The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson

by Ezra Taft Benson

During his more than four decades as an Apostle, President Ezra Taft Benson has published several books and delivered thousands of speeches. This book brings together a rich selection of his comments and counsel in a classified format that puts each topic at the reader's fingertips. A wide range of subjects is represented in this five-part book. Gospel principles and doctrines are reinforced under topics such as God, the plan of salvation, latter-day scriptures, and gospel principles. The Church's history, mission, and organization are reviewed in terms that see the kingdom rolling forth as predicted. Advice on applying the gospel to our lives encourages the reader in numerous principles and practices that we all need to be observing. The expressions made on family and home likewise set out truths central to the gospel message. And the section on country focuses sharply on those principles of freedom that were given 'for the rights and protection of all flesh.' Thoroughly indexed for ease of access, the book is a storehouse of knowledge and inspiration. Like his predecessors in office, President Benson has long been a 'preacher of righteousness.' His dedication and sense of responsibility have called forth innate powers that, fired by the Spirit, have imparted a special eloquence to his voice of warning and encouragement, and this comes through in the book. The distilled wisdom and instruction thus produces not only many eminently quotable passes but also, in keeping with the prophetic calling, offers the reader strong motivation to righteous endeavor.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Church, Nonfiction, Reference

733 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1988

About the author

The 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.

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I love most about Ezra Taft Benson's writings is that they are clear, bold, and unapologetic, with no trace of obnoxious "in-your-face" attitude. He is one of my favorite writers and speakers of all time.

When we wrote "A Noble Birthright: Defenders of the Title of Liberty" we used many of his writings as reference.

[James Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Ezra, well done!

[Kevin Lazarus · Rating 5 out of 5]

His discussions about government are especially insightful.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great great book!

[Kim Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay...so I almost feel guilty giving this less than 5 stars. It has nothing to do with my feelings about President Benson's words. It's more the compilation. There was a lot of redundancy, and it made it hard to read.