Ezra Taft Benson “ I have been reading again the marvelous account in the Book of Mormon of the visit of the resurrected Savior to the American continent. I have been deeply impressed with the beauty and power of this scriptural account in 3 Nephi, and with its great value for our time and our generation. The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior ’ s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior ’ s second coming. Pride became commonplace. Dishonesty and immorality were widespread. Secret combinations flourished …. ‘ The people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning. ’… even as today. ” (A Witness and a Warning, pp )

Nephite Calendar Systems 600 BC - 92 BC (Mosiah 29:44-47) (Alma 1:1) From time Lehi left Jerusalem. 92 BC - 9 AD (3 Nephi 2:5-7) During the time of the reign of the Judges. From time the sign was given. (3 Nephi 2:8 – End of Record) Note: The sign was given at Jesus ’ birth. However, they didn ’ t start using it as a point of reference until in 9 AD.

Ezra Taft Benson “ For years we have been counseled to have on hand a year ’ s supply of food. Yet there are some today who will not start storing until the Church comes out with a detailed monthly home storage program. Now, suppose that never happens. We still cannot say we have not been warned. Should the Lord decide at this time to cleanse the Church — and the need for that cleansing seems to be increasing — a famine in this land of one year ’ s duration could wipe out a large percentage of slothful members, including some ward and stake officers. Yet we cannot say we have not been warned. You do not need to go into debt to obtain a year ’ s supply. Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each paycheck....We urge you to do this prayerfully and do it now. I speak with a feeling of great urgency....The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah. ” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pp )

Ezra Taft Benson “ The two groups who seem to have the greatest difficulty with pride are the learned and the rich. ” (Conference Report, Apr. 1986, p. 6)

Boyd K. Packer “ You who find schooling easily available must remember this: ‘ God is not respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. ’ (Acts 10:34-35; see also Moro. 8:12; D&C 1:35; 38:16). The Lord does not, and the Church cannot, admit to favoritism toward those who are able to obtain professional degrees as compared to those who seek training in a practical field or those who have little or no schooling at all. ” (Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 72)