) and enforces them and the people have no recourse (or judicial branch) from which to turn if there is a disagreement. Finally, it's our responsibility as a people to ensure that the Constitution is upheld and adhered to although it is becoming more difficult each year. This pamphlet can be read in 20 minutes and it's definately worth the time. It's another must read for any high school student.
July 2, 2011
This is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ! It's only 32 pages but Ezra Taft Benson so clearly communicates the divinity and necessity of the Constitution and our responsibility to defend and maintain it. He teaches a brief history, lays out the way the document preserves God-given freedoms, asserts the fact that those freedoms are indeed God-given, and gives a call to action.
"I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits--even you who read my words--to preserve it." Ezra Taft Benson
Spend an hour or so with this book, ponder what it means to you and be prepared to accept responsibility to help "bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction"!
"I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits--even you who read my words--to preserve it." Ezra Taft Benson
Spend an hour or so with this book, ponder what it means to you and be prepared to accept responsibility to help "bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction"!
September 13, 2011
When I finished this I felt like every Mormon (and American) should read & consider the words in these pages. E.T. Benson was the Secretary of Agriculture in the Eisenhower Administration. His insights into the need to look to our past and keep it sacred is paramount for the survival of any nation born of consitutional freedom.
February 12, 2008
This is President Benson's address given at the Marriott Center when I was at BYU. The insight and warnings he gives are truly worthy of a seer.
February 9, 2009
The Constitution is inspired of God.
July 12, 2010
What beautiful insight into our constitution and what it means for the people of the United States and as members of the Church!
July 29, 2013
Inspiring. I volunteer to be one of the chosen to step up and ACT. :) Doing everything I can to preserve liberty. Who's with me?
February 8, 2011
This is an EXCELLENT book! It was written in 1986, but is very prevelent today. I think even more so than in 1986. It is only 32 pages long. Every American should read this book. I am eagar to learn the Constitution better in order to make more better choices when electing officials and such. I want someone who will aboslutley uphold the constitution. God himself put his stamp on it. And I am an absolute follower of God. Or I should say, I try. :)
Some good quotes from the book:
“Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction” (Joseph Smith, as recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray; ms. in Church Historian’s Office, Salt Lake City July 19, 1840.)
"Rights are either God-given as part of the divine plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government."
"The sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usupation and oppression" ~Alabama Constitution article 1 sec. 35
Government is created by the ppl. No individual possesses the power to take another's wealth or to force others to do good, so no government has the right to do such things either. The creature cannot exceed the creator. ~Ezra T. Benson. "The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner"
Some good quotes from the book:
“Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction” (Joseph Smith, as recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray; ms. in Church Historian’s Office, Salt Lake City July 19, 1840.)
"Rights are either God-given as part of the divine plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government."
"The sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usupation and oppression" ~Alabama Constitution article 1 sec. 35
Government is created by the ppl. No individual possesses the power to take another's wealth or to force others to do good, so no government has the right to do such things either. The creature cannot exceed the creator. ~Ezra T. Benson. "The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner"
November 30, 2015
I have had this book on my "to-read" list for a long, long time. Had I known it was only 32 pages, I would not have taken so long. I need to buy this book and refer to it often. I love listening to Ezra Taft Benson talk about, America, freedom or patriotism. He is so passionate. He has a great understanding and delivers his message in a great way.
Major Provisions of the Constitution
Sovereignty of the People
Separation of Powers
Limited Powers of Government
The Principle of Representation
A Moral and Righteous People
Ezra T. Benson's suggestions for how to protect this precious Document:
1. We must be righteous and moral.
2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then aide by its precepts.
3. We must become involved in civic affairs.
4. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice.
Major Provisions of the Constitution
Sovereignty of the People
Separation of Powers
Limited Powers of Government
The Principle of Representation
A Moral and Righteous People
Ezra T. Benson's suggestions for how to protect this precious Document:
1. We must be righteous and moral.
2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then aide by its precepts.
3. We must become involved in civic affairs.
4. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice.
April 20, 2012
I love the Constitution and I love Ezra Taft Benson, so this was a perfect book for me. The fact that it was given to me by a former student, Cameron Peterson with a special tribute to me written in the front cover makes it even more special. Cameron said that I instilled patriotism in him through that 5th grade year of school. I can think of no greater compliment that could be given to me as a teacher. I am proud to say that I love America, I love all people, especially my family and my students, and I hope to be a good example to them.
October 6, 2017
I cannot say enough good. So logical and thought out. He said things in ways that helped me understand and explain why I think certain things about government. I loved when he talked about the role government needs to play. I also loved the way he talked about the constitution being an inspired work of God. This book as instilled within me a desire to study the constitution more and to become more involved in the politics of our country and my grassroots area.
June 3, 2020
Speech given at BYU, with the same title
(6/2/20 - updated link!)
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-t...
And an excerpt from the book here
http://deseretbook.com/store/product/... (broken link, sorry, will update if I find a new one -- 6/2/20)
Bought my very own copy - Happy Mother's Day to me!!!:-)
(6/2/20 - updated link!)
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-t...
And an excerpt from the book here
http://deseretbook.com/store/product/... (broken link, sorry, will update if I find a new one -- 6/2/20)
Bought my very own copy - Happy Mother's Day to me!!!:-)
April 20, 2016
My only complaint is that it wasn't longer, but it explained how far our country has strayed from the Constitution, and WHY it is a big deal. I really couldn't have cared less before reading this, so I think it is a must-read for anyone who values their freedom (especially LDS readers, as there is a nice spiritual point of view).
October 17, 2009
I first read this as a youth. I have reread it over the years and am reading it again. In light of all the happenings in our country these days, I'd say it is even more relevant than before. A must-read for anyone who loves America and is alarmed at what she is becoming.
April 2, 2010
This was a quick read that touched on the Constitution's divine origin, the inspiration of our founding father's, and our duty as citizen's to protect our Constitution. It is only 32 pgs, but a must read!
April 23, 2014
This book is amazing. When I read the first chapter I couldn't help but pull out my pen and start marking all of the important things I read and writing notes in the margins. I highly recommend this book to all Americans, especially all Mormon Americans.
June 15, 2012
Succinct, Basic, POWERFUL. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves The Constitution. It is highly religious, but it is so powerful that it made me cry in several places. I love this country and the document that is the law of the land!
May 22, 2016
A good short overview of the Constitution, its divine creation, and our duty to uphold it. I enjoyed the insights into modern unconstitutional practices and how the judicial branch and federal agencies in particular have contributed to them in recent (as of 1987) years.
February 6, 2017
While this was not a quick or easy read, it was a great reminder of the freedoms we should be reminded of,living in this great country. The FoundingFathers were indeed inspired men. Happy inauguration day!
August 13, 2018
Breathtakingly Powerful!
Amazing perspective. Defined the constitution into comprehensible principles. A reminder of our God given rights to be free and we must always be prepared to defend it.
Amazing perspective. Defined the constitution into comprehensible principles. A reminder of our God given rights to be free and we must always be prepared to defend it.
December 9, 2008
This book gives a very good perspective of what Government should be doing.
May 20, 2009
Short and really good- everyone should read this!
June 10, 2016
This was really good, I like everything by him. But it makes me realize I'm not doing enough.
April 5, 2010
This book is only 25 pages long, but I'll have to read it again because of the profoundness (word?) of the text. It makes me want to read and study every aspect of the constitution. excellent book!
January 5, 2011
Shorter than I had hoped, but fantastic!!
January 27, 2011
Short but informative read on the inspiration of the Constitution. I loved it!
January 30, 2012
This is very short, but contains great principles about government.
November 15, 2012
This made me THINK quite a bit. Question my own political views, and see federal agencies and administrations in a whole new way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews